SAN ANTONIO - The UTSA volleyball program announced Tuesday the signing of Valorie Rogers (Arlington, Texas/Sam Houston HS), Kendra Rowland (Antioch, Calif./Deer Valley HS) and Jordan White (Albuquerque, N.M./Eldorado HS) to National Letters of Intent. The trio will join the Roadrunners for the 2007 season.
“All three are competitive players who will bring a style of play that fits our system,” head coach Laura Neugebauer-Groff said. “They are high-energy, confident and possess leadership qualities and we are looking forward to their arrival.”
Rogers, a 6-1 middle/outside hitter, was a four-year starter for head coach Theresa Frederick at Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas. She earned numerous honors throughout her prep career, including being a three-time all-district selection, a two-time team Most Valuable Player and named to several all-tournament teams. Rogers has four years of club experience with Texas Advantage and she helped lead that squad to the 2006 Northeast Qualifier Championship and third-place finish at the 2005 NIT.
“One of Valorie’s top attributes is her blocking skills,” Neugebauer-Groff said. “We are looking forward to great things from her at the net. She also has the athleticism to play outside and add depth at that position.”
Rowland, a 5-11 outside hitter, is a four-year starter for head coach Lou Panzella at Deer Valley High School in Antioch, Calif. The Wolverines captured the Bay Valley Athletic League Championship last weekend and currently sport a 27-7 overall record this season. She, too, has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including first-team Bay Valley Athletic League and Team MVP honors. This season, Rowland has set the school records for hitting percentage and digs. She also is a four-year starter for the Wolverines’ soccer team. Rowland is an eight-year club team veteran for Delta Valley.
“Kendra has incredible ball-handling skills and a heavy arm,” Neugebauer-Groff said. “She can immediately fill the void we will have at outside hitter next season.”
White, a 5-9 setter, was a four-year starter for head coach Cindy Chavez at Eldorado High School in Albuquerque, N.M. This year, she led the Eagles to the state tournament while pacing the team in nearly every offensive category. As a junior, White helped lead Eldorado to the 2005 New Mexico 5A State Tournament semifinals while earning first-team all-state, all-metro and all-district honors. She has played the last five years for the Albuquerque Crush club team, which finished second in the 2005 regionals.
“Jordan is a very dynamic and enthusiastic setter who will bring leadership to our program,” Neugebauer-Groff said. “I feel she will earn respect from our outside hitters immediately.”