Nov. 12, 2008
ATLANTA – Monique Mead, a member of the A5 club team that captured the 18U National division title at the 2008 Junior Olympic Championships, has become the third volleyball recruit to commit to Georgia Tech, head coach Bond Shymansky announced Tuesday.
A right side hitter that attends Landmark Christian School, Mead will join Susan Carlson and Jordan Kissman, both of whom have already signed letters of intent, as part of the 2009 Yellow Jacket freshman class.
A detailed look at Georgia Tech’s signees:
MONIQUE MEAD (RS/S, 5-10, Fairburn, Ga./Landmark Christian/A5)
Mead is rated No. 38 on the 2008 PrepVolleyball.com “Senior Aces” list and has a powerful left-handed swing in addition to an extraordinary wingspan. One of the “Top 50 Recruits” for the class of 2009 as published by PrepVolleyball.com in 2007, Mead received all-state honors as a junior and is the only junior volleyball player in state history to play on two national championship club teams. She helped her A5 Mizuno 18 club team to the 18U National division title at the 2008 Junior Olympic Championships as an outside hitter one year after leading her A5 Mizuno 16 squad to the 16U America division title at the 2007 Junior Olympic Championships. Playing on the right side for the 16 Mizuno squad, Mead was named the MVP of the 16U America division at the 2007 Junior Olympic Championships. Mead is a converted left-handed setter than can attack from either side of the court, has the ability to touch 10 feet, and is excellent on the block. She is expected to graduate early and will enroll at Georgia Tech this spring.
Shymansky on Mead: “Monique is such a dynamic athlete and player. Even though she started her playing career as a setter, she has quickly adapted into a hitting and blocking role. Since she is left handed, she is a natural fit for the right side position. I have no doubt about her physical abilities and her opportunity to make a huge impact on our team right away. Since she is graduating high school early and enrolling at Georgia Tech this spring, Mo will have the chance to get a spring season under her belt. That preparation should be a big advantage for our team for the 2009 fall season. Mo is not only athletically talented, but she is also academically gifted. I really appreciate those players in our program who have elevated their mental abilities as well as their physical ones. Finally, Monique has a personality that is equally as dynamic as her athleticism. Since she is an Atlanta native, she will quickly become a hometown favorite as a Yellow Jacket.”
SUSAN CARLSON (OH, 5-11, Pasadena, Calif./Mayfield/SCVC)
Carlson is ranked No. 82 on the 2008 PrepVolleyball.com “Senior Aces” List and plays both indoor and beach volleyball. A member of the 2007 USA Volleyball 15 Open Champion SCVC team, Carlson has also participated on the USA Beach Junior Volleyball 19U training squad. She was the 2008 CIF Area IV Player of the Year after being named to the Pasadena Star-News All-Area first team in 2007 and the CIF Area IV first team as a sophomore in 2006. Carlson is an all-around player on the court with a variety of shots on the offensive side of the ball as well as outstanding passing and defense. She also possesses a big jump serve that complements the rest of her game.
Shymansky on Carlson: “Every coach wants an outside hitter who has a complete game. Susan can pass, dig, hit, block and serve with precision, power and perfection. Her court sense and her volleyball I.Q. will make her an invaluable part of our program and a key to our future success. Her beach volleyball skills have transferred very well to the indoor game. Her movement is easy and efficient, her vision and anticipation is sharp, and her tenacity and work ethic make her a winner. Most of all, Susan is an outgoing and energetic person. She will be a pleasure to have in our volleyball program and provide a boost of excitement.”
JORDAN KISSMAN (S, 5-10, Aurora, Colo./Eaglecrest/Front Range)
Kissman, a finalist for PrepVolleyball.com’s Sophomore of the Year award in 2006, is a two-time state champion from Eaglecrest High School who is listed in the top-250 on PrepVolleyball.com’s 2008 “Senior Aces” list. A two-time Colorado 5A all-state honoree, the setter/outside hitter was tabbed to the Colorado 5A All-Tournament Team and Centennial All-League Team in 2007. Kissman has led her prep team to a No. 4 Century Club ranking, Prepvolleyball.com’s top national high school listing, and Eaglecrest has appeared in the Century Club standings each of the last three seasons with her running its offense.
Shymansky on Kissman: “Jordan is a versatile and gritty volleyball player. Those are two key elements for being successful as a setter. She has shown her ability to lead a team to victory many times during her high school career, and we are expecting her to bring that winning work ethic and attitude to GT. Jordan is fast, strong and smart. She understands offensive systems and is a hard nosed competitor. Jordan has a strong sense of loyalty and commitment and will certainly do whatever is asked to help make the team better. Just like her other 2009 classmates, Jordan is very talented in the classroom. I know that will translate into intelligent play on the court. Jordan will be another key piece to the class of 2009 and the future success of our program.”
