EL PASO, Texas -- With just 10 weeks to recruit, UTEP head volleyball coach Scott Swanson had his work cut out for him.
His efforts came to fruition, as Swanson signed four players to national letters of intent, including one two-time junior college All-American.
Swanson's first recruiting class consists of two high school seniors -- Heather Brisnahan and Kari Stacy -- and two junior college transfers, Brittney Jo Bingham and Shawna Tiffin.
"The overall (recruiting) class is going to help us raise our level of play immediately," said Swanson. "These four young ladies have proven that they are well-rounded people, as well as sound volleyball players."
Brisnahan, a 5-11 middle blocker from Mission, Texas, played at Sharyland High School, where she led the Rattlers to the District 32-4A title with a 24-7 record in 2001. Brisnahan was named the District 32-4A most valuable player, as well as All-Rio Grande Valley and All-Area.
"Heather is an exceptional athlete," said Swanson. "She can contribute as a freshman right away. I feel like Heather is going to help us tremendously with our offense."
Bingham, a 6-0 rightside hitter from Mesa, Ariz., earned All-ACCAC honors this past season, after leading Scottsdale Community College to a 31-8 record and a No. 10 NJCAA national ranking. Prior to Scottsdale, Bingham was an all-state hitter at Mesa (Ariz.) Westwood High School.
"Brittney Jo will make an immediate impact due to her size and athleticism," said Swanson. "She can play any hitting position on the court and has the potential to be an All-WAC performer."
Stacy, a 5-11 leftside hitter from Duncan, Ariz., is a three-sport athlete, who was a two-time All-State selection and a four-time All-Area selection at Duncan High School. Stacy was also selected to the Arizona High Performance Team last summer.
"Kari is another exceptional athlete who will challenge for an outside hitting position as a freshman," added Swanson. "She jumps quickly off the floor and has a fast arm swing."
Tiffin, a 5-9 setter from Amarillo, Texas, was a two-time All-American at Garden City Community College, where she led the Broncbusters to a 35-17 record and a No. 13 NJCAA national ranking. Tiffin leaves Garden City as the all-time assists leader with 3,052, averaging 11.3 assists per game for her career. Prior to Garden City, Tiffin was an all-state setter at Amarillo Tascosa High School.
"Shawna has a high level of volleyball experience as a two-time junior college All-American and looks to challenge for a starting spot as a setter," said Swanson.
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