Nov. 13, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis volleyball team inked Canada Prospects setter Stephanie Pauls to a National Letter of Intent, head coach April Jauregui announced today.

"Stephanie is a fantastic setter with great promise to rise as a premier setter in the conference," said Jauregui. "She has the heart and desire to be the very best. Stephanie comes from a wonderful family and I am pleased to welcome here into our Tiger Family. I look forward to coaching her and watching her grow."

Pauls preps at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute and currently plays club ball for Cobras Volleyball Club. A distinguished student-athlete, she earned one of MBCI's Athlete of Distinction Awards for the 2007-08 school year and was tabbed Manitoba Player of the Year.

Pauls, whose MBCI team presently ranks 10th in the province of Manitoba, will bring an attitude of success to one of the nation's winningest volleyball programs. A two-time Canada Prospects Team member, Pauls helped lead her 16U club team to a championship appearance at the 2007 Volleyball Festival in Reno, Nev. Her SHOCK volleyball club team also advanced to the title match at the 15U Western Canadian Nationals. The 5-11 setter was also tabbed a tournament all-star at the 14U Canadian West Open after guiding her TSF United White squad to a runner-up finish. She led her 17U Manitoba Provincial squad to a fifth-place showing at the 18U National Team Challenge Cup championship

"I chose Memphis because the combination of its academic program, sports history and the people in the (volleyball) program make it a great fit for me," Pauls stated. "I am confident that the environment will allow me to develop to my full potential."

Pauls, who also lettered in track and field, was recruited by Idaho, Pacific and Syracuse.