Oregonians to Lead Corban Women’s Volleyball Team in 2006

Salem-News.com Sports

SALEM - Corban College’s sixteen year head women’s volleyball coach Tracy Smith has announced the recruiting class for the upcoming 2006 season, including four Oregonians and two out-of-state players.

Smith recently signed to letters of intent Oregonians Kristina Lewin of Keizer, and Andrea Swanick of Aumsville, from nearby Salem Academy Christian High School, as well as Jessica McGraw of Gaston from Willamette University and Oregon City's Amy Thompson from Damascus Christian High School.

Along with the quartet of Oregonians, seniors Aja Bryant of Metlakatla, Alaska, and Colleen Terhune of Meridian, Idaho, have also signed to play for the Warriors this season.

Lewin played four seasons for the Crusaders of Salem Academy Christian High School and was named 2nd team all-league, as well as team MVP following her 2005 senior season. Along with volleyball, Lewin competed four years in swimming and one season in softball. Lewin becomes the second member of her family to join the Warrior volleyball program following in the foot steps of her older sister, Katie (2002-05).

Swanick joins the women’s volleyball program after one season competing as a member of Corban’s cross country team. While playing four seasons at Salem Academy Christian High School, the 5-foot-6 defensive specialist earned 1st and 3rd team all-league honors, and was named team MVP following her 2004 junior campaign.

McGraw comes to Corban following one season at nearby Willamette University. The 5-foot-7 outside hitter led the Bearcats with 266 kills and 38 blocks, while finishing second on the team in digs (263), assists (43), and service aces (18). Before attending Willamette, McGraw prepped at Yamhill-Carlton High School for four seasons where she was named back-to-back Valco League Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. She also garnered all-league (1st team) and all-state (2nd team and 3rd team respectively) honors.

Thompson joins the volleyball program following four seasons at Damascus Christian High School where, as a setter, she was named 1st team all-state, all-district, and all-league, as well as team MVP and most inspirational following her 2004 senior season.

Bryant arrives at Corban following four seasons at Metlakatla High School in Metlakatla, Alaska, where she was honored as an all-conference player four straight seasons. The 5-foot-10 outside hitter also earned individual sportsmanship awards following each high school season, as well as being named to two all-tourney teams.

Terhune played four seasons at Cole Valley Christian High School in Meridian, Idaho, where she earned 1st team all-conference honors following her junior and senior seasons, while being named conference Player of the Year after her 2005 senior campaign. The 5-foot-4 setter was named team MVP following her 2003 sophomore season, and guided Cole Valley Christian to state playoff appearances in 2004 and 2005.

Corban kicks off the 2006 season at the Holiday Inn Region I Challenge in Lewiston, Idaho, against Frontier Conference member Montana State University-Northern on Friday, August 25th, beginning at 1:00 PM.

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