University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Volleyball Adds Two for 2018 During Signing Period
11/9/2017 7:07:00 PM | Volleyball
Texas natives Kelsey Bennett (Allen HS) and Desiree Johnson (Forney HS) to bolster Ragin' Cajuns outside/right side hitters group
LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Volleyball head coach Heather Mazeitis-Fontenot announced on Thursday the signing of two players to a National Letter of Intent for the 2018 season.
Signing with the Ragin' Cajuns is outside hitter Kelsey Bennett (Allen, Texas/Allen HS) and right side hitter Desiree Johnson (Forney, Texas/Forney HS).
Bennett, a 5-foot-11 product of Allen (Texas) High, has helped lead the Eagles to a district title in 2016 and a runner-up finish in the highly competitive District 6-6A. An Academic All-District and AP Honor Roll selection, she presently ranks second on the team in total kills and averages 2.5 per set.
A 6-rotation outside hitter, Bennett competes at the club level for Excel Volleyball Club in the North Texas Region, having served as Excel 17 Red Team captain in 2017 helping lead the team to a No. 38 ranking in the Prep Volleyball national club rankings. She was named to the 2017 GJNC National Division All-Tournament team.
"She is truly a gifted player," Mazeitis-Fontenot stated. "She sees the court well as has a high volleyball IQ. We are very excited that she is coming to us."
Johnson, a 5-foot-11 lefty out of Forney (Texas) High School, played at the club level with MadFrog Volleyball. She is a six-year volleyball player who is entering her third year playing on the national level.
Johnson's high school accolades include being named Newcomer of the Year in 2014 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2016. She produced 168 kills her freshman season, then 200-plus as a sophomore (346 kills) and junior (265) while hitting above .300 both years. She entered her senior season on the verge of 1,000 career kills (total stood at 779).
"She has long arms, large hands and adds to the athleticism of our squad," Mazeitis-Fontenot said of Johnson. "She is currently touching 10'3 and will be an exciting player to watch."
The Ragin' Cajuns (19-9, 12-2 Sun Belt) are enjoying a record-breaking season in 2017. The squad started Sun Belt play with a record 7-0 mark, posted the first winning conference mark since 2002 and has set the school record for SBC wins (previous was 11 in 2000). The team will play for the Sun Belt Conference West Division championship on Friday, Nov. 10 in San Marcos, Texas.
For more information on Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Volleyball, as well as all of Ragin' Cajuns Athletics, visit RaginCajuns.com. Fans can also follow along with the team on Facebook (/ULVolleyball), Twitter (@RaginCajunsVB) and Instagram (@RaginCajunsVB).
Signing with the Ragin' Cajuns is outside hitter Kelsey Bennett (Allen, Texas/Allen HS) and right side hitter Desiree Johnson (Forney, Texas/Forney HS).
Bennett, a 5-foot-11 product of Allen (Texas) High, has helped lead the Eagles to a district title in 2016 and a runner-up finish in the highly competitive District 6-6A. An Academic All-District and AP Honor Roll selection, she presently ranks second on the team in total kills and averages 2.5 per set.A 6-rotation outside hitter, Bennett competes at the club level for Excel Volleyball Club in the North Texas Region, having served as Excel 17 Red Team captain in 2017 helping lead the team to a No. 38 ranking in the Prep Volleyball national club rankings. She was named to the 2017 GJNC National Division All-Tournament team.
"She is truly a gifted player," Mazeitis-Fontenot stated. "She sees the court well as has a high volleyball IQ. We are very excited that she is coming to us."
Johnson, a 5-foot-11 lefty out of Forney (Texas) High School, played at the club level with MadFrog Volleyball. She is a six-year volleyball player who is entering her third year playing on the national level.Johnson's high school accolades include being named Newcomer of the Year in 2014 and Offensive Player of the Year in 2016. She produced 168 kills her freshman season, then 200-plus as a sophomore (346 kills) and junior (265) while hitting above .300 both years. She entered her senior season on the verge of 1,000 career kills (total stood at 779).
"She has long arms, large hands and adds to the athleticism of our squad," Mazeitis-Fontenot said of Johnson. "She is currently touching 10'3 and will be an exciting player to watch."
The Ragin' Cajuns (19-9, 12-2 Sun Belt) are enjoying a record-breaking season in 2017. The squad started Sun Belt play with a record 7-0 mark, posted the first winning conference mark since 2002 and has set the school record for SBC wins (previous was 11 in 2000). The team will play for the Sun Belt Conference West Division championship on Friday, Nov. 10 in San Marcos, Texas.
For more information on Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Volleyball, as well as all of Ragin' Cajuns Athletics, visit RaginCajuns.com. Fans can also follow along with the team on Facebook (/ULVolleyball), Twitter (@RaginCajunsVB) and Instagram (@RaginCajunsVB).
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