GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Four student-athletes have announced they will attend Tusculum College and play volleyball for the Pioneers announced TC head coach Michael Robinson. Joining the Pioneers this fall are Cailtlyn Dean, Shealy Bigach, Hannah Campbell and Kamron Adkins.
Dean, a 5-5 libero/defensive specialist from Fort Wayne, Ind., played her prep volleyball at Northrop High School, where she was a four-time All-Summit Athletic Conference performer. She earned All-SAC First Team accolades in her last three campaigns, including last year as she established a new school record for digs. Dean also earned All-Northeast Area honors three times and was the recipient of the 2009 MVP Defensive Player Award. She also earned the Passing Award during her senior season and was a nominee for the Golden Spike Award. She also played for the N3 Volleyball Club.
"Caitlyn is an outstanding libero and a quality young lady," said Robinson. "I knew we wanted her to be a part of this program the first time I saw her play. She's a tenacious defender who will add a lot of personality and competitiveness to our team."
Dean earned the Passing Award during her senior season and was a nominee for the Golden Spike Award. During her sophomore year, she was the recipient of the Jim Dandy for Digs Award and the Larry Byler Defensive Award. She also played for the N3 Volleyball Club and was a prep teammate of current Tusculum player Bailee Price.
Bigach, a 6-2 right-side hitter from Rock Hill, S.C., served as team captain in her last two seasons at York Comprehensive High School. She garnered All-Region accolades twice and was named to the 2009 Hillcrest All-Tournament team.
"Shealy is a wonderful young lady who will add size and strength to our lineup," Robinson added. "What draws me to Shealy is more than her talent on the court, but her attitude and personality off the court. With these attributes, I expect Shealy to be a positive example within our program of what it takes to be a true steward within the community."
Bigach also served as vice president of the Health Science Organization, placing third in the state forensics competition in 2009 and captured first place honors in First Aid/CPR in the State this spring. She was also elected to the YCHS Hall of Fame in 2009.
Campbell, a 5-7 setter from Cleveland, Tenn., graduated this month from Walker Valley High School. She earned All-District honors this year and was named Best of the Preps First Team by the Chattanooga Times Free Press. She has been selected to play in the Volley for the Cure All-Star Game twice and is a two-time District All-Tournament team honoree. She has led Walker Valley in assists in each of the last two seasons. She also played for the Choo Choo City Volleyball Club.
"Hannah's passion and love for the game of volleyball was evident the first time I saw her play," Robinson stated. "She plays with a fire and competitiveness that will be a joy to have at the setting position. In addition to her volleyball skills, she's an outstanding young lady that will be a true asset to our program."
Campbell is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Circle of Champions, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a Tennessee Scholar.
Adkins, a 5-9 right-side hitter from Chattanooga, Tenn., comes to Tusculum following her prep career at Red Bank High School. During her senior season, she helped Red Bank to a Tennessee 2AA State volleyball championship. She played her club volleyball with the Choo Choo City Volleyball Club and was a prep teammate of current TC player Melanie Gibson.
"I am very excited about adding another Chattanooga player to our roster. Kamron has had the opportunity to play high level volleyball at to the high school and club levels. She is someone that has a lot of potential and I cannot wait to see her grow within the Tusculum program."
Tusculum posted an 18-15 record last year, finishing fifth in the South Atlantic Conference, while advancing to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time in school history. It was Tusculum's fourth straight winning season and 19th in the 28-year history of the storied program, which the Pioneers have accounted for a 689-406 overall record.
Tusculum College, located in Greeneville, Tenn. and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA, is a NCAA Division II member of the South Atlantic Conference which is comprised of 10 colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
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