5/18/2006  -  Summer Grizzell Signs to Play Volleyball at FHU

From the News Herald in Panama City, FL- COLLEGE SIGNING

Summer Grizzell
6'1"
Covenant Christian Volleyball

• Destination: Grizzell has signed a scholarship offer with Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee

• Stats: Grizzell was a basketball standout at Covenant, finishing her career with 1,213 points and 1,553 rebounds. Three-time Captain of the Lady Lions... She helped lead the Lady Lions to two consecutive conference championships, 28-game winning streak in the conference, and 4th and 3rd place finishes in the NACA National Tournament with records of 28-4 and 26-6.

• Worth Noting: An NAIA Division I university, Freed-Hardeman was 21-8 last year and ranked in the top 20 much of the season. ...Grizzell has played volleyball for only three seasons, but she was named a first-team all-conference selection twice and second-team selection once...She was Captain of the volleyball team all three seasons... Grizzell has set school career records in kills (298), service points (339), aces (187), and digs (119)... She likely will move to outside hitter at Freed-Hardeman... Tabbed a two-time first team all-conference in basketball, as well as twice named to the all-tournament team at the national tournament... Summer's father Kenneth Grizzell has been the Covenant Basketball Coach for the last four seasons with a 68-36 record. He coached the first career victory for Covenant basketball and ends his tenure with two consecutive Conference titles and a 28-game Conference winning streak...The Grizzells are moving to Jackson, Tennessee where Kenneth will serve as the Pulpit Minister at the Campbell Street Church of Christ.

• Worth Quoting: : "I'm hoping I get everything down this year so I can play a lot. I know I have a lot to learn, but I know I can do it. I'll try my best." Summer Grizzell

Summer is the daughter of Kenneth and Lori Grizzell.

3/13/2006  -  FHU Volleyball Signs Maryville’s Byrd

Henderson, Tenn. – Freed-Hardeman University has signed Maryville High School’s Resa-Marie Byrd to play collegiate volleyball in the fall.

Byrd, a 5’11 outside hitter at Maryville High School, was named to the Blount County All-Tournament team as well as All-District team in 2004. She also received the “Go To” award from her coaches that year.

“Resa is a player that will help us in many ways offensively,” said FHU’s Head Volleyball Coach Todd Humphry. “She is a very versatile player who will make an impact for our team right away.”

According to coaches Angel Babelay and Carmen Foster, Byrd is a performer both on the court and in the classroom. Having taken honors courses throughout her high school career she is a true student athlete.

Resa-Marie is the daughter of Herbert and Resa Byrd of Maryville, Tennessee.

2/10/2006  -  Hicks Signs Volleyball Letter with FHU

Emily Hicks, a senior at Crowley’s Ridge Academy, signed a letter of intent to play college volleyball at Freed-Hardeman University on Friday, February 3, turning an impressive high school career into a scholarship at one of NAIA’s up-and-coming volleyball programs.

“It’s just a great college, it’s a great Christian environment where I can go and I don’t have to be worried,” Hicks said. “I’m very excited about getting to play college ball.”

“She pushes herself a little bit,” Humphry said. “That’s what we want, we want kids who want to improve each and every day.” But it’s not just mental strength that impresses her new coach, Humphry sees physical tools as well. “She’s very athletic, first of all.” We’ve had her at camp for the last two or three years and we’ve noticed.”

Hicks is the daughter of Marshall and Shari Hicks of Paragould, Arkansas. At Freed-Hardeman she will most likely serve as an outside hitter and defensive specialist.