Three Top Recruits Sign with Brenau Volleyball

Allie Smith, Courtney Deason, and Chelsea Foster have been added to the Brenau volleyball roster beginning in the Fall of 2013. Smith and Deason are incoming freshman, while Foster is a transfer athlete from Augusta State University.

A talented middle hitter, Allie Smith has decided to make the transition from Pace High School in Pace, Fla., to play for the Golden Tigers volleyball team in 2013. The daughter of Todd and Charisse Smith, Allie began playing volleyball in the 6th grade and fell in love with in from day one. Her high school team had an undefeated record in 2012 and won the district (6A) championship. Allie finished the season with 198 kills and 72 blocks and was named to the All-Area First Team. Smith said that once she visited Brenau, she instantly fell in love with the campus, team, and the coaching style. She felt at home in Gainesville. And the team members made her feel very welcome and a part of the team and community. "I am really excited about going to school and playing ball at Brenau" said Smith. I am looking forward to meeting new people and making wonderful memories there." Allie is planning on a major in business with an emphasis on sport management.

"Allie is exactly the type of player we are looking for at Brenau University" said Coach White. "She is strong in the classroom and a very good volleyball player. Her attitude is great and she always has a smile on her face. We are very excited about Allie's arrival on campus this year."

Courtney Deason of Pensacola, Fla., is hoping to come to Brenau and challenge for the vacant starting setter position left by departing senior setting star Mekenna Cipres. The daughter of Russell and Tabitha Deason, Coutney began playing volleyball when she was 11 years old after watching a high school volleyball match. She especially enjoyed the intensity of the sport displayed during the competition and the unpredictable and fast-paced nature of the game. Deason attends Pensacola Catholic High School where she won District Championships and reached the State Sweet Sixteen in her sophomore season, District Champions and State Elite Eight in her junior season, and Most Valuable Player of the West Division in the Florida State All-Star match in her senior campaign. Deason is intending to major in biology and chose Brenau because the opportunity came at the right time for her. At Brenau, she will have the opportunity to play a sport that she loves and get the education she needs to be successful. The family atmosphere that Brenau offers and the connection she had with everyone when she visited the campus made it the obvious choice. "I look forward to taking advantage of the opportunity I have been given at Brenau" said Deason. "I cannot wait to continue my volleyball career under Coach White, while studying at such a renowned college."

"Courtney epitomizes what it means to be a Brenau woman. She is an excellent student, a top athlete, and a young woman of high character. We are lucky to have Courtney as a student-athlete at Brenau University" said Coach White.

Transfer athlete Chelsea Foster has decided to make the transition from Division II Augusta State University to Brenau University and continue her education, while playing volleyball for the Golden Tigers. Chelsea comes in as a junior libero and will strengthen our defensive capabilities in the back row and raise the overall intensity in the gym. Originally from Johns Creek, Ga., the daughter of Wyatt and Beverly Foster became interested in volleyball when she was 8 years old and started going to summer camps. When she watched her older sister play high school volleyball while growing up, she decided to make a commitment to playing the sport she began to love. While at Centennial High School, Foster was named team MVP in 2007, All Area in 2009, and earned the Coach's Award in 2010. An excellent student, Foster was named to the Dean's List in every semester while attending Augusta State and the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll Gold Scholar this past 2012 season. Chelsea plans to major in business management at Brenau and has recently become part of the Phi Mu fraternity soon after enrolling in the spring 2013 semester. Chelsea ultimately decided to attend Brenau due to the proximity to her family and her desire to play volleyball for Coach White. Foster exclaims, "I am very excited to play volleyball at Brenau!"

"Chelsea is an intelligent and energetic person who will bring a new intensity and work ethic to the Brenau volleyball program. She is an excellent student, hard worker, and fantastic defensive player. I have known Chelsea for several years and we are lucky to have her as a Golden Tiger" said Coach White.