The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Volleyball Signs Strong Class
11/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 15, 2001
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - If the west is the hotbed of volleyball and experience brings success, then the UAB Blazer volleyball team is going to be a force to be reckoned with in Conference USA next season. UAB Head Volleyball Coach Melinda Claiborne announced the signing of three highly regarded student-athletes who will play for the Blazers next fall.
The trio of commitments are Kilee Goetz of Blissfield, Mich. (a transfer from the University of Georgia), Nanea Holmes of Honolulu, Hawaii (La Pietra High School) and Breanne Swenson of Camarillo, Calif. (Adolfo Camarillo High School).
Goetz is a 5'9 setter who will transfer as a redshirt-sophomore from the University of Georgia at the end of the semester. In two years at Georgia, she started in 24 matches, nine in the 2001 campaign before deciding to transfer. For her career she played in 132 games, tallying 1,148 assists and a .222 hitting percentage while playing a large role defensively with 295 digs. Prior to Georgia, Goetz attended Blissfield High School, where she lettered four years in volleyball and three years in basketball. She was the team MVP three years and was named to the All-State, All-Region, All-League and All-County teams all four years she played. Goetz played at the Junior Olympic level with the USA Michigan-Oakland club team, where she was twice named a USVBA All-American. In the classroom, Goetz is pursuing a degree in psychology, with a minor in coaching and would like to one day coach at the Division I level.
Claiborne had this to say about Goetz, "Kilee is a tremendous athlete with an innate sense for the game, something that is critical to the setting position. Her collegiate experience and leadership will add to the already highly competitive atmosphere in the gym."
Holmes is a 5'11 outside hitter who will leave her surfboard in Hawaii and bring a lot of power to the UAB program. Holmes signs on with the Blazers as the first "Fab-50/Blue Chip Athlete" in Claiborne's coaching campaign, turning away schools like UCLA, Pepperdine, Hawaii and Ohio State.
"I am thrilled to have Nanea as a part of the UAB program, she is a very powerful hitter and a fierce competitor," said coach Claiborne. "Her all-around skills fit in nicely with our system of play."
As an accomplished player both indoors and on the beach, Holmes has been named All-State all four years at La Pietra High School. This year alone she has garnered the MVP and Most Inspirational Awards and is a finalist for the MVP of the state. Holmes plays club volleyball for the Asics Rainbow Volleyball Club, who has finished in the top 10 of many national tournaments. Off the court, she looks forward to majoring in nursing at UAB and would like to work in pediatrics.
Swenson is a 5'9" outside/right side hitter who hails from the hotbed of volleyball talent in southern California. Swenson has played in almost all positions and is a well-trained, highly competitive player. She has been a captain of her high school team all four years and has received many All-Tournament accolades as well as First-Team All-League and MVP recognition. Swenson has traveled the United States honing her volleyball skills, playing Junior Olympic volleyball for the Thunder Volleyball Club and attending many nationally renown camps.
"Breanne is a well-seasoned player who comes in with years of experience from a highly regarded club program," says Claiborne. "Her ball control and offensive skills will bring a high level of competition to the gym."
Academically, Swenson is a scholar athlete and seminary student, who is very active in community service. At UAB, she will pursue a degree in education and plans on teaching high school history.
"This year's class of athletes definitely raises the caliber of our program," Claiborne added. "My staff and I have worked very hard, searching the country for the right fit of players. These three will blend nicely with our returning roster. We are all very excited about their arrival."
