MOBILE, Ala. ? University of South Alabama volleyball head coach Nicole Keshock announced Wednesday that Olivia Mohler (Vancleave, Miss) and Allegra Pratt (Fort Worth, Texas) have each signed a national letter-of-intent to play for the Jaguars in 2009.
“Both Olivia and Allegra are tremendous athletes,” Keshock said of the two signees. “When they both came on their visits, they just really fit in well with our team and seemed like they were already a part of it.”
Mohler, a 6-2 middle blocker, recorded 230 kills, 68 total blocks, 47 service aces and 29 assists as a senior at Vancleave High School in Vancleave, Miss. Over the past three seasons, Mohler has helped lead VHS to three-straight district championships and consecutive Final Four appearances each of the last two seasons. She has also garnered South All-State honors and was selected to The Sun Herald All-Star team during her prep career.
“We think Olivia will be able to step in right away and contribute at the middle blocker position, especially with the graduation of Brittney (Blackwelder),” Keshock said of Mohler.
Mohler selected USA after being recruited by Jacksonville University and Mississippi State among others.
Pratt, a 6-0 right side/outside hitter, has started for North Crowley High School in Fort Worth, Texas ever since her sophomore season. During her sophomore and junior seasons, Pratt saw most of her time at the middle blocker position, but this past season was moved to the outside hitter spot.
“Allegra has played all three front row positions during her high school career and we feel that will be a tremendous help to our team,” Keshock said. “She gives us more depth up front and I think that she has unlimited potential and will have a chance to compete for a starting position.”
She has been an Academic All-District selection for the Panthers since her freshman season.
“I’m very excited to sign with South Alabama,” Pratt said when reached by phone. “When I came on my official visit, all the players made me feel very welcome and I got along great with them. That was really what set South Alabama apart from the rest of my visits.”
Pratt plans on majoring in psychology at USA.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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