Bulldogs Sign Four In Star-Studded Class
November 13, 2008 | Volleyball
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb athletics department, in conjunction with head volleyball coach Chris Phillips, has announced the signing of four student-athletes for the upcoming season.
Dominique Bray, Molly Rhyne, Melissa Richie and Carolina Solano-Bloodworth will all enroll at Gardner-Webb in the fall of 2009.
"We are real happy with this class," Phillips said. "This is an energetic class that will mix very well with the rising sophomores on our team. It is a high-energy group. Everyone's mechanics are there, and we feel good about that. The group will fit in nicely with our returners."
Bray is a 5-9 outside hitter and setter, who comes to Gardner-Webb from Cold Spring, Ky. A three-year letterwinner at Cavary Christian, Bray was a two-time team MVP. During her senior season, she was named MVP of the Spike Tournament while also being named to the Scott Tournament all-tournament team. The Wendy's H.S. Heisman finalist earned a spot on the 34th district all-tournament team as a junior. During her junior campaign, Bray was named to the Northern Kentucky Coach's Association second team in addition to making the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference all-star team. Bray guided her club team to an outstanding 67-6 record over her four years in high school.
"Dominique is very strong and athletic," Phillips said. She can play a lot of different spots and can be used wherever she is needed. We are really comfortable with her coming in because she is so versatile."
Rhyne is a 5-11 outside hitter who hails from nearby Statesville, N.C. A four-year letterwinner at North Iredell H.S., Rhyne was a two-time North Piedmont Conference Player of the Year. A three-year all-conference selection, Rhyne garnered first-team all-county honors on two occasions while also picking up team MVP honors twice. Rhyne guided her squad through the conference slate undefeated as a senior, helping the team win the conference and regional title. Her first three seasons with North Iredell, Rhyne led the team to the third round in the state playoffs and two conference titles.
"Molly brings a lot of energy to the court," Phillips said. "She is pretty laid back with her personality, but is excitable as a player. She loves to bring in her teammates and doesn't panic if things aren't going well. Molly is very sure and confident of herself and her team. She is a wonderful type of player to bring in."
Richie is a 5-10 outside hitter from Rice Lake, Wisconsin. A standout at Rice Lake H.S., Richie earned first-team all-conference accolades as a junior after picking up honorable mention all-conference honors as a sophomore. She also earned all-tournament team honors at the Wisconsin Sprawl Tournament her junior and senior seasons. In 2008, Rice guided her Minnesota North club team to the National Tournament.
"Melissa is a solid player," Phillips said. "She is fundamentally sound and is a great passer. Melissa hits the ball well and is a great team leader. She is used to carrying her high school team and comes in with that aspect, which means she has a lot of confidence."
Solano-Bloodworth, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, is a three-year letterwinner at The Woodlands College Park H.S. A 5-10 right side hitter, Solano-Bloodworth led the district in block assists her senior season while helping her school to a district title. Solano-Bloodworth has helped her team climb to fifth in the polls in the Houston area. As a junior, she guided her squad to the bi-district championship. Solano-Bloodworth led her club team to a third-place finish at the President's Day Classic in 2007 and a fifth-place effort at the Lonestar Regionals in 2007. Her team also placed fifth at the Northern Lights tournament in 2008.
"Carolina is a left-handed player that plays the right side," Phillips said. "She has great court sense and hits the ball well. Carolina has good hands and is there for the block. She will add a different dimension on the team because she's left handed. Playing for a good club team, she'll be ready when she comes in. Carolina has a tremendous work ethic.
As excited about the incoming class as Phillips is, she and the
rest of the Bulldogs will look to end the regular season on a
winning note at High Point on Saturday before turning their
attention to the Big South Conference tournament.
