Mincey inks two for volleyball during early signing period
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head volleyball coach Shannon Mincey announced the signing of two players during the early signing period. The Eagles bring 5-9 right-side hitter Jessica Sokol and 5-9 libero Taylor Lowe into the fold for 2013.
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head volleyball coach Shannon Mincey announced the signing of two players during the early signing period. The Eagles bring 5-9 right-side hitter Jessica Sokol and 5-9 libero Taylor Lowe into the fold for 2013.
"I couldn't be more excited to sign such quality young players," Mincey said. "I will continue to recruit and I remain hopeful that we will sign just as strong of players in the April signing period to complete our 2013 squad. I anticipate propelling our volleyball team back on the map as we have been in year's past-competing for an NCAA opportunity."
Jessica Sokol: A 5-9 right-side from Franklin, Tenn., made her early verbal commitment official when she signed a letter of intent to play for the Eagles on November 15.
"Jessie caught my attention during our summer hitter clinic three years ago," Mincey said. "As soon as the camp ended, I asked one of my players to go get that kid (pointing at Jess). I introduced myself and then exclaimed, 'oh by the way I want you to play for me in three years.'
"I remember she just stood there smiling and wasn't quite sure what to say. She visited our school, spent time with our team and spent time with me on a visit. I was elated when she verbally committed early. She will be very dedicated and loyal to our program."
Sokol has been an integral part of the Fred T. Page High School team garnering four district championships, four regional championships, two TSSAA Class AA state championships, and a state runner-up.
"I chose C-N because once I met the Volleyball team, coach and toured the campus, I truly felt like I could call C-N a second home," Sokol said.
The Patriot is a two-time 12-AA all-district and all-tournament selection. Sokol is also a two-time all-regional tournament team member. She was selected co-captain as a junior and senior. Sokol plays for Club West in Nashville, Tenn. under director Jessica Enderle – together they made three national tournament appearances.
"Jessie is a driven athlete and has established a strong relationship with me already," Mincey said. "She will be coachable and willing to provide our team immediate production. She has played right-side however she will be a versatile player who can play either pin-hitting position because of her defensive skills and jumping ability.
"Her potential is strong enough to play both back and front row during conference play so it will be important for me to fit her into our system quickly."
Sokol has maintained a 4.27 GPA and is involved in many extracurricular activities including student council, HOSA, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, United Way and Habitat for Humanity. She attends St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, Tenn., and is the daughter of Mark and Sandra Sokol. She has one brother, Daniel. She plans to major in exercise science at Carson-Newman.
Taylor Lowe: A 5-9 libero from Franklin, Tenn., who verbally committed in the spring of her junior season, made her commitment official on Nov 14. Lowe helped lead her Centennial High School team to a 35-10 record her senior season.
Lowe was a four-year varsity starter, twice selected all-district in the highly competitive District 11-AAA. Lowe was also voted team captain as a junior and a senior. Prior to her senior season, the Cougar was chosen for the 2012-2013 Under Armour High School All-America Watch List..JPG?max_height=424&max_width=636)
"Taylor is the perfect fit for our squad," Mincey said. "She visited Carson-Newman while we were under a tornado watch/lockdown (which is an oddity for Jefferson City). I told her jokingly if she enjoyed her time it can only get better from here because we are never in lockdown. A strong storm ripped through East Tennessee during her visit and our Carson-Newman security handled it professionally keeping all students safe."
Lowe carries a 3.90 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
"I chose to attend Carson-Newman because its Christian environment will allow me to become even more focused on my faith," Lowe said. "It's the right size for me, has a beautiful campus and everyone I've met has been very friendly and welcoming."
"The academic programs offered are excellent. I'm very much looking forward to playing for Coach Mincey and getting to know my new teammates on the volleyball team."
Lowe plays for the Alliance Volleyball Club and has been part of two teams that qualified for Nationals.
"I am very eager to coach Taylor," Mincey said. "Her athletic ability has proven her versatile as she has filled in setting for her team when in need. It will be great to get her under my wing and allow her to shine while playing for Carson-Newman. She has the ability to help us in 2013 and I look forward to seeing her on the court.
Lowe attends St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, Tenn., and is the daughter of Bill and Kathy Lowe; she has one brother Billy Lowe. She plans to major in nursing while at Carson-Newman.
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