GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Tusculum University head women's volleyball coach Danielle Marante has announced the six signees joining the Pioneers for the 2021 season.
"I have had the pleasure of getting to know these girls through the recruiting process over the last two years," said Marante. "We could not be more excited to have these student athletes join us in the gym and become an official part of our TU family. These players will make an immediate impact on our team with their positive energy, skill, and determination."
Madison Adkins, a 5-11 setter from Olive Hill, Ky., has been a part of a dominant West Carter High School squad for four seasons. A four-time All-Area mention, Adkins was a member of the Comets' All-A region championships every season. Additionally, she is a 2019 district champion and 2020 KVCA All-State honorable mention. In 2020, Adkins played in 79 sets across 22 matches, racking up 540 assists, 223 digs, 94 kills, 75 service aces, and 41 total blocks. She also played for River Cities Volleyball Club and Putnam Volleyball Club. Academically, Adkins is a Distinguished Scholar and on the A Honor Roll.
Jamianne Foster, a 5-9 right side hitter from Hickory, N.C., is enrolled at Fred T. Foard High School, the 2019 N.C. 2A state champion. Additionally, she is a two-time conference champion. In 2019, Foster totaled 135 kills, 48 block assists, and four solo blocks. A five-year captain in club ball, she played for Carolina Select (four years) and Carolina Union Volleyball Club (two years).
Camryn Hughes, a 5-10 outside hitter from Charleston, W. Va., had a successful career at George Washington High School. A state champion, she was twice named first team All-State and All-MSAC. As a four-year varsity starter, Hughes finished her career with 1273 kills, 804 digs, 234 service aces, and 1234 receptions in 482 sets played. She also played for Appalachian Volleyball Academy and River Cities Volleyball Club travel teams. Outside of athletics, Hughes is maintaining a 4.2 grade-point average and is a Beta Club member. She will be graduating early, joining Marante's team in time for the spring season.
A trio of future Pioneers have already spent time on the same side of the net: Lauren Collins, Maddie Creswell, and Lauren Patterson.
Collins is a 5-9 defensive specialist/libero from Knoxville, Tenn. She was a part of The King's Academy team alongside current Tusculum women's volleyball student-athletes Taylor Blythe and sister Lydia Collins. She also played on the same K2 team as Creswell and Patterson.
Creswell, a 5-3 setter from Seymour, Tenn., was a member of the 2020 All-District and All-Region team at Seymour High School. In 2019, she was named to the District 2A, District 2A All-Tournament, and IMAC All-District teams for the Eagles. Creswell accumulated 480 assists, 175 digs, and 30 service aces during her senior season. Her travel teams have included AHAVA 18U National, K2 17-3 Elite, Club Unite 16U Premier, and Club Unite 15U Premier. As the Seymour valedictorian, Creswell has maintained a 4.0 GPA in addition to being a member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club.
Patterson, a 5-11 outside hitter from Seymour, Tenn., had a stellar career at Seymour High School. Her accolades are numerous, but include: three-time All-District 2A and All-Tournament team, 2020 District 2A Hitter of the Year, 2019 2A Player of the Year, 2018 District 2A Rookie of the Year, two-time All-Region 1A, twice on the All-5Star Preps Team and All-PrepXtra Team, PrepXtra Player of the Week, and 2019 Ultra Ankle JVA Watch List. Patterson also played for K2 Volleyball and AVAHA. Academically, she was in the Beta Club all four years and in the National Honor Society. Patterson intends to be on the TU track team (high jump and sprints) as well.
"With the challenges we've all faced in 2020, I am so proud of this incoming group for their dedication and focus committing to their academics, volleyball training, and becoming future Pioneers," concluded Marante.
Because of the postponement of fall sports to the spring, Tusculum is scheduled to take the court for the 2020-21 season on Feb. 24 at Lenoir-Rhyne as part of a shortened 10-match campaign.
