Head coach Pat Kendrick announced the addition of six newcomers Tuesday morning. The class, made up of Mara Barkley, Jelena Cobanovic, Sydney Fanoga, Jordan Glass, Ashley Mennes and Kelly Schaller, earned a place on PrepVolleyball.com's “High Honorable Mentions.”
Barkley joins the Patriots from Colorado Springs where she was named the MVP at Cheyenne Mountain High School. The 6'2” middle was named to the 2013 AVCA Under Armour Watch List and was second in the state of Colorado in hitting efficiency in 2012.
“Mara has played at a high level on her high school and club teams,” Kendrick said. “Her volleyball knowledge will be an asset as she transitions to the collegiate game.”
Cobanovic, a 5'6” libero transfer, joins Mason from Serbia by way of Northeastern Junior College, bringing international experience to the team that has the coaching staff excited.
“Jelena's international experience and training will raise the level of play on the court,” Kendrick said. “She will be counted on to bring her experience from the junior college ranks and maturity to the team.
Fanoga, a 6'0” middle, comes to the Patriots from Hawaii where she competed for the Punahou School in volleyball, basketball and swimming.
“Sydney comes from a highly competitive high school and club team background,” Kendrick said. ”Her athleticism will help the team compete physically at the net.”
Glass, a 6'0” outside hitter, graduated from Wakefield High School in Raleigh N.C. where she lettered in volleyball and helped lead the Wolverines to a North Carolina 4A State Championship in the 2013-14 season.
“Jordan is an outstanding athlete, who plays with a lot of enthusiasm,” Kendrick said. “Her versatility will definitely help the depth and competitiveness of the team.”
Mennes, a 5'6” defensive specialist from Virginia, was named to the Liberty Conference All-Conference team as a junior.
“Ashley is an intense competitor with a strong will to contribute to the team's success,” Kendrick said. “Her competitive spirit will raise the energy in the gym.”
Schaller, a 5'11” setter, graduated from Freedom High School. The Tampa native was a four year varsity captain, MVP, All-Conference and All-County.
“Kelly is a well-rounded athlete,” Kendrick said. “Her ability to lead and desire to win, will allow her the chance to make an immediate impact in the setter position. “
Stay tuned to GoMason.com for information leading up to the 2014-15 season.
