July 27, 2012

Carson-Newman Volleyball Coach Shannon Mincey signs five for 2012

Jefferson City, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head volleyball coach Shannon Mincey announced five additions to the 2012 signing class Friday. Morristown East’s Lindsey Wells, Sabina Papala, Kristina Hill, Kiayna O’Neal and Emily Schultz join Sara Fairley and Kianna Sedlacek rounding out seven newcomers for the 2012 edition of the Eagles spikers.

Jefferson City, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head volleyball coach Shannon Mincey announced five additions to the 2012 signing class Friday.

Morristown East's Lindsey Wells, Sabina Papala, Kristina Hill, Kiayna O'Neal and Emily Schultz join Sara Fairley and Kianna Sedlacek rounding out seven newcomers for the 2012 edition of the Eagles spikers.

Lindsey Wells: Wells is a 5-7 setter from Morristown, Tenn. Wells attended Morristown East High School and played for former Carson-Newman Head Coach Holly Drinnon. While at Morristown East, Wells was tabbed as 2010 & 2011 IMAC District Setter of the year and was an All-Conference selection all four years. Wells led her team to an undefeated senior season and claimed IMAC Conference and District titles as well as a regional appearance.

Wells played for the Phoenix Rising Volleyball Club under Tusculum head coach Michael Robinson. Her athletic efforts did not end with volleyball while at Morristown East; Wells was also a 4-year letter winner in basketball. She was an integral part of a conference, district, regional and sub-state championship team that made an appearance state tournament.

Wells said she picked Carson-Newman because it felt like she was home.

"The atmosphere of the college along with what the school believes in made my decision very easy," Well said. "I truly feel that God has led me to Carson-Newman and I am so excited for the path He has planned for me in the next 4 years.

"Coach Mincey and the girls on the team are all like talking to a family and I can't wait to begin a journey with such an amazing program." Wells was named FCA's Heart of a Champion. She is the daughter of Tom and Tammy Wells. Wells intends to major in nursing.

Sabina Papala: A Laziska Gorne, Poland native, Papala transfers to Carson-Newman from St. John's University in New York. While playing for the Red Storm her sophomore and junior
seasons, the 6-4 middle averaged .86 blocks per set. Papala headshot

In her sophomore year, she registereda career-high 10 blocks, including nine assisted, against Seton Hall (Oct. 24). In the same year, Papala racked up seven kills and a season-high four digs in a five-set win over Connecticut (Oct. 17). Papala spent her freshman season playing for Missouri State West Plains.

"When I came to CN on my visit I felt like this is the place I want to be," Papala said. "I love the team and I'm excited for the next season." Papala will begin her Master's Degree in Business in the fall. Her parents are Lucyna and Leszek Papala.

Kristina Hill: Hill, a 5'6 Libero, is from Lake Orion, Mich., and joined with the Eagles during the
late signing period. Hill played for Bob Howey at Lake Orion High School and also plays for the Legacy Volleyball Club of Rochester, Mich.

While battling for Lake Orion, Hill brought her high school club within inches of a state title, finishing as runners-up. As a result, she earned the Coaches Award and the OAA Sportsmanship Recognition Award. Her Legacy Volleyball Club finished 4^th at the MEQ.

When it came to choosing Carson-Newman, Hill found more than just the campus attractive. "I really liked all of the community service projects that are provided by the school and the beautiful campus," Hill said. Hill will major in Business Management. Her parents are Dean and Kara Hill.

Kiayna O'Neal: O'Neal is a 5-10 middle from Katy, Texas who joined Mincey's club in the late signing period. O'Neal broke her own Seven Lakes High School record for most kills in a
season. She received 1^st and 2^nd team All-District recognition, Academic All-District honors and was selected to the GHVCA All-Star Team. O'Neal plays for the Texas Tornado Volleyball Club based out of Houston Texas.

O'Neal said she already loves her new team. "They welcomed me with open arms, literally," O'Neal said. "Carson-Newman's camaraderie made the atmosphere even greater; having my major was the icing on the cake."

Kiayna wishes to major in communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism/media studies. She is the daughter of David and Kate O'Neal.

Emily Schultz: A 6-2 right-side hitter from Newnan, Ga., Schultz transfers to Carson-Newman from the College of Charleston. Shultz celebrated a two-season 29-3 Southern Conference record with the Cougars. She notched a career high hit percentage of .600 vs. Chicago State while on the CofC team.

Schultz played for St. Pius High School earning All-State honors and a Georgia Senior All-Star selection. She helped lead her high school team to the 2007 Georgia State 4A Final Four and
earned runner-up finish in the 3A Georgia State Tournament the following year. She was named All-Area following her junior and senior seasons and garnered 3-AAA Player of the Year honors following the 2009 season.

Schultz said she picked C-N because of the coaching staff. "Coach Mincey brings (so much) to the program," Schultz said. "I hope to fulfill all of the expectations she has of me, and to provide leadership onto the court as an upperclassmen on top of what already exists. I'm also really excited to be competing with a great group of girls and to be a part of a team who cares about more than just volleyball."

Schultz hails from an athletic family. Her parents Jeff and Sharon Shultz have seen three of their six kids playing collegiate athletics, including Emily. She is currently undecided in major but is leaning toward nursing or exercise science.

-CN-