April 24, 2012

MEMPHIS, Tenn. –After its most successful season in five years, the University of Memphis volleyball program announced the signing of three players for the class of 2012. Jaden Louie, Sydni Etheredge and Viktorija Teivane will all join the Tigers this fall.

“I am thrilled with our signees for the 2012 season,” Memphis head coach April Jauregui said. “We have been working hard this spring to develop our returning core group, and these three players will be able to step right in and contribute to our goals for next season. We know in order to have a good team you have to have a great training environment and be able to compete hard in your own gym and be pushed Monday through Thursday so you are prepared for the weekend matches. I am confident we will achieve that next season with the group of players we have.”

Etheredge, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter from Riverwood International Charter School in Atlanta, Ga. was the No. 42 ranked recruit out of the state of Georgia according to Maxpreps.com. She played six years of club volleyball and has finished third at the USAV 14U Olympic level and trained with the USAV Performance program for three years. In 2009, Etheredge was selected for the USAV HP Select 1 team and competed in Ft. Lauderdale for the Junior Youth National White Team, which placed second at the championships

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“Sydni will add depth to our pin attack options,” Jauregui said. “We are eager to tap into her athletic ability and see how many ways we can use her in our offensive system. She is also a very solid blocker and will be able to contribute to slowing down the opposition's attack. I know Sydni is ready to work hard and do the things necessary to succeed.”

Louie signs with Memphis after a decorated prep career as a setter at Whittier Christian School in Whittier, Calif. She was a 2011 Max Preps All-State selection, the Whittier Daily News Player of the Year and an All-Orange Country honorable mention in 2010 and 2011. Louie was also a 2011 Olympic League MVP and voted to the 2011 All-Southern California Team by volleyballnow.net. Whittier served as the team captain on both the varsity volleyball and basketball teams and helped the volleyball squad to three state championship game appearances. She also holds school records for most assists in a match (48) and a season (970).

“Jaden is a wonderful young lady who is an exceptional teammate and leader,” Jauregui said. “Jaden has a big ceiling of potential in the setter position. She is extremely quick, competes for every point, and is eager to learn and train. She will bring and energy and focus in the gym that I know will help our team.”

Teivane transfers to Memphis after a two-year stint at Western Wyoming Junior College. She was a standout right side hitter for Western Wyoming, downing 319 kills in 2011 and 325 in 2010. She averaged 2.68 kills per set in 2011 in addition to 3.30 digs and also recorded 60 serving aces. Originally from Latvia, Teivane will add to the international flavor of Memphis volleyball.

“Vika is quiet but determined,” Jaregui said. “She knows what she wants and is willing to do what is necessary to achieve it. Vika's biggest strengths are her ball control skills and her understanding of the game. She will bring immediate depth to our back row play.”

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