May 31, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman head volleyball coach Shannon Mincey has added two Virginia players for the 2007 season: Chelsie Woods, a native of Bristol, Virginia, and Lara McDonald from Salem, Virginia.

Woods is a three time District Hitter of the Year and Player of the Year. She earned First Team All District, All Region and All-State honors in volleyball . Woods led her team to a District and Regional Championship as well as a State Final 4 finish in 2006. She is also a standout in softball, track, and basketball. In softball, Woods was a 4 year varsity letter winner. She received First Team All District, All Region and All State honors. In track, Woods was also a four-year varsity letter winner qualifying for the Virginia state championships each season. She set the school record for the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.5 seconds. In basketball, she was selected as First Team All-District for three years. She will be graduate in the top seven percent in her senior class. Woods is a member of the National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"I am not sure if I have ever coached a kid who has done so much," Coach Mincey said. "When I would call Chelsie, she was either coming from volleyball practice, softball practice or track practice. I have coached kids who have played multiple sports but never one who has been selected all district, all region and all state in three sports as well as a state qualifier in track. Her jumping ability is truly amazing! Standing at 5-4, Chelsie is an inspiration to all those volleyball players out there who think they can't be a hitter. I haven't tested her vertical yet but I bet she will have the highest vertical on our team. I am anxious for her to specialize on volleyball to see how good she can be with her athletic ability. She has been such a contributor to her softball, basketball and track high school teams that she hasn't been able to spend a lot of time on just one sport. I always ask recruits how they will balance volleyball and classes, but with Chelsie that is one question I did not have to ask. Coming to college may provide her a chance to slow down."

Setter Lara McDonald is valedictorian of her senior class at Glenvar High School. She led her team to a 28-0 record going into the state tournament,winning 84 out of 87 games that season. She set her school record for season and career assists and was chosen as team captain, Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, and First Team All-State. She was selected to play on the Virginia All-Star Team and received 1st Team All-Timesland spotlighting the top volleyball players in southwest Virginia. McDonald also earned First Team All-District in 2005. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honors Society, and the Spanish Club. She was a Wendy's High School Heisman nominee, a member of the Governor's Early College Scholars Program and was on the All A Honor Roll during her high school career. McDonald will participate in the Honors Program at C-N.

"I was extremely pleased to have a 5'10 setter interested in Carson-Newman." said Coach Mincey, "Lara is such a talented young lady. Her list of volunteer work and academic accolades go on and on. I can tell from her resume and watching her play that she is a very dedicated and committed student-athlete. Lara is a very ambitious young lady when it comes to her studies. That type of athlete always seems to put the same amount of effort and work onto the court. With her height and work ethic, she will be a lot of fun to train on the front row. I just graduated an honors program student-athlete, so I am very pleased to have another one. We currently have 2 other student-athletes participating in the honors program."

Woods and McDonald will join Carson-Newman's other 2007 signees Carly Mozgai (Greensboro, NC), Nikki James (Cookeville, TN), and Heidi Breitenfeldt (Mosinee, WI).

"This class should be a group that makes an impact on our program. Each player will add a great deal to our team on and off the court," added Mincey.

The Lady Eagles begin their season at the Lincoln Memorial Tournament August 24th and 25th.