News
Hill College Volleyball Signs Seven Commitments
02.11.14
HILLSBORO - Second-year Hill College Lady Rebels Volleyball Head Coach Samantha Erger recently signed seven commitments for the 2013-14 season. Last season, the Lady Rebels went to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament for the first time since 2002, and finished the season with a 29-9 record.
Camille Porco is a six-foot middle blocker from Fort Worth, Texas. Porco was a stand-out for Fort Worth Christian Academy, and this season she was recognized as Academic All-State. She also received Second Team All-District recognition for the 2013 season. Porco lettered all four years; two years as a setter and two years as a middle blocker. She is also a member National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Porco plays club for Tejas Volleyball club.
“Camille is a perfect fit for our team,” Erger said. “She is a competitor and has a great attitude. She is really physical at the net and will fit in with our girls perfectly.”
Kourtney Khalid-Abasi is a 5’10” outside hitter from Baton Rouge, La., and was a four-year starter for Runnels High School. As a freshman, she received Second Team All-District honors while being named to the First Team All-District and All-Metro Honorable Mention teams as a junior. In her senior campaign, she received First Team All-District, All-Metro volleyball team honors, and was voted as team captain. Not only did Khalid-Abasi excel on the court, but she was also named senior class homecoming queen. Khalid-Abasi is a member of Beta Club, Historian for the National Honor Society and a member of the Honor & Merit Roll.
“Kourtney is another great addition to 2014 recruiting class,” Erger exclaimed. “She is a versatile outside hitter that can really jump. Kourtney also has a wonderful personality that will add to our team chemistry. We have no doubt that Kourtney has bought into our mission and goals, and is already driven for the success of our program.”
Thelma Flores is a 5’9” right-side hitter from Jewett, Texas. Flores is a standout volleyball player from Leon High School with a team that reached the state tournament all four of her years. As a junior, Flores was named the Most Valuable Player of the state tournament. This year, Flores was named District 21A MVP, District 21A All-Academic, Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-State, TGCA Academic All-State, First Team All-Brazos Valley and Texas Sports Writer’s Association (TSWA) First Team All-State.
“We love Thelma because she knows how to win,” Erger said. “She comes from a very successful high school program, and we have no doubt she will bring that attitude of excellence to Hill. As a recruit, she was a no-brainer and we expect big things from her in 2014.”
Bethany Covington is a 5’9” outside hitter from Deer Park, Texas. Covington was a four-year starter for Deer Park High School, and was promoted to captain starting her junior year. During her years at Deer Park, Covington was a three-year First Team All-District player as an outside hitter and as a middle blocker. In 2013, she was named to the All-Tournament team at the Santa Fe Invitational. She also helped her high school team to the 5A State Semi-Finals. Covington has played club for Absolute Volleyball Academy for the past four years.
“We knew we wanted Bethany when she came on her visit and she was the most competitive player on the court,” Erger added. “In volleyball, the team needs loud, aggressive fighters to be successful in the college game, and Bethany is just that. She is a kid that will find a way to win and we love that about her.”
Alexis Washington is a 5’10” middle blocker from Amarillo, Texas, having played for Tascosa High School. Washington was named First Team All-District last year and was also the Offensive Player of the Year. She was named to the Texas Golden Spread All-Tournament team and was a part of the Academic All-District team. Along with playing volleyball in high school, Washington is a member of the National Honor Society and plays club for Amarillo Elite Volleyball club.
“Alexis is a kid that you want on your side of the net,” Erger said. “She is really quick, hits a heavy ball and can jump out of the gym. She is one of the most athletic recruits of this recruiting class, and we are excited for her to bring that into our gym. We expect great things out of Alexis and we know that she will be successful here at Hill.”
Lori White is a 5’8” setter and defensive specialist from Houston, Texas, and played for Atascocita High School. This year, White received All-District Honorable Mention and was named captain for her team. She plays club for the Woodlands Wave Volleyball Club.
“Lori is a jack of all trades player,” added Erger. “She can do anything from set to libero to hit, and it’s always good to have that kind of kid on your roster, especially one as talented and as positive as Lori is. We know that she is a perfect addition to our 2014 recruiting class and our team here at Hill.”
Lorrae Vandiver is a 5’5” setter from Montgomery, Texas. She played on the varsity for two years and was named to the Academic All-District team both years. This season, Vandiver was named to the Honorable Mention All-District team. Vandiver is a setter on the top 18’s team for Willowbrook Volleyball club. She has also played for the Cyclones, Montgomery Gold, and Xtreme Clubs.
“Lorrae is small, but she is fierce,” Erger said. “She is a talented and athletic setter that plays at full force, has a hunger to get better, and wants to come in and get the job done. Losing our All-American Setter Chelby Stanford leaves big shoes to fill, but we are confident that Lorrae can do it,”
For more information on the Lady Rebel Volleyball team, visit www.hillcollege.edu/athletics/.