The University of Mississippi Athletics
Volleyball Inks Four To Program
12/3/2002 | Volleyball
Dec. 3, 2002
OXFORD, Miss. - Kristin Carroll of Homewood, Ala., Jillian Ohrman of Independence, Mo., Jaclyn Toohey of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas and Clarissa Walker of North Port, Fla., have signed a national letter of intent to join the Ole Miss volleyball program beginning with the 2003-04 academic year, head coach Joe Getzin announced Tuesday.
"We are extremely excited about this class," Getzin said. "They bring a great mix of athleticism and volleyball experience. A versatile class, they can play several different roles on the team. We are looking forward to getting them here in August. This is a solid nucleus to continue building the program in the right direction."
Carroll, a 6-1 right side hitter/middle blocker, earned three varsity letters in volleyball and basketball at Homewood High School. This past season, she helped lead her team to the 5A Alabama High School State Volleyball Championships Final Four as well as the Area 6 Championship and Region B Championship. For her efforts, Carroll was named to the class 5A All-Tournament Team. Carroll was twice (2000, 2001) named to the Alabama Coaches' Association All-State second team while leading her team to a runner-up finish as a sophomore and an elite eight appearance as a junior.
"Kristen's enthusiasm is contagious," Getzin said. "She has improved tremendously in the past year, and we are looking forward to working with her."
Ohrman, a 5-11 middle blocker was a four-year varsity letterwinner in volleyball at William Chrisman High School as well as a three-year letterwinner in track and field . She earned All-District honors all four years and All-Conference first team honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. In addition, Ohrman received All-Area second team honors her sophomore year and first team honors her junior and senior years. She shattered her high school record for career blocks with 288, breaking the previous record of 209. This week Ohrman was named to the Missouri/Kansas All-Star team. Off the court, Ohrman is an outstanding student-athlete. This past season, she was named to the Missouri All-State Academic Volleyball Team. She currently ranks third in her class and is a member of the "A" Honor Roll the past three years and the National Honor Society.
"Jillian brings a competitive side, and as I mentioned above, experience and versatility," Getzin said. "She can play three spots on the floor for us."
Toohey, a 5-10 outside hitter, lettered four years at Boerne High School. She recently earned All-State third team honors. Toohey received first team All-District honors in 2001 and 2002 and second team honors her freshman and sophomore years. She was named team MVP in 2001 and 2002. Off the court, Toohey made the Academic All-District team her sophomore, junior and senior years.
"Jaclyn possesses the highest level of volleyball experience of this class," Getzin said. "She is a very feisty competitor, and we can't wait to get her on the floor."
Walker earned four letters in volleyball, two in basketball and three in track and field at Venice High School. As a 6-2 middle blocker, Walker helped lead her team to the district championship in 1999, 2000 and 2002. She earned All-State honors in 2001 as well as being named to the All-Area first team. This past season Walker was named the team MVP and selected to the All Star Team. Walker ranks second all-time in her high school in blocks and eighth in hitting.
"In Clarissa, we get size in the middle," Getzin said. "She comes from an established high school program out of Florida."
Ole Miss finished its first season under Getzin with a 11-17 record including a season sweep over arch-rival Mississippi State.