Tampa Volleyball Announces Signing of Four Players

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa volleyball team has announced the signing of four players to a national letters of intent. The four freshman will enroll at UT for the Fall of 2008 and begin play next season for the Spartans. Among the well-rounded class to replace the four departing All-Americans is outside hitter Eva Dupay, right side hitter Brianne Yeates, libero Julie Howlett and middle hitter Kady Bruce.

Dupay, a 5-8 outside hitter who hails from Fort Myers, comes to Tampa from Bishop Verot High School. The all-state selection is coming off a senior season where she registered 403 kills, 290 digs, 39 service aces and 38 blocks. A two-time all-state selection, Dupay also played club volleyball for USA South, where she helped her team qualify three times for the Junior Olympics.

"We are very excited about Eva joining our program," says head coach Chris Catanach. "She is a very good student athlete who brings a competitive attitude to everything she does. Eva has the opportunity to be a leader who will shape our program for the next four years."

Yeates, a native of Seminole, Fla., currently attends Indian Rocks Christian School. She finished her senior campaign with 309 kills, 97 digs, 59 blocks and 49 service aces while compiling a .484 hitting percentage. At 6-2, the right side hitter set an IRCS record with 1,007 career kills. She was also selected to play in the 2007 Pinellas County all-star match.

"Brianne will add size and athleticism to our program," says Catanach. "Her blocking and attacking skills will be a major asset to us. Brianne is the first left handed player I have signed since 1985. She will have time to develop into an impact player since we return a senior on the right side."

Howlett, a 5-4 libero from Venice High School, is the sister of departing libero Margeaux Sinibaldi. She helped her team to the 2005 state championship and also played club volleyball for Tampa United. She helped her club team to a runner-up finish at nationals. At Venice, she finished second in school history for digs in a season in both 2005 and 2006.

"We believe Julie has the skill and volleyball IQ to become our next great libero," says Catanach. "Her ball control and defensive mindset will be a key factor in keeping our program in the top 10 of Division II programs."

Bruce, a 6-0 middle hitter from Jacksonville, went to Mandarin High School. She also played club volleyball for the Jacksonville Juniors, where she helped the team to an OVA Asics championship in Atlanta. A President's scholar, Bruce will graduate from an IB level program (AICE).

"Kady is a tremendous student and athlete," says Catanach. "We think she will develop into an outstanding hitter and blocker for our program. She is fast, jumps well and hungry to be a good player. With a year or two of training she could be another outstanding middle hitter for us."