Northern California product Claire Bailey headlines a trio of California recruits that head coach Nels Norquist will add to his roster for next season.
Corban Signs California Trio for 2011 Season
SALEM, Ore. – Corban University's third-year head women's volleyball coach Nels Norquist announced Monday the final pieces of his recruiting puzzle for next season with the signing of three players from California to Cascade Collegiate Conference Letters of Intent.
The California trio includes Claire Bailey (Santa Rosa, Calif.) from Rincon Valley Christian High School, Courtney Mulford (Upland, Calif.) from Upland High School, and Rebecca Shafer (Brea, Calif.) from Whittier Christian High School. This trio adds to a list of recruits for the 2011 season that now totals seven players.
“With our final additions we now have a depth and experience that will make us more competitive both in practice and games,” said Norquist. “We have so many more weapons now at the net. Many of these student-athletes can play multiple positions and will push each other everyday at practice.”
Bailey, a 6-foot-1 left side hitter, comes to Corban after playing four seasons at Rincon Valley Christian High School in Northern California. A member of four straight North Coast Section II championship teams, Bailey helped lead the Eagles to an unbeaten record in league play throughout her high school career going an unprecedented 36-0. Bailey was named team captain prior to her junior and senior seasons, while also earning three straight 1st team All-North Coast Section and back-to-back team MVP awards. Bailey also earned 1st team All-Empire League honors following the conclusion of her sophomore and senior seasons, while being named All-Empire League 2nd team as a junior. Along with her prep accomplishments, Bailey also played at the club level for the Empire Volleyball Club where she was a member of the 18 Mizuno team.
“Claire is going to have an instant impact here at Corban, both on and off the court,” said Norquist. “She is a huge recruit for us. I know she had multiple schools to choose from, but was really looking for the small Christian atmosphere that sets Corban apart from other Universities. Claire is confident in multiple positions on the court and gives us some real height at the net. She will help us compete at a higher level right away and will be a great fit with both the school and the team.”
Mulford, a 6-foot opposite, arrives at Corban from Upland High School in Southern California where she helped lead the Scots to a win-loss record of 24-9 that included an 8-2 mark in Baseline League play last season. As a senior, Mulford tallied 67 kills, 15 blocks (10 solo), and four digs in 39 sets that included a season-high 15 kills in Upland’s 3-1 win over Etiwanda in October. Mulford was named Baseline League honorable mention as a senior, while earning the team’s Most Improved Player award. Along with her time at Upland High School, Mulford also played at the club level for Arsenal Volleyball Academy where she was a member of the 18s team.
“Courtney is a very powerful player and will help us at the net right away,” commented Norquist. “She swings well from the middle and right side and puts up a solid block. Her ability to hit a variety of sets will really help out our offense and open up other hitters. Courtney has a great attitude; I don't think she stopped smiling once during her visit.”
Shafer, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter, played four seasons at Whittier Christian High School in Southern California before graduating in 2010. After spending one year at Irvine Valley Community College as a student, Shafer brings her talent to Corban this fall. A member of Whittier Christian’s 2009 CIF league champions, Shafer was named all-league, all-area, all-tournament, and team captain as a senior. Shafer lead the league in blocks, kills, and aces en route to earning the Coaches’ Award and being named team MVP. Along with her play at Whittier Christian, Shafer also played at the club level with Quest Volleyball Club as a member of the Quest 18 Aric team. Currently, Shafer is an assistant coach along with her dad, Darryl, for the Quest 18 Aric team.
“Rebecca has a high, quick arm swing, and she is going to be fun for the setters to work with,” said Norquist. “She played very competitive high school ball for Whittier Christian in La Habra and is excited to get back out on the court. We are excited to add another strong hitter to our lineup.”
This aforementioned trio will be added to a roster that includes 10 returning players, as Corban is coming off an 11-9 win-loss record last season. The Warriors have won at least eight Cascade Collegiate Conference matches in each of the last four seasons, while finishing fifth in each of Norquist’s first two seasons (2009 and 2010).
Corban will begin the 2011 season with seven matches in four days at The Master’s College Tournament beginning on Wednesday, August 24th, against California Pacific Conference member Simpson University at 8:00 p.m. inside Bross Gymnasium in Santa Clarita, California.