Women's Volleyball News & Awards

UC Clermont Volleyball Signs Western Brown Setter

May 6, 2009 – Mt. Orab, Ohio  The UC Clermont volleyball team has signed another outstanding player for the 2009 season.  Courtney Davis, a 5’7” setter from Western Brown High School, has agreed to join the Cougars this autumn.

Davis has been the primary setter for Coach Heather Cooper’s Bronco varsity the last three seasons.  She was the team’s Most Valuable Player this past year.  Davis also earned Second Team – Southern Buckeye Conference (SBC) honors in 2006 and First Team – SBC honors in 2007 & 2008.  In addition, she was named Honorable Mention All-City by the Cincinnati Enquirer in 2008. 

Davis holds Western Brown school records in several categories.  She has the most assists both in a season and a career, as well as the most service aces in a career.

Besides her four years of high school experience, Davis also has an equal amount of Junior Olympic club volleyball experience.  She has played for Greater Miami VBC, Lineshot VBC and Brown County VBC.

Davis also strives to succeed in the classroom.  She is a member of the National Honor Society at her high school.

Clermont Head Coach Joe Harpring has pursued Davis for two years and is excited to add her to the Cougar squad.  “Courtney has run a very potent Western Brown offense for the past three years,” said Harpring.  “She has also gained valuable experience setting a multiple offense with her club teams and is comfortable using audibles during play.  She will be a fantastic addition and I’m absolutely thrilled to be getting such a good kid from a great family.”

2009 Spring Volleyball Round Robin a Success

April 4, 2009 – Richmond, Indiana   The UC Clermont volleyball team finished spring practice with their participation in the Earlham College Invitational.  The event featured a round robin format with matches against several regional NCAA Division III programs.  In addition to host Earlham, opponents included Principia College (IL), Hanover College (IN) and Blufton University (OH).

The Cougars fared quite well in this spring event with an overall game record of 6-8.  Clermont got off to a slow start against Principia as they dusted off the cobwebs from the off-season.  They found their game, however, during the matches against Hanover and Blufton – at one point winning five of seven games.  

UC Clermont’s results show the continued growth of the volleyball program.  The Cougars went head-to-head with two respected members of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) and more than held their own.

The Cougars got an extra special treat during the tournament.  Members of the Greater Miami Volleyball Club (GMVC) U-14s team made the trip to Richmond to cheer on the Cougars.  Current Clermont players Jaci Stewart, Lynn Abbinante and Erica Hoctor coach teams for the GMVC and the Clermont program has forged an informal partnership with the club.  The U-14s made signs and rooted loudly for their favorite players.  They were also able to have dinner with the team after conclusion of the day’s action.

The Cougars now prepare for the start of the 2009 campaign.  The coming season will see the Cougars compete simultaneously in two conferences.  UC Clermont has joined the new Ohio Collegiate Athletic Conference (OCAC) as a provisional member in 2009.  All members of the OCAC have national affiliations with either the USCAA or the NCCAA.  Clermont will also battle for another Ohio Regional Campus Conference (ORCC) title this year with their traditional strong conference foes.

Amelia Three Sport Star to Join UC Clermont Volleyball Squad

March 31, 2009 – Batavia, Ohio  The UC Clermont volleyball team has gained the services of an outstanding local prep player.  Rachel Hays, a 5’11” middle hitter from Amelia High School, has committed to the Cougars for the upcoming season.

Hays is one of the top senior volleyball players in Clermont County.  She has won numerous awards during her high school career.  Among her many accolades, Hays has been named First Team – Fort Ancient Valley Conference (FAVC), Honorable Mention All-City, FAVC Player of the Week, Amelia High School Best Offensive Player and Best Blocker.  She finished in the top ten in the city in blocking average during her junior year and followed that with a top five finish in the same statistic her senior year.  Hays also finished third in the FAVC in this category in 2008.

Obviously blocking is one of her strengths, but Hays also possesses incredible hitting power, a challenging jump serve and a vertical jump of 21 inches.  In addition to her three years of experience with the Amelia varsity, she has also played Junior Olympic club volleyball for both Lineshot VBC and ME Lyons VBC.

Hays also brings excellent academic credentials to UC Clermont.  She has earned a total of 10 academic awards during her high school years – including five FAVC All-Conference Academic Awards, four Amelia High School Baron Top Scholar Awards and one Amelia High School Outstanding Academic Excellence Award (for a GPA in the 3.50-3.99 range).

When not achieving on the high school volleyball court, Hays was busy earning honors with the Amelia basketball and softball squads.  Her awards included Most Improved Player (both sports), Most Valuable Player (softball), FAVC Second Team and FAVC Player of the Week (softball).

Clermont Head Coach Joe Harpring is excited to add Rachel Hays to the team for 2009.  “We need a talented middle hitter to replace the graduating Lynn Abbinante and Rachel certainly fills that need,” said Harpring.  “She is already a strong player and has the potential to be even better.  She also possesses a great passion for the game of volleyball.”