Nov. 14, 2001

WACO, Texas - Baylor volleyball head coach Brian Hosfeld announced the signing of four athletes to National Letters of Intent here Wednesday during the first day of the early signing period. Easily the biggest class in terms of height Hosfeld has signed during his six-year tenure at Baylor, the class features two outside hitters, one middle blocker and one setter, all four athletes stand six feet or taller.

"This class, as a whole, will help strengthen our program defensively at the net," Hosfeld said. "All four signees are capable of playing at or near the ten-foot mark. Their size will bring a much-needed presence at the net to slow down our opponents and create instant points by preventing the ball from crossing the net."

Leading the class is six-foot, five-inch middle blocker Desiree Guilliard-Young from Berkeley High School in Berkeley, Calif. Guilliard-Young, who will be the tallest player in the 24-year history of Baylor volleyball, has led Berkeley to back-to-back Alameda/Contra Costa Athletic League titles and has earned first-team all-ACCAL honors in each of the past three seasons. Over the past two seasons, Berekely has gone 26-0 in league matches.

"Desiree will redefine the model volleyball player," Hosfeld said. "At six-foot-five, she currently is one of the top blockers in the country and will be competing at a very high club level. She will immediately challenge for a starting position as a defensive middle blocker, but she could develop into one of the best offensive players in the country."

Guilliard-Young has reached 100 kills and 100 blocks in each of the past three seasons with a school-record 211 kills this season. She has also established Berkeley High records with 665 career kills, 214 career solo blocks, 71 solo blocks this season, 416 career blocks and 130 total blocks last year. Over the past two seasons, Guilliard-Young has been selected athlete of the week by the Oakland Tribune and the West County Times twice each.

Also coming to Baylor from the Sunshine State will be 6-1 setter Emily Huston, a product of Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, Calif. A four-year letterwinner, Huston has twice been selected all-North Bay League and was chosen all-tournament at this year's Redwood Tournament. Two weeks ago, Huston established school records with 60 assists and six solo blocks in a three-game match. Montgomery High is currently 19-4 on the season and has already clinched the North Bay League title.

"Emily will be the most physical setter in Baylor history, bringing with her a mountain of experience running a solid offense with her current club team," Hosfeld said. "She's one of the premier setters in the country with playing goals beyond college. Her leadership qualities will be counted on as we take Baylor to the next level."

Kelly Spriggs, a 6-1 outside hitter, will join the Bears next fall after a standout career at Westbury Christian School in Houston, Texas. Spriggs is a three-time TAPPS all-District 7-3A selection, earning first-team honors in each of the past two seasons. This season, she was selected to the all-tournament team at the Abundant Life Christian Tournament after leading WCS to the team title.

"Kelly is a fine addition to our program," Hosfeld said. "She's capable of playing anywhere on the court and with added experience in this year's club season could challenge for a starting position. Kelly ultimately could become an exceptional rightside player with an ability to attack equally well from the front and back row."

Joining Spriggs in making the three-hour trip from the Houston area to Waco will be 6-0 outside hitter Stella Odion from Langham Creek High School. Spriggs, who has earned letters in volleyball, basketball and track during her time at Langham Creek, was a first-team all-District 16-5A selection last season.

"Stella has unlimited physical potential and is going to gain valuable experience with the upcoming club season," Hosfeld said. "I see her developing into an outstanding leftside player that will be a devastating terminator over time."

This season, she has led the Lobos to bi-district and area championships, as well as team titles at the Katy ISD and Kingwood ISD tournaments. She is averaging 3.50 kills per game in 2001 with a .339 attacking percentage. Odion has posted 10 or more kills in a match 12 times this season, including a career-high 20 against Stratford High School. She also pounded 14 kills and had six blocks, five solo, against Cypress-Creek.

At least five Baylor players will debut next season. Along with this group of four signees, the Bears will also get the services of 5-10 outside hitter Lisa Smith, who has missed the entire season due to ACL tear suffered in August.

2001 Baylor Volleyball SigneesName               Pos.  Ht.   Hometown         Last SchoolDesiree Guilliard-Young    MB    6-5   Berkeley, Calif.     Berkeley H.S.Emily Huston           S     6-1   Santa Rosa, Calif.   Montgomery H.S.Stella Odion           OH    6-0   Houston, Texas       Langham Creek H.S.Kelly Spriggs          OH    6-1   Houston, Texas       Westbury Christian School