Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Volleyball Inks Three Players for 2014
11/20/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 20, 2013
By Nick Sebesta, Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeVolleyball)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest head volleyball coach Ken Murczek announced the addition of three players to the roster for the fall of 2014.
The three freshmen include Ciara Appelbaum, Kylie Long and Brianna Lynch who are all outside hitters.
"I am extremely excited to announce our 2014 recruiting class," said Murczek. "These future Demon Deacons all possess great attitudes, a willingness to work hard and are tremendous team players. I know they will fit into our family here immediately. The staff and current players have all developed meaningful relationships with each of the players and I anticipate all of them will make an immediate impact on our program."
Ciara Appelbaum
6-4 - Outside Hitter
Sugar Land, Texas / New College Prep/Sugar Land Preparatory Academy
High School
Attended New College Prep and Sugar Land Preparatory Academy ... Earned two letters with the Eagles under coach Breanne Hause ... Team captain for her high school team and earned All-Tournament team honors in every tournament ... Earned first place in the state ... Played for Southwest Juniors club team for three years and qualified for the Junior National Championships in 2011 and 2013.
Personal
Full name is Ciara Melissa Appelbaum ... Born Sept. 16, 1996 in Houston, Texas ... Parents are Marty and Carol Appelbaum ... Also recruited by Kentucky, NC State, New Mexico and Harvard.
Murczek on Appelbaum...
"Ciara is one of the most motivated players I have recruited and I look forward to helping her accomplish the goals she has for herself. Her club coach has done a nice job giving her a solid foundation of fundamentals and I look forward to building on them in college."
Kylie Long
6-1 - Outside Hitter
Plano, Texas / Plano Senior
High School
Two-time letter winner at Plano Senior High School ... Earned the 2013 10-5A Most Valuable Player award ... Named the 2012 10-5A Outstanding Hitter of the Year ... Was honored on the All-District First Team in 2012 and in 2013 ... Earned several All-Tournament team honors ... Played with the Texas Titans club team and Dallas Skyline.
Personal
Born March 3, 1996 in Austin, Texas ... Parents are Lisa and George Long ... Also recruited by Tennessee, Colorado State, Mississippi, Ole Miss, Arkansas, LSU and Missouri among others ... Several high school teammates are playing collegiate volleyball.
Murczek on Long...
"Kylie comes from both a winning high school and a winning club program. She is a versatile player with good all-around skills and a tremendous blocking presence. She has experience playing all three front row positions. I am excited to coach Kylie because of her versatility as a volleyball player and can't wait to help her reach her goals."
Brianna Lynch
5-11 - Outside Hitter
Richmond, Texas / Travis
High School
Attended Travis High School in Richmond, Texas ... Earned four letters in volleyball for the Tigers under head coach Nichole Hitt ... Was named to the All-District First team twice ... Earned the Outstanding Hitter Award ... Three-time varsity MVP ... Two-time winner of the TAPPS All-State Award ... Played for the Texas Tornados club team for three years along with the Houston Juniors and the Houston Skyline.
Personal
Full name is Brianna Nkemdirim Lynch ... Born May 11, 1996 in Bethesda, Md. ... Parents are Sylvia Hightower & Maurice Hightower ... Several teammates are playing collegiate volleyball ... Mother played volleyball at Hampton University.
Murczek on Lynch...
"Brianna is an extremely dynamic athlete with both a fast arm and great vertical jump. She has spent time playing on the right side but will move to the left this club season which I feel will help improve her overall game. Brianna's dynamic athletic ability is matched by her equally dynamic and fun personality. I look forward to helping Brianna achieve the goals she has set."
