The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Volleyball Inks Three
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB volleyball program and head coach Kerry Messersmith announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Thursday.
Kenley Adams, Emma
The three high school seniors have combined for three conference titles and one player of the year selection.
See below for more details on each of Thursday's commits as well as comments from Messersmith.
Kenley Adams | 6' | Setter/Right Side | Lynn Have, Fla. (A. Crawford Mosley HS)
Adams is a four-year, varsity
Despite splitting time at setter and right side, Adams posted the most kills in Florida's 5A class. Adams was named Florida's 2015 5A Player of the Year.
In 2014, Adams competed at the AAU Girls' Junior National Volleyball Championships. Her club team placed second at the tournament while Adams earned a spot on the All-American team.
Adams excelled in the classroom as a member of the MAPPS honors program with a 3.8 GPA. Adams participated in Student Government Association, BETA club, Mu Alpha Theta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pep Club as well as the Diamond and Gird Iron Girls.
Adams also served as the SGA treasurer of her junior class.
Adams intends to major in kinesiology with plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. She is the daughter of David and Kim Adams.
"We could not be more excited about Kenley joining out family," said Messersmith. "She is a versatile player who will bring a tremendous amount of experience to both the setting and right side positions. Kenley is a leader and competitor. I expect her to make an impact from day one."
Emma Mitchell | 6-1' | Outside Hitter | Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Catholic HS)
Mitchell is a four-year starter and two-year captain at Charlotte Catholic High School where she guided the Cougars to three conference titles and three appearances in the Elite 8.
She is a three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time Best of the Best All-Tournament Team member. She also earned First Team All-Observer over her career.
Mitchell is also a member of the Carolina Juniors Volleyball Club and is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is the daughter of Angie and Ryan Mitchell.
"Emma brings athleticism and a great arm to our offense as a six-rotation outside," said Messersmith. "She has a good understanding of the game and a strong work ethic. Emma will give us depth at the pins and provide a big block at the net. She's competitive and will be a great addition to our team."
Kirah Williams-Shepard| 6' | Right Side/Outside Hitter | Scarborough, Ontario, Canada (L'Amoreaux Collegiate Institute)
Williams-Shepard is a four-time MVP for her club team, the Toronto Diamonds Volleyball Club. She also co-captained her high school squad to the AA City Championships this season.
Williams-Shepard earned the 2012 Ontario Volleyball Award of Excellence, the Volleyball Canada Indoor National Silver
Williams-Shepard is an active member of the Toronto Diamonds House League Program, coaching children ages 9-12. She is
"We are so excited about what
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