SHREVEPORT, La. – Centenary Ladies Volleyball and head coach Caroline Carlton are pleased to announce eight newcomers, as well as former Ladies Soccer player Ami Powers, for the 2018 season.
"I am extremely excited to announce our incoming class," said Carlton. "Each player brings something different to the table, and I am confident that this group is going to help us compete at a higher level. The combined level of play of all our incoming recruits will create a more competitive environment for the Ladies moving forward."
Here is a closer look at the incoming class:
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Fr. / OH 5-9 Van Alstyne, Texas / Leonard HS
Davis played outside hitter for Lisa Davis, while also playing basketball and tennis, at Leonard High School. She has many accolades in all three sports with the Tigers, including being named MVP three times and All-State Honorable Mention twice, and All-Texomoland twice in volleyball. Davis garnered District Hitter of the Year honors twice. She was also named MVP in tennis for three years and First Team All-District in basketball twice. She helped the Tigers win two District Championships in basketball and a District and Regional Championship as part of a doubles team in tennis. Davis received Academic All-State honors and Academic All-District honors all four seasons for all three sports. She is the daughter of Scott and Lisa Davis with brothers Matt, Mark, and Zachary. At Centenary, she plans to major in political science. Coach Carlton on Davis: Alyssa brings a lot of strength and power to the outside. Throughout her recruitment, it was clear that she is going to be a great addition to our 2018 roster. We are excited to have Alyssa. |
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Fr. / S/RS 5-7 Kemp, Texas / Kemp HS
Delaney played setter and right side for head coach Mike Hill at Kemp High School. With the Yellowjackets, she was named First Team All-District in 2016 and the Best Server in the District in 2017. Academically, she was named Academic All-District in 2017. Delaney is the daughter of Kelly and Len Delaney and has one brother, Colton. At Centenary, she intends to major in business management. Coach Carlton on Delaney: Carly's athletic ability, paired with electric positivity, make her an excellent addition to our 2018 class. Carly brings versatility and energy to the team, and we are glad to have her. |
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Fr. / S/RS 5-8 Glendora, Calif. / Glendora HS
Demerjian was a setter for head coach Clara Lowden at Glendora HS. She helped the Tartans win a League Championship both her junior and senior seasons, helping Glendora go to the State Regional Semifinals and the CIF Championships in 2016. In 2017, she helped the Tartans advance to the second round of the CIF playoffs in Division II. Academically, she was named a valedictorian in 2014. The daughter of Gary and Flora Demerjian, she has one brother, Haig. At Centenary, she plans on majoring in biology. Coach Carlton on Demerjian: I am excited to add Rachel to our 2018 roster. Her high level of play, I believe, will help take us to the next level. In the time I have recruited Rachel, I knew she would have an immediate impact on our team. |
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Fr. / MB 6-0 Nashville, Tenn. / Beech HS
Epley was a middle hitter for head coach Karissa Earlie at Beech High School. Individually, she was named All-District in 2018, helping the Buccaneers win a Regional Championship in 2014 and a District and Regional Championship in 2015. She also graduated from Beech with the highest academic honors. The daughter of Brad and Judith Epley, she has two brothers, Shane and Jacob. At Centenary, she intends to major in pre-allied health. Coach Carlton on Epley: I am thrilled at the addition of Elizabeth. She is a dynamic player and will add size and intensity to our roster. I am looking forward to seeing her dominate in the middle. |
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Fr. / OH/RS 5-5 Eustace, Texas / Eustace HS
Hoops played every position in volleyball for head coaches Cody Taylor and Chuck Powers, while also competing in the high jump in track and field, with Eustace High School. She was named First Team All-District in volleyball while also helping the Bulldogs finish third in the state at the High School UIL Cheer Competition. She is the daughter of Eron and Kara Hoops and has one brother, Ethen. At Centenary, she intends to major in geology. Coach Carlton on Hoops: Erica's versatility makes her a great addition to our 2018 roster. She can swing consistently from either pin and has the opportunity to be a six rotation player for us. |
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Fr. / S/DS 5-5 Houston, Texas / St. Agnes Academy
Clarin-Jante was a setter and a defensive specialist for head coach Jennifer Peyton at St. Agnes Academy. She received All-District accolades her final three seasons with the Tigers, including First Team honors her senior season. A captain her junior and senior seasons, she became the first junior in St. Agnes Academy's school history to win the Tiger Pride Volleyball Award. Academically, she appeared on the Dean's List five times and was Academic All-District her final two seasons. The daughter of Michael and Mary Clarin-Jante, she has a brother, Maveric, and a sister, Maiseyn. At Centenary, she is undecided upon an academic major. Coach Carlton on Clarin-Jante: Marichael's hustle and drive are going to bring a lot to our team. Marichael is a great and encouraging teammate, and I know she is going to be a solid contributor to our team. |
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Fr. / OH 5-6 Fort Worth, Texas / Grace Prep Academy
Kelley played outside and was a defensive specialist for head coach Prentice Lewis at Grace Preparatory Academy. Named Second Team All-District with the Lions, she also earned Academic All-State accolades. The daughter of Charles and Stephanie Kelley, she has one brother, Charles. At Centenary, she intends to major in Psychology. Coach Carlton on Kelley: Lauren brings a level intensity on the court that makes her a true standout. Her understanding of the game and consistency make her a true competitor. I am looking forward to coaching her at the next level. |
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Fr. / S/DS 5-6 Brunswick, Ga. / Glynn Academy
Mathews was a setter a right-side hitter for head coach Jon Ricketts at Glynn Academy. She helped the Red Terrors win a Regional Championship and finish in the GHSA Elite 8 her senior season. Her sophomore year, Glynn Academy also claimed a Regional Championship and finished in the Sweet 16. Academically, Matthews appeared on the Honor Roll. The daughter of Jayne and Don Mathews, she has one sister, Isabel, and one brother, Ben. At Centenary, she is undecided upon an academic major. Coach Carlton on Mathews: I have known Annalee and her family for a few years and have been recruiting her for a long time. I am excited to bring Annalee to Centenary. I know she understands our program, and she is a great fit for our team. |
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So. / OH 5-8 Katy, Texas / Cypress Springs HS
Powers played both volleyball for head coach Alyssa Gerbich and soccer for head coach Vickie Manies at Cypress Springs High School. For volleyball, she was named Second Team All-District in 2016 and Honorable Mention All-District in 2015, Finishing 11th in the district for digs in 2014. Powers was also named Team MVP in 2016, Most Improved Athlete in 2013 and 2014, and Most Coachable in 2013. She was also one of 50 athletes selected in Texas to compete in an Under Armor event, which was run by college coaches. Academically for volleyball, she was named Academic All-District from 2013-2016. In soccer, Powers was named team MVP in 2014. Academically for soccer, she was named Academic All-District from 2014-17 and Academic All-State in 2017. |
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Coach Carlton and the Ladies volleyball team enter the 2018 campaign after qualifying for the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament on their own merits for the first time in school history. Centenary finished the season 15-20, the second-most wins in program history and the highest number of wins since the 1999 season.