Nov. 14, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Samford University head volleyball coach Michelle Durban signed three talented additions to the 2006 team, it was announced Monday. Katie Luckman, Sheriden Stangohr and Alyssa Trimpe all signed national letters of intent with the Bulldogs.

"We are very excited to have received commitments from these three quality student-athletes," said Durban. "They will add much needed depth to our program and continue to help us progress towards our programs goals."

Luckman, a 5'11'' outside/opposite hitter from Villa Hills, Ky., comes to the Bulldogs from St. Henry District High School where she was coached by Maureen Kaiser. Luckman also played for the North Kentucky Volleyball Club. In both 2004 and 2005 Luckman was named a National Junior Olympic All American. Luckman was team captain in 2004 and 2005, as she led St. Henry to a second-place finish in the 2005 state tournament. She was named to the 2005 first-team all-state tournament team and was named to the 2005 district tournament team. She also received the 2005 NKGVCA Dena Gosney Sportswoman Scholarship. In 2004, she was named a Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year nominee. She was also named second-team all-state and the MVP of her district tournament.

"Katie is a gifted all-around player who could play a variety of different positions for us," Durban said. She will add ball control to our team as well as a greater volleyball IQ."

Stangohr currently attends St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Shawnee, Kan., where she plays for Kim Bogart and Brian Shenck. Stangohr also plays for the Mid American Volleyball (MAVS) club team. In 2004 she received Junior Olympic All-America honors. The 5'10'' middle blocker was named first-team All-East Kansas League and first-team All-Sun in both 2004 and 2005. She was also named to the All-Star team and was a 2005 Evelyn Gates Award nominee. Stagohr led her teammates to a 2004 6A State Championship, and was named to the all-state team. She also was named honorable mention all-metro in 2004. Additionally, Stangohr was named a Johnson County all-star in 2004.

"Sheriden is an amazing athlete who is quick laterally and has a great vertical," said Durban. "She will add a lot of competitiveness to our team and I think our fans will enjoy her energy."

Alyssa Trimpe is a 5'11'' outside/opposite hitter from Normal Community High School in Bloomington, Ill., where she plays for Andrea Kenny. Trimpe was named first-team Big 12 Conference after leading her team to the Illinois High School Elite Eight in 2004 and 2005. She was also named team captain in 2005. In 2004 she was also named second-team all-area. Trimpe also played for the Illini Elite club team.

"Alyssa is from a great volleyball family, with two older sisters playing in college, and has been around the game for a long time," Durban said. "She is a versatile player with great athleticism and will add depth as an outside/opposite hitter."

The Samford University volleyball team ended its season this weekend. The Bulldogs will begin preparations for the 2006 season in the spring, with Luckman, Stagohr and Trimpe joining them in August 2006.