Nov. 26, 2007

Washington, D.C. - Georgetown University head volleyball coach Arlisa Hagan Williams announced that two student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent and will arrive on the Hilltop in the fall of 2008. They are the first volleyball players to sign as part of the class of 2012.

"We are excited with the addition of Ashley Malone and Sara Manley to the Georgetown University volleyball family," Hagan Williams said. "Not only will they provide us with much needed depth in 2008, they bring a wealth of experience to the program. Both Ashley and Sara competed with some of the best players in the nation while participating in the USA High Performance Program. In addition both play for strong club teams; Vision Volleyball Club and Laguna Beach Volleyball Club and get solid training year round."

Ashley Malone, a 5-11 setter from St. Francis High School in San Jose, Calif., was recently recognized as one of PrepVolleyball.com's Senior Aces in the Class of 2008. Malone has the unique ability to set the ball from pin to pin, backwards or forwards, on balance or off. Her solid understanding of the game and ability to read defenses will help her at the Division I level. As a three-time team captain and scholar athlete, Malone should contribute immensely to the Hoyas, along with the Georgetown community.

"Ashley also gets great training at the high school level being coached by former two-time Olympian Kim Oden," Hagan Williams said. "St. Francis is currently making a run for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) title."

Sara Manley, a 6-0 outside hitter from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Dove Canyon, Calif., was recently named as one of the top volleyball recruits in the nation according to PrepVolleyball.com. As an outside hitter, Sara passes extremely well and plays at a high contact point which allows her to pass and terminate. This is a tough skill to master and the fact that Manley brings that to the table early on will only benefit the Hoyas.

"Sara is a physical player who plays with a lot of passion yet is a stabilizing force when necessary," Hagan Williams said. "Sara just finished a good senior season with Santa Margarita High School. Again, we are thrilled that Ashley and Sara are joining our program. They will be great additions to the foundation that has been laid as we grow Georgetown volleyball to greatness."