June 27, 2008
Smedley adds Texas outside-hitter duo
LAWTON, Oklahoma (June 27) – Aggie volleyball head coach Brianne Smedley this week revealed the signing of two talented outside hitters from Texas, in a move that all but completes her 2008 roster. Fresh out of high school, Cameron’s newest additions are Adrienne Lawson of The Colony, and GraShawna (Shawna) Briscoe of Duncanville. Both players are offensive standouts on the outside, although Briscoe also plays as right-side hitter.
“Both of these girls have had great training at both the high school and club levels,” Coach Smedley said. “That training is really going to benefit them at this level of collegiate volleyball, especially coming in as freshmen.”
Adrienne Lawson is 5’8” outside hitter who graduated from The Colony High School this spring. She was a three-year letter-winner on the Cougars, and started two years at the institution. Last season she was named to the All-District First Team as well as to the Dean’s List and All-Academic Team, and led her team to the District 9, 4-A State Playoffs.
In the 2006 season Lawson also led her team to the postseason, and was named to the All-District Second Team. Additionally, she was awarded the Most Improved Player Award by her school’s coaching staff. During her sophomore season she was named the MVP of the squad, as well as the team’s best hitter. In her freshman campaign of 2004 she was named the Most Improved Player.
“Adrienne is going to bring a lot of speed and athleticism to our team,” Coach Smedley said. “I know she received a lot of experience playing multiple positions for various club teams, so I’m excited to see what her versatility can bring to the team.”
As Coach Smedley mentioned, Lawson was very active in the club volleyball scene. Last season she played on the Dallas Synergy 18-National club. A year before that she competed with the Conquerors Volleyball Club.
When Lawson begins her schooling at Cameron this fall, she will be a freshman studying medical technology.
CU’s other signee is the 6’1” Shawna Briscoe, who finished high school at Duncanville High School in May. Prior to her senior season at DHS, Briscoe competed at Molina High School (Dallas).
Although she will be suiting up for only the Aggie volleyball team next season, Briscoe is a very talented two-sport athlete. In high school she was a three-year letter winner in both volleyball and basketball, and started her final three seasons in volleyball and her final two in basketball.
Last season Briscoe was given her team’s Most Valuable Blocker award and was also named to the All-District First Team. In 2006, she was named to the All-District Second Team, and in 2005 she was named her teams’ Newcomer of the Year.
“Obviously at 6’1” Shawna is going to bring great height to our team,” Coach Smedley said. “What I really liked about her was the strength behind her swing and her block, I’m anxious to use that power on either the outside or the right-side.”
Like Lawson, Briscoe also was a standout in the club volleyball ranks. Last season she competed as a member of the Texas Advantage (TAV) 18-Advantage club, of which Coach Smedley is an alumni. Briscoe also played on the Texas Assault and Dallas Starling club teams.
Briscoe will begin her collegiate career this fall at CU as a freshman education science major.
As mentioned above, these two volleyball signings just about complete the 2008 Aggie volleyball roster.
“I’m going to keep my eye out for a transfer player or a player to add to the sophomore class,” Coach Smedley said. “But other than that I’m excited about this team’s potential in the 2008 season.”
The Aggies begin the exhibition portion of their season with the annual Black and Gold Scrimmage, scheduled for August 23, at 3:00pm in the Aggie Gym. Regular season action begins when the team travels to Russellville, Arkansas, to compete in the Arkansas Tech University Tournament from August 29-30.