DeLand, Fla. - Stetson University Head Volleyball Coach Cheryl Carlson is proud to announce the signing of two talented recruits to National Letters of Intent.  6"3" middle blocker Ellen Hawks (Austin, Texas) and 5'11" outside hitter Kaley Melville (New Germany, Minn.) will join the Hatters as freshmen next fall.

Hawks comes to Stetson after a strong scholastic career at Westwood High School in the Lone Star State capital city.  She recorded 368 kills, 295 blocks and 101 digs for Head Coach Kate Zora's Warriors, leading them deep into the regional playoffs several times and earning herself 2009 First Team All-District honors.  The 2009 WHS team was ranked fifth in the state, went undefeated in its district and advanced to the regional finals.  A strong student as evidenced by her Academic All-State and AP Scholar awards as well as her National Honor Society membership, Hawks intends to study English at Stetson.  The daughter of Tim and Cindy Hawks was born November 8, 1991 in Austin, Texas.

"Ellen is not only athletic and a quick learner on the volleyball court, but a great student as well," Coach Carlson said.  "With the graduation of Laura Boyd, Ellen will step right into that middle blocker role where I'm confident she will perform well."

Melville, whose career statistics include nearly 900 kills with over 600 digs and more than 100 blcoks, is currently a two-time All-Conference and All-Area honoree at Watertown-Mayer High School; she has also been named First Team All-State for Head Coach Janis Runka and the Royals.  Melville also has an outstanding winning background with her club team, Mizuno Northern Lights; she was named tournament MVP upon leading the team to the AAU national championship. 

Also a three-year letter-winner in golf as well as her four years of volleyball, Melville has been named to her conference's All-Academic list four years in a row.  The daughter of Andrew and Bonnie Melville was born March 11, 1992 in Atlanta, Ga. and intends to study Biology and/or Business.

"I'm very excited to have signed Kaley," said Carlson.  "We needed to fill a spot at outside hitter and I think she can come in and compete right away.  She has good ball control and can really put it away; I think she and our A-Sun All-Freshman team setter Kelli Carneal will be a great combination for us over the next three years."