From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
Missouri Southern volleyball coach Chris Willis has announced the signings of four Northwest Arkansas high school players to national letters of intent to attend Southern and play volleyball beginning in 2010.
Kristin Hylton (Springdale), Haley Martin (Fayetteville), Katie Collins and Sydney Marsellis (both of Springdale Har-Ber) have signed to play for Willis.
Hylton, a 5-foot-4 defensive specialist, played for coach Nanette Shamblen at Springdale. A three-year starter at outside hitter, Hylton most likely will move to the libero position at Southern. The daughter of Troy and Sharon Hylton, Kristin is undecided on her future at Southern.
“Kristin is one of those players who bring tremendous athleticism and court awareness to the program,” Willis said.
Martin is a 6-0 middle blocker/outside hitter who played for coach Jessica Phelan at Fayetteville. A three-year starter, Martin was a two-time all-state and all-conference selection.
The daughter of Allan and Debbie Martin, Haley plans to major in forensic science at Southern.
“Haley will have an impact on the court right away,” Willis said. “Her size and multi-faceted abilities will allow us to use her in several different positions throughout the season.”
Collins, a 5-4 defensive specialist, played for coach Sandy Jones at Har-Ber. As a four-year starter, she helped her team to two conference championships and a state runner-up finish this past season.
A four-time all-conference selection, Collins was an all-region selection as a freshman and was part of the all-state tournament team in each year. She was conference defensive player of the year as a junior and averaged more than 20 digs per match this past season. She is the daughter of Bill and Robin Collins and plans on majoring in kinesiology at Southern.
“Katie is one of the most determined athletes we have ever met,” Willis said. “We look for Katie to bring a stability and depth to our back row that we’re losing with this year’s seniors.”
Marsellis is a 6-0 setter/middle hitter who was a four-year starter at Har-Ber. She helped her team to two conference championships and a state runner-up finish this past season. A three-time all-conference selection, Marsellis was also a three-time All-State selection and a member of the all-state tournament team.
Marsellis is the daughter of Robert and Annie Marsellis and plans on majoring in business at Southern.
“Sydney is an athlete whose size and abilities are going to allow her to do many things on the court,” Willis said.
