The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Volleyball Inks Ashley Ricks In Early Signing Period
11/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 17, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB volleyball program signed New Washington, Ind., prep standout Ashley Ricks to a National Letter of Intent this week during the early signing period.
A four-year letterwinner at Our Lady of Providence High School for coach Terri Purichia, Ricks set the Pioneers' school record with 406 kills as a senior this fall. She led her team with a .451 attack percentage, 73 blocks and 56 service aces and was named one of the top 250 seniors in the country by PrepVolleyball.com.
A Class 2A All-State First Team performer in Indiana, the 6-foot-3 middle blocker and right side hitter was selected twice as an AAU and Junior Volleyball Association All-American. She played at the club level for Union Volleyball Club, coached by Lesley Prather.
"I can't tell you how excited we are to have Ashley in our program," UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "Ashley will definitely make an impact on our young team from the moment she arrives on campus.
"Her size, power and volleyball IQ make her an instant factor in our goal of returning to the NCAA tournament. She's a perfect fit. Most of all, she is a self-motivated student-athlete, and that is something very rare in today's culture."
Ricks, who chose UAB over Michigan State, Western Kentucky, Jacksonville State and Murray State, will join the Blazers next fall for the 2011 season.
