Nov. 10, 2004

ARLINGTON, Texas - The University of Texas at Arlington interim head volleyball coach Diane Seymour has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to attend the university and play volleyball for the Mavericks beginning in the Fall of 2005. High school seniors Megann Findley, Michelle Schwartz and Ally Wade mark the signees.

"All three of these kids are very good volleyball players who play and train in very competitive club programs. They have the ability to step in and challenge our returners right away, which will make us better," said Seymour.

Findley is a 6-1 outside hitter for a very successful Waxahachie squad. As a freshman she was named all-district, second team all-state and to the state all-tournament team after her squad won the 2A Tapps State Championship. After moving to Waxahachie High School, Findley was honored as the district's "hitter of the year" in both her sophomore and junior seasons while also being named to the all-tournament squad three times and being named the "Most Valuable Player" at the 2004 Skyline Tournament. Tabbed a Dallas Morning News Player to Watch, Findley was among the top 20 all-area hitters in 2004 when her squad was a Region II semi-finalist.

Schwartz joins the Mavericks after a standout career at Klein Oak High School in Tomball, Texas. The 6-0 middle blocker was a three year varsity starter and was named the District 15-5A Outstanding Blocker in 2003. That same year, Schwartz earned first team all-district honors and was named the Klein Oak Offensive Player of the Year. In 2004, Schwartz was named to the all-tournament team american division at the Junior Olympic Nationals while competing with her club squad.

Wade, a 5-11 outside hitter/middle blocker, will join the Mavericks after closing out her career at Plano East High School. A two-time varsity team captain, Wade was named the 2003 Plano East Outstanding Offensive Player and earned all-district honors in 2002 and 2003. As a senior Wade's squad was a Region II semifinalist and in 2004 Wade's North Dallas Juniors Club team finished 19th at the Junior Olympic Nationals in the open division.

Findley, Schwartz and Wade will join a very talented Mavericks squad that currently sits in third place in the Southland Conference race with a 13-5 mark.

-utamavs.com-