Fresno State Athletics
Netherby-Sewell Signs Two for 2009 Season
11/15/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 15, 2008
BOISE, Idaho - Head volleyball coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell announced that Marissa Brand and Cecilia Agraz have signed National Letters of Intents to attend school and play for the Bulldogs in the 2009 season.
"We're excited for the 2009 season as we have two incoming freshman that could change the dynamic of our Bulldog team," Netherby-Sewell said. "Since we lacked seniors this year, it was important for us to bring in confident, hard-working student-athletes that have a chance to compete for a starting position right away."
Brand was a four-year varsity letterwinner at Cyprus High School in Cyprus, Calif., where she was the team captain her junior and senior seasons while leading CHS to the Empire League Championship each of those years.
She was also the team offensive player her sophomore-junior years and a first-team all league selection as well. Cyprus High School was a participant in the state championships and the C.I.F. SS Division III Champion.
Brand also played club volleyball for Long Beach Mizuno and was a Junior Olympic participant for two years.
Academically she was a scholar athlete and named to the All-Empire League academic team three out of her four years at CHS.
"Marissa comes from a historically strong club program in California, perhaps one of the strongest in the United States," Netherby-Sewell said. "Marissa impressed me immediately when I saw her lead her team through a match full of adversity. She kept a fighting spirit and kept asking for the ball. She will give our middle blockers some tough competition early with her consistent play."
Agraz hails from Hanford, Calif., and Hanford High School. There, Agraz led HHS to the 2007 Division III Valley Championship. She was also a three-time participant in the Junior Olympics and named to the Fresno Bee First Team in 2007. In 2008, Agraz was named one of the Top 150 Seniors in high school by prepvolleyball.com.
Academically, she was a California Scholarship Federation member all four years of high school. She was also the vice president of the HHS Associated Student Body.
"Cecilia is a local athlete that comes from a family built around work ethic," Netherby-Sewell said. "She's a brilliant student that finds success in every facet of her life. At 6'2, Agraz will provide size in the front-court, but most importantly has better ball control than most club players in California."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" The `Dogs close out the 2008 regular season as they travel to Idaho on Saturday, November 15 for a 7 pm match.
