June 21, 2007

It was long ago, when they started, committed, and signed - here is the story.

The Collegiate National Letter of Intent Signing Period:
This past fall, VolleyFX held its first National Letter of Intent signing period. The NLI is a contract with a college for a scholarship, that is a two way commitment between the athlete and the schools. The November signing is considered the "early signing period", the regular signing period takes place in the early Spring. Only High School Seniors can sign an NLI, although most athletes commit to schools "verbally" prior to the signing date.

When it is all said and done, only about 2% of HS Student Athletes will move on to receive a scholarship for athletic competition nationwide. In the past 5 years, VFX has sent 17 of 31, or better than 50% of our participants, with more than 90% of our graduating athletes playing volleyball at some level in college - DI, DII, DIII, NAIA and/or JUCO.

For our First Annual National Letter of Intent Signing Day we couldn't have three better athletes represented. These three have dedicated much time, effort, and energy - not only to achieve their goals in the sport of volleyball, but to be ambassadors of the sport for our region. Each of these three have given selflessly to better volleyball, our club, and all of their teammates, never losing sight of their personal goals along the way.

Byron-Bergen product Alyssa D’Errico will be playing for Penn State, Lancaster’s Lindsey Schlegel will take the court for the University at Buffalo, and Wayne’s Leah Hill will play for George Washington next year.


Alyssa D'Errico - Penn State:
Alyssa signed with the Nittany Lions, who are a nationally ranked program that competes for titles year in and year out. Penn State was ranked No. 5 before the NCAA Tournament, but got knocked out by No. 3 Washington in the Seattle Regional final. Over the past two seasons they had been the #2 ranked team by the AVCA Coaches Poll.

D’Errico committed the summer between her Sophomore and Junior years, early for most, but not for a kid who dreamed to be at the very school she is going to.

“I knew that’s where I wanted to go,” D’Errico said. “If there was any question I would have waited longer. They made a decision and I didn’t have any doubts in my mind, so I went with them. I’m still glad I did.”

D’Errico will make the switch from outside hitter to libero at the college level. Penn State has won nine out of the last 15 Big Ten championships, has made 25-straight NCAA Tournament appearances and is coming off a 32-3 season. She will major in graphic design with a minor in business.

“I think I’ll be a little nervous,” said D’Errico, who has won three state titles with her high school team. “Once I get out there and play I might be a little nervous, but hopefully it will go away and I’ll step up and play like I know I can.”

Leah Hill - George Washington University:
Hill made her decision the fall of her Junior year after pondering much interest and even offers from local names such as Canisius College and the University at Buffalo. Leah, who will study psychology and law, chose to play for the Colonials because she was very impressed with the academic programs at the school and the overall environment of the campus and the team.

Leah spent her summer between her sophomore and junior years at various camps, and knew that GW was tops on her list after her week there.

“I think a lot had to do with working one-on-one with the coaches,” Hill said. “I was able to meet some incoming recruits and teammates. I got to know them and I had a great time. That sold me.”

George Washington went 14-12 last season, but Hill and fellow incoming freshman Hannah Stuart hope to lead the squad to new heights.

“I already know who I’m replacing and she’s a very good player,” Hill said of GW senior outside hitter Juliene McLaughlin. “But I really feel like I can bring something to the team and it’s great to feel like that.”

Lindsey Schlegel - University at Buffalo:
Schlegel will join the Bulls team that went 14-20 last year. The setter will play at the school where Volley FX coaches Rob and Candi Werkmeister played. Second-year coach Jim Lodes was a big reason why Schlegel chose UB over Albany and Canisius. She is still undecided on a major, but is leaning towards web design, business or advertising.

“I like the coaching staff,” Schlegel said. “I like what they had to say about where they were taking the program and I knew they’d be there my four years. That meant a lot to me.”

Schlegel, whose Lancaster team has been to the state tournament all four years she was on varsity (winning two State titles) - looks forward to taking her game to the next level, while bringing some of that winning success from Magic and Lancaster to UB.

“I expect to go and work hard,” Schlegel said. “This coaching staff wants to win, these players want to win and this school wants to win. That is important to me, to be able to continue.”

 

Congrats Super Sophs! We will miss you all!

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