Volleyball

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Howard women's volleyball team has announced the signings of three recruits for the 2008 season. Gabrielle Martin (Stockton, Calif.), Taylor Johnson (San Antonio, Texas) and Jiya Brown (Santa Ana, Calif.) will join the Lady Bison on the court next fall.

"We are adding a solid three to the mix," Head Coach Orlando Larracuente said. "They will all compliment our returning core of players."

Martin is a 5-11 middle/outside and was the team leader in kills and blocks at St. Mary's High School. She garnered first team all-league honors, was named the league MVP and led St. Mary's to the Northern California Finals. Martin was named the 2007 Player of the Year by The Record, a local newspaper in the Stockton area.

"Gabi is a very explosive athlete and a great leaper with the ability to play middle or outside," Larracuente said. "I expect her to develop into a premier attacker in our conference. We are fortunate to land an athlete of Gabi's caliber."

Johnson, a 5-11 middle, leads MacArthur High School in blocks and ranks second on the team in kills. She was named Second Team All-District and also received Academic All-District honors.

"Taylor will bring depth to our already strong middle blocker position," said Larracuente. "She fits right in with our ability to dominate the net. Taylor could very well develop into an all around performer, possibly switching to outside hitter in the future."

Brown, a two year starter at Mater Dei High School, is a 5-8 outside hitter who can play any position. "Jiya has the tools to challenge for a starting job as a freshman," Larracuente said. "She has played volleyball and trained in the hotbed of the sport [Southern California]. She has been exposed to a high level volleyball for some time now and I expect her to contribute in a big way."