North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State Volleyball Signs Four To Grants-In-Aid
5/31/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
May 31, 2001
RALEIGH, N.C. - The NC State volleyball team has signed four prospective student-athletes to grants-in-aid for the 2001-02 school year, head coach Mary Byrne annouced today. Byrne, hired as Wolfpack head coach in mid-February, overcame a late start on the recruiting trail by signing Melanie Rowe of Ramsey, Minn., Sarah Emsinger of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Maya Mapp of Washington, D.C. The fourth signee, Lindi Sheppard of Midlothian, Va., committed to the Wolfpack last fall and signed in early February.
"We're extremely pleased with this group," Byrne said. "After coming in late, we signed some talented players who will add to the core of players we have presently."
Sheppard, a setter, was an all-state selection as a senior at Clover High School in Midlothian, and was a two-year member of the U.S. National 18-and-under team. She also has competed successfully in gymnastics and swimming, winning the Massachusetts level 7 and level 8 gymnastics championships at age 10 and 11.
Rowe, who lettered in track and weightlifting in addition to volleyball at Anoka High School, was a two-time all-conference pick and an all-region pick as a senior after lettering in volleyball just two years in high school.
Ensminger, who also lettered in softball and basketball at Oak Hills High School, was named conference co-Player of the Year, first-team all-conference, and second-team all-city. She was later voted to the Greater Cincinnati All-Star Team.
Mapp, a team captain for two years at Wilson High School in the District of Columbia, was MVP of the D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association as a senior this past season. She helped lead Wilson High to its third consecutive conference championship, and was MVP of the D.C.-Baltimore All-Star Game. "All four of our signees are extremely athletic with jumping ability and quickness," Byrne said. "This is a great start for turning the program around."
