Volleyball Signs Three During Early Period
11/16/2010 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 16, 2010
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The volleyball team signed a trio of high school seniors during the 2010 early signing period, Alabama head coach Judy Green announced on Tuesday. The class includes Taylor Masterson, Courtney Robison and Samantha Skinner.
"My recruiting coordinator Josh Lauer has done a tremendous job of putting this class together," Green said. "We identified our 2011 needs, and Josh went out and signed one of the best classes in recent years. He deserves the credit for this class. These three players depict the direction we want our program to be headed in. They are exceptional students, highly competitive volleyball players and most importantly people of great character. They are skilled at their positions and bring another level of athleticism to the program. All three played in their respective state high school championships with Courtney and Taylor winning state titles and Sam's team finishing second. They will be exciting players for our fans to watch next fall and throughout their Alabama careers, but the most impressive final piece they bring together is they all are very proud to be representing The University of Alabama and the volleyball program."
Masterson, a 6-1 middle hitter from Chesterfield, Mo., led St. Joseph's Academy to the Missouri Class 4A State Championships in 2010 and 2008. She was named to the AVCA Under Armour Girls' High School All-America Volleyball Athlete Watch list for the 2010-11 season and is a two-time All-State, All-Region and All-District selection. Masterson also earned All-Tournament Team honors in 2009. One of the highlights of her career was getting the winning block in a set that went 31-29 against Lees Summit West High School. Masterson played club volleyball for the Rockwook Thunder placing 10th in the open division at the National Championships in Reno, Nev., this season.
"Taylor is one of the most athletic middles we saw over the last two club seasons," Green explained. "She brings a more physical presence to our middle blocking position. She is a dynamic blocker who can take over a match, and her offensive skills continue to develop at a rapid rate. She attended our camp two summers ago, and we were very impressed with what we saw."
Robison joins future Tide teammate Masterson on the AVCA Under Armour Girls' High School All-America Volleyball Athlete Watch list and was a First Team All-State, All-Region and All-District selection. The 5-11 setter from Louisville, Ky., guided Assumption High School to a 39-4 record in 2010 en route to winning the state title. She was equally successful on her club team, KIVA, winning AAU National Championships from 2006-10. Robison is also heavily involved off the court as she is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club and serves as a class officer, Varsity Pep Club Executive Director and Health Promotions Officer.
"Courtney is one of the best setters in the country," Green added. "She has improved tremendously over the past year as evident when she led her KIVA 17-1 team to the AAU National Championship Title last June. Her club and high school winning experiences will be vital to the development of next year's Alabama team. She is a winner in all aspects of her life, and her work ethic will quickly earn the respect of her teammates once she arrives on campus."
Skinner, a native of Birmingham, Ala., helped Oak Mountain High School to a runner-up finish in the state championship. The 5-10 hitter earned a spot on the 6A All-Tournament Team following the 2010 season. Skinner competed at AAU Nationals in 2009 as a member of the Birmingham Volleyball Club team. She was also named to the 2009 Alabama Volleyball Coaches 6A All-State Second Team.
"Sam is certainly one of the most versatile high-level athletes in the 2011 class," Green said. "She can play both outside and in the middle, however I believe she will move to the outside once she gets in the program. She also has the ability to become a six-rotation player as her back row skill set has developed at a very high rate over the past season. It has always been Sam's dream to play for the University of Alabama, and that burning passion of pride is electric."
