UE Volleyball announces new signees

Aces add five to roster

 University of Evansville head volleyball coach Manolo Concepcion has announced the signing of five student-athletes to play for the Purple Aces next season.  Included in the class are: Deja Clark, Erlicia Griffith, Taylor Jones, Elane Shumway and Rachel Hin Ching Tam.

Clark and Shumway come to Evansville from Pickerington, Ohio where they each played for Mintonette Sports and for the same high school (Pickerington North).  Clark, a 6’0’’ Outside Hitter/Opposite was the 2016 Ohio Capital Conference Co-Player of the Year and was also 1st Team All-District and All-Conference as a hitter. Shumway is a 6’3’’ Middle who is known for her defensive capabilities in the net.

“The inclusion of Deja in our program adds athleticism, speed and offensive presence.  She has a reach of over 10 feet and is built to play in a fast-pace offense,” Concepcion said.  “We look forward to her immediate impact in our scoring capabilities.”

“Elane has the wingspan of a 6-5 athlete with the ability to improve our blocking.  I have seen her progress offensively throughout this club season, especially in transition; something we were looking for at her position” Concepcion added.  “The fact that Deja and Elane have played together for so long will allow their combination to sync right away.”

Griffith, a 6-3 Right Side, is a native of Wharton, Texas.  She is transferring from NJCAA Nationally Ranked San Jacinto College (#18), where she was a 2nd Team All-District player and was one of the main reasons that her team finished 7th in the Nation in Block Assists.

“Erlicia will enhance our defense on the right side of the net as well as add charismatic leadership skills to our young team,” Concepcion explained.  “She fits perfectly with our team culture and comes from a junior college powerhouse that has had a winning tradition for a long time.”

Originally from Hong Kong, China, Rachel Tam is the current Captain for the Youth & Junior Hong Kong National Team as a 5’9’’ Outside Hitter, as well as for St. Catharine’s School for Girls.  She played Division 2A in China where her team won the championship of the Kowloon and Hong Kong Island District Schools. She has also represented her country with the Beach Volleyball National Team.

“Rachel is an engaging, hard-working kid with great international experience,” Concepcion said.  “Her smart game and out of system problem solving skills were two aspects that caught our attention.  She is an emotionally intelligent student of the game that will impact our program in the long run.”

Taylor Jones is a native of Winamac, Ind. where she was a 4-year letterwinner as a 5-7 Setter.  She led her team to a sectional title and was a 3-time Midwest Conference First Team player and also served as a team captain for three seasons. She is the current Captain for Epic United Volleyball Club (17-Elite ROX).

“Taylor is a fast-pace setter with the ability to run the system that we want to establish in the future or our program,” Concepcion said.  “She compensates her height with her explosiveness, quick hands and set precision/location.  It will be great to have more depth in that position for years to come.”