Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Volleyball Signs Three for 2006-07
11/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 16, 2005
WINSTON-SALEM, NC - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Wake Forest volleyball program has signed three recruits to join the squad in 2006-07, head coach Heather Kahl announced today. Lindsay Gardner from Manhattan Beach, Calif., Kate Rodriguez of Glen Ellyn, Ill. and Dylan Faulkner of Austin Texas have all committed as the class of 2010.
"I am excited about the wealth of experience that all of these players bring to Wake Forest," Kahl said. "They have all trained and competed at the highest level of high school and club volleyball. Their passion for the game combined with their work ethic fits into the philosophy of our program. With the addition of these great players, Wake Forest volleyball will continue to move in the right direction."
Gardner, 6-3 middle blocker, joins the Demon Deacons after playing for Mira Costa High School, the two time California State champions. The captain of the squad in 2005, Gardner has led the Mustangs to numerous tournament titles, including the 2004 Las Vegas tournament title, the Bay League Championship and the Santa Barbara Tournament. Gardner also played club volleyball for Team X, one of the top club programs in southern California.
"Lindsay is a natural competitor. She plays with one of the top high schools in California, so she is use to playing with elite players at the highest level," Kahl said. "She adds height to our front row and her hunger to compete will allow her to challenge the middle blocker position. She has unlimited potential which will add to the depth of our team."
Faulkner, the sister of Wake Forest sophomore Michael Faulkner, will join the squad as a setter. Playing for the Austin Juniors volleyball club and St. Michael's Academy, Faulkner is ranked as one of prepvolleyball.com's top senior aces. Named first team all-state for the second consecutive year and first team all-district for the fourth year, Faulkner is also a two-time MVP of St. Michael's Academy.
"Dylan has an incredible court presence about her. She is calm under pressure and is a natural leader," Kahl said. "Her love for the game is apparent every time she takes the floor. Her versatility, great work ethic and knowledge of the game will help her to be successful at the college level and I am confident in Dylan's ability to step into the setter's role next year."
Rodriguez, a 5-11 outside hitter, joins the Demon Deacons after a successful volleyball career at St. Francis High School under coach Peg Kopec. A member of the nationally ranked varsity team, Rodriguez helped lead the team to a pair of Illinois State High School Class A State Championships and was honored as the Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year. A Chicago Sun Times All-Area First Team selection, she has been also a member of the Sports Performance volleyball club for the past five years.
"Kate is an exciting player to watch. Her quickness and athleticism will allow her to be an asset both offensively and defensively," Kahl said. "She has an incredible work ethic and she knows what it takes to win. She has been a part of two very successful programs. She will bring competition to the outside hitter position next year."
