The John Brown University volleyball head coach Ken Carver announced the signing of four student-athletes on Monday, Aug. 6, that will join the Golden Eagles for the 2018 campaign.
"I'm excited to add these four young women to our roster," Carver said. "All four of them bring playing backgrounds from very competitive high school programs who have either won state titles or have finished as runners-up during their respective careers. Having been integral parts of these caliber programs, all of these young ladies already know and embrace the commitment level it takes to succeed at the highest levels and will continue to help elevate our program's level of play and competitiveness.
"Given their respective high school playing experiences, I fully expect all four players to be contributors to our program from the very start. I'm looking forward to having these four new players join an already solid core of returning players and getting to work in preseason training camp."
Carrie Ciesla, Greenwood
Ciesla joins the Golden Eagles after a decorated three-year career under head coach Jennifer Golden at Greenwood High School. The 5-foot-6 setter finished her high school career leading the Bulldogs to a 2017 6A state title, landing MVP honors in the championship match with a double-double (11 kills, 25 assists). The state title followed a string of back-to-back conference championships Ciesla helped Greenwood capture, as she was named All-Conference in both junior and senior seasons. The three-time All-State tournament selection finally landed All-State accolades in her final year as she also captured All-Arkansas second team, named by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Jenna Lowery, Paris
Fresh off a string of three consecutive 3A state championships, Lowery joins John Brown after a trio of seasons under head coach Wes Davis at Paris High School. There, the 5-foot-1 defensive specialist anchored an Eagles squad that also captured a trio of conference and district titles. The Paris native was selected to the All-State team in her junior and senior seasons and also garnered the 3A state tournament MVP after her final high school match. While earning Academic All-Star honors in all four seasons, Lowery also was named All-District in each of her three seasons with the Eagles.
Elizabeth Parrish, Ozark, Mo.
After finishing her two-year career under head coach Adeana Brewer at Ozark (Mo.) High School, Parrish will begin her collegiate career at John Brown. While with the Tigers, the 5-foot-6 defensive specialist helped Ozark capture back-to-back conference titles en route to consecutive Class 4 state semifinal appearances, including one runner-up finish.
Jaden Williams, Springdale Har-Ber/Hendrix
The lone transfer among the quartet of newcomers, Williams will suit up for the Golden Eagles after spending her rookie season at NCAA Division III Hendrix (Ark.). With the Warriors, the 5-foot-10 middle hitter saw action in 11 matches and recorded 31 kills and 11 blocks, hitting over a .200 rate. While at Har-Ber High School, the Springdale native registered a pair of seasons under head coach Shyrah Schisler and helped lead the Wildcats to a pair of 7A state championship runner-up finishes. Williams finished her high school career totaling 232 kills and 116 blocks, including a single-match best nine terminations and eight blocks against Norman North High School as a junior.
Sports on 08/12/2018