Volleyball Inks a Pair of Student-Athletes for Next season

Nov. 13, 2008

KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island women's volleyball team inked a pair of student-athletes for the 2009 season as Sydney Danner and Annie Nelson each signed National Letters of Intent on Thursday.

"We are very excited to have both of these girls come to Rhode Island," head coach Bob Schneck said. "We feel both of these girls will be able to make an immediate impact on our program."

Danner comes to URI following a decorated high school career at Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, Kan.

"Sydney is certainly one of the taller girls we have recruited in a while and hope she can make an immediate impact," Schneck said.

The Kansas native was selected All-Sunflower League in each of her four years at SMEHS earning Honorable Mention as a freshman, Second-Team as a sophomore and junior and First-Team honors as a senior.

Danner also helped the Lancers to a pair of Kansas Class 6A Sub-State runner-up titles during her freshman and sophomore seasons. As a junior, Danner's helped guide SMEHS to a perfect league record and the Kansas 6A State Championship.

Nelson will join the squad after serving as a four-year starting setter at Rockford Lutheran High School in Rockford, Ill. In addition, Nelson spent four years as the squad's floor captain.

"Annie is one of the most athletic, dynamically trained setters we have recruited in a long time," Schneck said. "She is good enough to challenge for a starting position next year."

During her freshman campaign, Nelson helped RLHS win the Big Northern West Regional Championship. Following her rookie season, Nelson would go on to earn First-Team all conference honors during her sophomore, junior and senior seasons.

Danner and Nelson also competed in club volleyball. Danner played for the KC Power, while Nelson was a member of the Sky High Volleyball club.

Danner was coached by Scott Dowis, while Nelson was coached by Abby Jenkins.