BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University volleyball team welcomes in six new student-athletes to this season's squad with each being introduced on SamfordSports.com over the duration of the week.
 
Shayla Phillip, a product of Richland Northeast High School, joins the Samford volleyball family after taking her high school to the SCCAWS playoffs for the first time in 10 years. Her play during that season earned her a spot on the SCCAWS North All-Star Team in 2014.
 
Samford Head Coach Derek Schroeder spoke highly of Phillip when asked about her.
 
Where do you see Phillip making the biggest impact on the team?
"Shayla brings a few different types of strength to our offensive system and if she contributes as a true-freshman she will do so with her net play behind the setter."
 
What are some of Phillip's strengths and what intangibles does she possess?
"Shayla is very good off of one foot.  We have had only a few of those athletes in my time here at Samford and it's been fun to integrate that into my system."
 
What will fans notice about Philip's play on the court?
"She is a fast and feisty middle.  She fits the mold of kids we bring in and will play the game hard and fast."
 
 
FULL BIO
 
High School: Lettered three years for head coach Keredith James at Richland Northeast High School…named All-State, All-Region and WLXT Player of the Week…Region 4 3AAA Player of the Year, Richland Northeast Player of the Year…member of the 2014 North team for the SCCAWS All-Star squad…named to the All-Tournament Team at the Thunder in the Valley Tournament…led her team in kills and aces during her junior and senior seasons…took Richland Northeast to the playoffs for the first time in 10 years and was named team MVP.

Personal: Full name is Shayla Victoria Phillip…born on August 21, 1997…daughter of Isiah and Natascha Gochett…has three brothers, Joshua Gochett, Nikilas Gochett and Isaiah Phillip…has two sisters, Hayley Phillip and Catherine Gochett…majoring in sport administration.
 
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