PORTLAND, Ore.—Concordia University volleyball coach Melanie Hambelton announced the addition of five student-athletes to the 2010 recruiting class.
Joining the Cavaliers next season will be true freshmen Mercedes Downer of Eugene, Ore., and Samantha Potts of Puyallup, Wash., and transfers Aubrie Concannon of Portland, Ore., Stephanie Mugleston of Waldport, Ore., and Tabitha Smith of Portland, Ore.
In her first season as head coach, Hambelton led Concordia to a 16-10 overall record and a 13-5 record in Cascade Collegiate Conference play, finishing in a tie for third place in the conference standings.
Aubrie Concannon was a four-year letterwinner as a libero for Rex Putnam High School where she earned all-league honors in her final three seasons after collecting second-team honors a freshman. After her prep career, Concannon played two years at Chemeketa Community College where she helped to the Storm to a 50-0 record as a freshman en route to a Southern Region and NWAACC Championship. As a sophomore, she earned first-team All-Southern Region where Chemeketa placed second in the region and fourth in the NWAACC
“Aubrie makes playing defense look easy and she is also great at serve receive,” Hambelton said. “She is an important addition who will add experience and quickness in the back row. I’m excited that we were able to get her because I believe she will be an important piece in our lineup.”
Samantha Potts will arrive at Concordia after two years at Green River Community College where she helped the Gators to a West Region championship as a freshman and a runner-up result as a sophomore. At the high school level, Potts was an outside hitter for Graham-Kapowsin High School all four years and also competed on the Eagles basketball team as a guard/forward.
“As an all-conference player in college, Samantha will give us another experienced player in the back row and will help to provide depth and consistency in our defense and serve receive,” Hambelton said. “Sam is quick, has great skills and demonstrates a real love for the sport.”
Mercedes Downer will graduate from Marist High School in 2010 before arriving at Concordia. Downer had been a varsity volleyball player for the Spartans since her sophomore season. She was a second-team all-league selection as a senior where she helped guide the team to its second straight league championship as well as a second-place finish at the state championships.
“Mercedes is a strong defensive player who comes from an outstanding high school and club program. She is an amazing team player and hard worker that will not only be a great addition to our team but to the university,” Hambelton said.
Stephanie Mugleston played middle hitter for Newport High School, earning first-team all-league honors as a senior after being an honorable mention selection as a junior. Mugleston was a two-time team MVP and was picked as the team captain in her final season with the Cubs. Mugleston was also a standout on the hardwood as a post player and in softball as a utility player, picking up all-league honors in both sports. At Linn Benton Community College, Mugleston was awarded first-team All-South Region honors after leading the Roadrunners to a regional championship during her sophomore campaign.
“We are so excited that Stephanie has chosen our program to compete for. She is great hitter who should make a big impact for our team next season,” Hambelton said. “She had a strong year at Linn-Benton this past fall and we are counting on her to bring that same competitive attitude and success to our program in 2010. Stephanie hits well on the outside and in the middle. Her experience and versatility will be a key for us next year.”
Tabitha Smith was a member of the Chemeketa Community College volleyball program for two seasons along with future Cavalier teammate Aubrie Concannon. Smith prepped at David Douglas High School in Portland where she was a standout setter for the Scots. At Chemeketa, Smith was an all-league performer for the Storm as a setter where she averaged 8.06 assists per game.
“Tabitha is a proven setter who has accomplished great things at the community college level,” Hambelton said. “Impressively, she helped to lead Chemeketa to an undefeated season in her freshman season. I think Tabbie is going to give us depth in the setting position and I see her fighting for a spot in the starting lineup. She’s a hard worker who knows how to make her hitters better.”