May 7, 2009
FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason head women's volleyball coach Pat Kendrick is pleased to announce three student-athletes who will be joining the Patriots for the upcoming 2009 season.
The three are Danielle Cook, a 6'0" middle blocker from North Mason HS in Belfair, Wash.; Lauren Goodell, a 5'9" setter from Fallbrook Union HS in Fallbrook, Calif.; and Koalaanuheamaikalani (Koala) Matsuoka, a 5'2" libero from Wahiawa, Hawaii and Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama.
"I'm very excited about the potential of this recruiting class," said Kendrick, who will begin her 25th season at the helm of the program. "I think they will give us great competition for starting positions."
Cook was a four-year varsity player for the Bulldogs, where she helped lead North Mason to back-to-back undefeated seasons her junior and senior years. She was twice named to the All-Washington second team and was a three-year member of the All-Olympic League first team. She was the MVP of the conference in 2007. Cook is also in the top 10 percent of her class academically and was a member of the track and basketball teams in addition to her volleyball successes.
"Danielle is very athletic," Kendrick said. "She plays with great rhythm and I think she can be one of the most dynamic middles in the conference."
Goodell earned three varsity letters as a four-year member of the Warriors, where she was a three-time team captain as well as an honorable mention All-Avocado League selection her junior year. This past season, she was recognized with the Most Inspirational Award among her teammates. Goodell is a four-year member of the Principal's Honor Roll and was selected to the Union Tribune's All-Academic Team.
"From all indications Lauren is a hard worker and leader on the court," explained Kendrick. "I think she will add a great deal to our team in terms of work ethic and running the offense."
Matsuoka will join the Patriots after a year spent with the Warriors' varsity volleyball team, where she helped the team earn the 2009 state championship. She was recognized with the 2009 Oceanic Cable Team Player Award, and has played basketball, soccer, and was a member of the varsity paddling team during her athletic career. Matsuoka is a member of the Kamehameha Speech and Debate Team.
"Koala has a dynamic personality and is a fiery presence in the back row," said Kendrick. "I think she will be an exciting player to watch."
The trio will join a squad returning nine members from last year's team, as the Patriots will try for their eighth Colonial Athletic Association championship in program history.
