Nov. 26, 2007

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KENNESAW, Ga.--Kennesaw State University head volleyball coach Valerie Jones announced the signings of Callie Churchwell and Rachael Albright to National Letters of Intent to play for the Owls program beginning in the 2008 season.

"I'm very excited that we have been able to sign Callie and Rachael to play for us," said Coach Jones. "These are two great additions to the program that will come in and immediately compete for playing time."

Churchwell is a 6-foot-1-inch middle blocker who played for Sebastian River High School in Sebastian, Fla. and the Indian River Volleyball Club. During her senior year at SRHS, Churchwell broke the single-season school records for kills (336) and blocks (148). Her SRHS team won the district championship in each season she was a member of the varsity squad, with Churchwell setting the school's career record for kills (726).

Churchwell has been playing club volleyball with Indian River since the eighth grade. Her teams won championships at the Walt Disney World Classic and the Tampa Pre-Qualifier during her time with Indian River.

"Callie is a versatile player who can hit from all three positions," said Coach Jones. "She's been something of a late bloomer in her volleyball career, but I feel she has been coming into her own. It will be a pleasure to see her continue her development with our program."

Albright played four seasons at Martin County High School in Stuart, Fla., where she shared starting duties as a setter her freshman year, then took the job as her own for the remaining three.

Albright finished with a school-record 2,077 assists for her career, tying the single-season record her junior year (731), then setting the record her senior season (791). She was named one of the Palm Beach Post's "Super Six" in 2007, with her team reaching the Class 5A semifinals.

In 2006, Albright was named to the Palm Beach Post's Second-Team All-Area. She also earned First-Team All-County and First-Team Treasure Lake Conference honors.

"Rachael will add depth to our roster," said Coach Jones. "I expect that she will come in and push our other setters for the starting job. She is a very intelligent player that is equally sound fundamentally."