May 19, 2006
Eagles add two walk-ons
EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team announced that 5'9" freshman outside hitter Julia Ridley (Madisonville, Kentucky) and 5'10" freshman outside hitter Jaclyn Johnson (Newburgh, Indiana) will walk-on to play for Head Coach Leah Mercer's Screaming Eagles in 2006.
Ridley is a senior at Madisonville-North Hopkins High School where she has earned seven varsity letters in volleyball and diving. She was an All-State performer in 2005 as well as a Kentucky State All-Tournament performer in 2004 and 2005.
A three-time All-Region performer and MNHHS's record-holder in kills and digs, Ridley also plays for the Evansville River City 18-and-under club team.
Johnson is a senior at Castle High School where she earned three varsity letters in volleyball and softball. She helped lead CHS to SIAC conference championships in 2003 and 2004 as well as four sectional championships.
A two-time All-Conference and All-Metro performer, Johnson posted a school-record as a junior with 318 kills. She was invited to a tryout for the South All-Star team after leading CHS in service aces as a senior. She also was second on the team in kills, digs, and blocks in 2005.
"I am extremely excited about Julia and Jackie joining our team," Mercer said. "They were both very accomplished high school volleyball players as well as all around great athletes. I expect them to make an immediate impact on our team."
Ridley and Johnson join 5'11" setter/right side hitter Kathi Hindman (Carmel, Indiana), 5'10" freshman outside hitter Courtney Bealor (LaPorte, Indiana), and 6'1" right side/middle hitter Ashley Henricks (Greenwood, Indiana) on USI's list of incoming freshman.
Dan McDonnell,
USI Sports Information
