Gardner-Webb Signs Three For 2016 Season
November 18, 2015 | Volleyball
BOILING SPRINGS --- Gardner-Webb received a trio of official commitments in the early signing period, officially welcoming its first three members of the 2016 recruiting class after the signing of Hannah Lancaster (Gaffney, S.C.), Molly Johnston (Lubbock, Texas) and Jasmine Patin (Spartanburg, S.C.) Wednesday.
Lancaster joins the Runnin' Bulldogs from nearby Gaffney High School, where she was named to the all-region team after totaling 193 kills and hitting .323 as a senior. The Gaffney native served as team captain this season while also posting 78 service aces and 43 blocks.
"Hannah is an incredibly hard worker, reminding me of 2013 alumnus Amanda Murphy with her play in the middle," praised head coach Leo Sayles. "She has an incredible testimony of perseverance through difficulty that clearly shows her determination, diligence and commitment as a player and a person."
Lancaster put both her serving and blocking skills on display over the past two seasons at Gaffney, posting 99 blocks – including 31 solo stuffs – while tallying an impressive 150 service aces in 180 sets played. The 5-foot-11 middle blocker played a key role with her AAU team as well, helping her Upwards Stars squad capture the 2015 AAU National Championship.
"I had the privilege of watching her Upwards Volleyball team claim the AAU National Championship, and loved to see her fighting spirit and team-first attitude on the floor," continued Sayles. "Her faith and work ethic make her a great fit with our program and our university. We are excited to work with her and develop her abilities in the middle to their fullest potential."
Johnston comes to Gardner-Webb all the way from Lubbock, Texas, where she starred at Trinity Christian School in both volleyball and track and field. The 5-foot-11 outside hitter earned numerous awards, including District Offensive Player of the Year honors and a spot on the all-state tournament team this season.
"Molly is a strong athlete, and is still realizing her potential as an volleyball player," said Sayles. "She has played both outside hitter and right side, but we believe she is best suited for the outside at our level. She has grown tremendously just this past year, emerging as a critical go-to hitter and leader for her 2015 State Championship team."
Johnston recorded some impressive totals over the past two seasons at Trinity Christian, amassing 696 kills, 158 blocks and 65 aces while hitting .290 as a senior. The Lubbock, Texas native recently led Trinity Christian to its second straight state championship.
"Molly will be a solid outside hitter for us with her explosiveness, a fast arm, and solid blocking skills," continued Sayles. "She is a tremendous fit at GWU, is strong academically and expresses her faith with confidence."
Patin dons the Red and Black following a successful prep career at Boiling Springs High School in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. The 5-foot-5 defensive specialist earned all-conference honors in 2012 and is also an outstanding student with number scholastic awards to her credit, including USCA Scholar and Junior Scholar.
"Jasmine is a fine athlete with an outstanding attitude and solid skills," praised Sayles. "We were pleased with her passing and defensive skills when we worked with her last year at camp, and loved her attitude on and off the floor. We believe she will be able to contribute well to our defensive core throughout her career and will be a blessing to both the team and our university."
Patin is the daughter of current women's basketball assistant coach Ralph Patin III and is a long-standing member of the National Honors Society. The Spartanburg native saw limited action on the court this season, totaling 60 service aces in 63 sets played while also posting 43 digs.
