Coach Sayles is pleased to announce the addition of Chelsea Breaden, Casey Crump, and Corrie Walker, who recently committed to play volleyball at Bryan College. All three players have diverse connections to Sayles, the team, and the College.
Chelsea Breaden is a 5'8" OH from The Kings' Academy in Woodstock, GA. Breaden was first introduced to Bryan when she attended volleyball camp three summers ago. "My camp experience at Bryan has definitely impacted my decision. Because I've spent multiple summers at Bryan, I feel like I'm more comfortable going to college there," Breaden commented. Chelsea has attended at least one Bryan team or individual camp each summer for the past three years. As a player, Chelsea was the team captain for the 2x region champions. She was honored as the team MVP and was named to the region All-Tournament Team last fall. "Chelsea is a great addition to our program, and will develop into a fine Outside Hitter for us. She is very athletic, competitive, and teachable. She has a solid work ethic and a great attitude," commented Coach Sayles, "We have had a long relationship with Chelsea and her family, and I am very pleased that we will have the honor to see her through her college career. Chelsea will likely serve as the #3 OH this season behind 2x All-Region and All-AAC senior
Alison Young and our other senior OH,
Lauren Pratt, who has started for us the past two seasons."
Casey Crump, a 5'4" S/DS, competed for Southeast Whitfield HS in Dalton, GA, for Coach Jake Dickey, a good friend of Coach Sayles. She also competed on the Dig To Win 17's team in 2009, which was coached by Sayles. Regarding her choice to attend Bryan, Crump said, "When I visited, the atmosphere was one I would want to be in for four years and I loved the campus! After…getting to meet your team and practice with them, it just felt right. I could see the chemistry of the girls and could tell they are more than a team, but a family. The accountability that Bryan offers really attracted me." Casey is a 2x All-Region honoree, was named the Dalton Daily Citizen Area Player of the Year in 2008, and was honored as a Scholar Athlete in 2009. After the signing, Coach Dickey commented, "Casey was a great team leader during her years at Southeast High School. We are very excited for her to continue her volleyball career at Bryan College."
"Casey will be a fine addition to our program. She served as my libero last season on my club team, and was one of the key components to our run to the regional semifinals, the only area 17's team to advance that far. She has a sweet disposition, and is a hard worker with great potential. She will play on our developmental team for a season but is sure to develop into one of our future defensive players. I am looking forward to watching her grow and succeed at Bryan," said Coach Sayles.
Corrie Walker is a 5'3" DS from Karns High School in Knoxville, TN. Walker has a special connection with Bryan; her father is a Bryan alumnus. During her signing ceremony, the family included a picture of Corrie when she was a youngster sitting on one of the Lions in front of Mercer Hall. "Corrie's signing is very special for the Bryan family, and I am delighted she chose to join us," said Coach Sayles, "She is a solid defender who plays with confidence and efficiency. She attended camp with us last summer and had the opportunity to play on our recruit team with two of our earlier signees, and fit right in. She'll likely play on the developmental team her first season, but will have no problem moving to the varsity level. I am just honored to coach her for the next four years." Walker is a three-year letter-winner for Karns, which went 54-5 this season, culminating in an appearance at the State championships. As the team captain, she was selected to the All-District team in 2009, and was an Honorable Mention All-District honoree in 2008. Regarding her decision, Walker said, "At camp I had the opportunity to become more familiar with Coach Sayles' program and coaching style. Both were a match for me. Also, I felt a real connection witha couple of the players, who will be joining the team this Fall along with me. The great chemistry on and off the court was a real encouragement…getting to play the sport I love in an awesome program like Coach Sayles' is a huge blessing and I couldn't be happier with my decision!"
All three players are currently competing in club programs this season. They join early signees MB Callie Singleton, and setters Rebecca Adams and Danielle Lampman in the class of 2010. They are also stellar student-athletes, and will be competing for Dean's Scholarships at the annual Dean's Weekend Feb. 25-26. Coach Sayles said, "These three young ladies will help ensure that our program continues to excel over the next several years. I believe they will each have the opportunity to leave their mark on our program in the years to come."
