MOREHEAD, Ky. – A pair of standout athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Morehead State volleyball program. Head Coach Jaime Gordon announced the additions of Courtney Smith (Bowling Green, Ky.) and Hannah Sigala (Liberty Township, Ohio) this week.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have Courtney and Hannah joining our family,” said Gordon. “They are tremendous volleyball players, students, and most importantly people of high character. On the court they each bring a high level of physicality and athleticism. They are explosive and powerful, and play with a tremendous amount of passion and energy. Our fans will enjoy cheering them on and seeing them in the Blue and Gold.”
Smith, a 6-0 outside hitter, led Greenwood High School to the Kentucky state championship match this year, helping GHS become the first public school in state history to reach a volleyball title match. She was a three-time All-State honoree and was twice named the Region IV Player of the Year. She was named District Tournament MVP in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and was the Region IV Tournament MVP in 2009 and 2011. Smith holds school career records for kills (2,126), digs (1,312) and aces (379) and also holds school single-season marks for kills and digs.
She also plays for the Alliance Club, based in Franklin, Tenn., and helped her 2009 16’s team become the first club team from Tennessee to qualify for the open level national tournament. Smith was also named First-Team Academic All-State three times.
“Courtney is an exceptional volleyball player that has worked so hard to be where she is today,” said Gordon. “She understands success both on and off the court. She is the kind of person that will do whatever it takes to help her teammates. As an attacker, I think Courtney will become a strong addition to our core of pin players. She hits a very heavy ball which is important in our conference. She has become a student of the game and is a sponge when it comes to learning.”
Sigala, a 6-1 middle blocker, lettered three years at Lakota East High School and was named All-Greater Miami Conference in 2010. She was coached at LEHS by former MSU setter Casie Garland. She served as team captain in 2011 even though she sat out due to an injury. She was selected to participate in the Senior Showcase All-Star Match and has also been nominated for the Under Armour All-American Watch List.
In addition, she plays for the Elevation Sports Express club program where she suits up for the U17 national team.
“Hannah is going to be the next in line of high-flying players for MSU,” said Gordon. “She will be the fourth player on our roster touching over 10 feet which gives us a great presence in the middle. Her attitude and passion is infectious, and is a great fit for Morehead State. She is extremely quick and can get off the ground in a hurry.”
Gordon believes the addition of Smith and Sigala will enhance MSU’s already-strong volleyball tradition.
“I can’t wait to get these two in the gym and start coaching them,” he said. “They are so much fun to be around and are going to develop into some impressive volleyball players. The Eagle Nation can be very proud to have these two joining the MSU Family. They will represent Morehead in a first-class manner in everything they do.”
