FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Fullerton women's volleyball team has added five student-athletes for the 2015 season, head coach Ashley Preston announced Tuesday.
Megann Delgado, J'nai Higgins, Summer Kerins, Jerephina Leilua, Kandace Thomas all hail from California and will begin their careers with the Titans at the beginning of the 2015-16 academic school year.
"I think we have laid a foundation with the 2015 recruiting class and I am excited about the future of Titans volleyball," Preston said.
Megann Delgado | 6-1 | RS | Lakewood High School | Lakewood, Calif.
A 2015 graduate of Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Calif., Delgado was a four-year varsity letter (2011-14) for head coach Mike Wadley and competed as a middle-blocker for the Lancers in the Moore League. Delgado is a three-time first-team All-Moore League selection and was decorated with several accolades her senior season including both All-Moore League and team most valuable player, Press Telegram Dream Team member, team captain, and was named to the academic honor roll.
Ashley Preston Comments: Megann has a tremendous volleyball IQ from playing at such a high level both in high school and club. Her knowledge will make her an effective pin hitter.
J'nai Higgins | 5-6 | S/DS | Mater Dei High School | Mission Viejo, Calif.
Higgins joins Cal State Fullerton after graduating from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif. While competing with the Monarchs under head coach Dan O'Dell, Higgins was a setter and defensive specialist and was named second-team Trinity League and Defensive Player of the Year her senior season.
Ashley Preston Comments: J'nai plays for one of the top club teams in Southern California. She is a spark on any team she competes on and will add depth to the setting position.
Summer Kerins | 6-2 | MB | Aliso Niguel High School | Laguna Niguel, Calif.
A 2015 graduate of Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo, Calif., Kerins was a two-year varsity letter (2013, 2014) for head coach Peter Butler and the Wolverines. Kerins competed as a middle-blocker and was named second-team All-Sea View as a senior, capturing a Sea View League Championship with a .458 hitting percentage and a season-high 89 blocks. In the classroom, the native of Laguna Niguel, Calif. was a recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award for two consecutive years, in addition to being an AP Scholar.
Ashley Preston Comments: Summer is a true student-athlete. She has a tremendous work ethic and works just as hard in the classroom as she does on the court.
Jerephina Leilua | 5-10 | OH | Mira Costa High School | Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Leilua, a native of Mahattan Beach, Calif. led the Mira Costa High School volleyball program to a 27-8 overall record. The outside-hitter helped the Mustangs to a 9-2 mark in conference play and will join the Titans for the beginning of the 2015-16 academic school year.
Ashley Preston Comments: 'Phina' is a great student-athlete with a tough competitive spirit. She will contribute as a pin hitter in the back row.
Kandace Thomas | 5-11 | MB | Coppin State University | Carson, Calif.
Thomas joins the Titans as a transfer from Coppin State University after three seasons. In her junior season with the Eagles, the Carson, Calif. native was named to the MEAC All-Tournament team, All-MEAC second-team and to the UMBC All-Tournament team. Thomas was also selected to the All-MEAC Academic Team and helped Coppin State advance to the MEAC semifinals for the second consecutive season. The middle-blocker led the team and was third in the conference in hitting percentage (.333), second on the squad in blocks (60) and third in kills (227). The Carson, Calif. native averaged 2.01 kills, 0.64 digs and 0.53 blocks per set en route to inking herself as the all-time program leader in hitting percentage during the season. Thomas will also be pursuing her masters degree at Cal State Fullerton.
Ashley Preston Comments: Kandace was a standout student-athlete at Coppin State University. She's a quick middle who will bring experience on the court.
