Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Volleyball Inks Three For 2006
11/21/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 21, 2005
Fresno, Calif. - Fresno State Volleyball has announced that three players have signed letters of intent to play for the Bulldog volleyball team beginning in 2006. Local players comprise this year's class, including Karlie Houston from Sanger, Kelly Leonardo from Merced, and Alexandra Watson from Bakersfield. The three players from the 2006 class bring both height and talent to the team, and represent the best in local talent from the Central Valley.
Karlie Houston is a middle blocker/outside hitter from Sanger High School, and has also spent the last two years playing for the Sports City club team. At 6'0", Houston brings additional size, and has a frame well suited to volleyball. "Karlie has the athleticism we are looking for to allow us to compete with the best volleyball teams in the country," said head coach Ruben Nieves. "She is very accomplished as a club player, and has excellent instincts for the game. It will be exciting to see her progress as a collegiate player."
Size is also a plus for middle blocker Kelly Leonardo. A 6'2" middle blocker from Golden Valley High School in Merced, Leonardo has also played basketball and softball through high school, starring in those sports as well. "Kelly has the size, strength and mobility at the net that we very much need," said Nieves. "As a multi-sport athlete, her competitive character is very strong, and it will be fun to see her game develop as she focuses solely on Volleyball. In addition, she is very coachable and team-oriented."
Rounding out the class is another six-footer in Alexandra Watson. A middle blocker/outside hitter from Liberty High School in Bakersfield, Watson was named first-team all league last season, and ranks among the top hitters in the central section. "Lexi's game is very developed and complete, and she is one of the top attackers in the Valley," said Nieves. "She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and we look forward to having her help improve our offense next year."
"We will always recruit Valley talent first, and this recruiting class is a good reflection of that," said Nieves. "We are thrilled to be able to bring this level of local talent into the program. In order for Fresno State Volleyball to thrive at the national level, we have to recruit and build on the great talent that exists in the Central Valley."
