GoUSFBulls.com USF Volleyball Adds Tremendous Size with Four Signees

[Triple B]

TAMPA, Nov. 10, 2017 – The University of South Florida volleyball team and head coach Courtney Draper are pleased to announce the signing of four talented players for the NCAA early signing period. Hailing from four different states, the Bulls added excellent size to four separate positions.

"I'm thrilled about this class, as it is one of the biggest classes that we have signed, both in height and in number," said Draper. "We welcome three players over 6-foot-1 to add some much needed size to our roster."
 
Lauren LaBeck | 6-1 | Setter | Round Lake, Ill. | Grayslake Central
 
LaBeck has tallied a school-record 1,795 career assists at Grayslake Central, playing for head coach Jason Janczak. In her senior season, she set a single-season school record with 784 assists, 53 service aces and 49 kills. As a junior and senior, LaBeck was named to the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team and earned NLCC All-Conference honors. She was named the Buffalo Wild Wings October Athlete of the Month and team MVP as a senior. Playing club volleyball, LaBeck was named to the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championship 18 Club All-Star team and earned third place at the Girl's International Youth Division with the USA Volleyball HP Continental Team.
  
"With the graduation of Alex Mendoza at the setter position after this season, we are very excited to welcome Lauren LaBeck," said Draper. "She competes for one of the top clubs in the country and they are known for developing the setter position better than anyone. Lauren not only has the tangible skills, but also a mindset that can help get USF volleyball to the next level."
 
Nicole Legg | 6-3 | Middle Blocker | Union, Ky. | Larry A. Ryle High School
 
Legg was a four-year varsity letter winner at Larry A. Ryle High School, playing for head coach Tasha Lovins. Legg has played in 397 sets, totaled 1,109 kills with a .364 hitting percentage, recorded 151 blocks and 44 aces. She set career-highs as a senior with 385 kills and 96 blocks.
Named to the Under Armour Watchlist in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Member of the 33^rd District All-Tournament team and 9^th Region First Team as a junior and senior. Selected for the European Global Challenge as a senior. Member of the USAV Girls Junior National All-Tournament team.
   
"Nicole Legg is the tallest of the group measuring over 6-foot-3 and has a complete cannon for an arm," said Draper. "She is versatile in her attacking, where she can go in front or behind the setter and puts up a big block."
 
Peyton Thompson | 6-2 | Right Side | Spartanburg, S.C. | Spartanburg Christian Academy
 
Thompson was a four-year varsity letter winner at Spartanburg Christian Academy, playing for head coach Andrew Garland. Thompson posted career numbers of 2,015 kills, 259 blocks, 262 digs and 203 service aces. She was named a team captain as a sophomore and senior and was named All-County as well as a North-South All-Star all four years. Thompson was named the VCISA 2A Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior.  
 
"Peyton Thompson is a lefty right side player who has had a decorated high school career," said Draper. "She will be another important offensive weapon and her blocking is a tremendous compliment to her offense."
 
Lindsey Pliapol | 6-0 | Outside Hitter | Daytona Beach, Fla. | Spruce Creek High School
 
The only in-state signee, Pliapol was a four-year varsity letter winner at Spruce Creek High School, playing for head coach Cara Swayze. She amassed 1,025 career kills, 190 blocks, 968 digs and 173 aces. Pliapol tallied no fewer than 220 kills in each season and no less than 220 digs. She was named team captain as a senior and earned the AVCA Under Armour All-American Award all four years. As a junior, she was named the Spectrum Sports Player of the Year for volleyball.
 
"Lindsey Pliapol will be the only Florida native from this signing class, but she is one of the best players in the state," said Draper. "Lindsey is the complete player and should help us immediately. Lindsey is a six rotation outside hitter who can pass and defend as well as she can swing. She has such great ball control skills and understands the game at a very high level."
 
The four signees follow a five-member class that was brought in for 2017. USF has seen great contributions from this season's freshmen and the two classes will have the opportunity to play together for three years.  
 
"It has been fun to watch these players get to know each other over the past year or so and I think that the combination of them together will really help transform our program," said Draper. "They are great players, great students and even better people. I can't wait for each of them to join us in Tampa."