FLORENCE
– The University of North Alabama volleyball
team has added a pair of in-state early
signees for the 2010 recruiting class. Prep
standouts Caroline Neisler and Hope Rayburn
have signed National Letters of Intent to
play for the Lions next fall.
Neisler is a two-time Class 4A, All-State
selection from Jacksonville High School. She
helped lead the JHS Eagles to back-to-back
state championships in 2007 and 2008 before
finishing as state runner-up last season.
“Caroline is a very talented athlete with
all around strong skills and ball control,”
said UNA head volleyball coach Stephanie
Radecki. “She is definitely the type of
athlete that our program needs and will
immediately make our team stronger.”
The defensive specialist was also named to
the Alabama High School Athletic Association
(AHSAA) state all- tournament team her
senior year and was also a two-time
all-region and all-area selection.
Rayburn was a setter and right side at
Springville High School last season. She was
also a first team All-State selection after
leading the Tigers to an appearance in the
Elite Eight round of the Class 5A state
playoffs.
“Hope is a versatile setter who has the
ability to attack the ball and run a
consistent offense,” added Radecki.
“We are excited to add her to the long list
of talented setters that have been a part of
our program.”
The season capped an impressive career for
Rayburn, who was a three-time all-area and
all-county selection.
She also earned county MVP honors as a
junior and senior. Her senior season, she
finished with 225 kills, 112 service aces,
360 digs and 590 assists.
“If our program continues to add players
like Caroline and Hope, I am confident that
we will be able to find success both
academically and athletically,” Radecki
said. “We are truly lucky that they both
chose UNA as a place to pursue their goals
and further their careers.”
