OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha volleyball head coach
Rose Shires announced the signing of four players to National Letters of Intent.
Sami Clarkson, Rachel Fairbanks, Erin Williams and Megan Woods all will join the Mavericks beginning in the fall of 2019.
"This class as a whole brings a wealth of experience, volleyball IQ and competitive spirit to the program," said Shires. "These players have been part of successful teams, both at the high school and club levels. They know how to win.
"The talent and drive these athletes possess will positively affect the competitive atmosphere in our gym, as they all have the ability to vie for immediate court time. Without even being on campus yet, they have bought in to the goals of the program and are willing to put in the hard work to achieve those goals."
Sami Clarkson | 5-11 | Setter | Omaha, Neb.
Clarkson is a four-year letter winner at setter for Concordia Junior/Senior High School in Omaha. She earned Under Armour All-American Honorable Mention accolades and is a two-time all-state selection. Clarkson also set the Mustangs' career assist record this past season and broke Concordia's single-season and match assists records. She is also a state qualifier in swimming.
"Sami is an extremely fluid and accurate setter," said Shires. "Having sent her squad to a state championship during her high school career, she knows how to perform under the lights and in tense moments. I'm confident in her leadership abilities as a setter. Sami is all about being a Maverick from the day she committed, and she is excited to learn and improve her game in all areas. I know that she will push herself and her teammates to get better every day."
Rachel Fairbanks | 6-0 | Middle Blocker | Lansing, Kan.
Fairbanks joins the Mavericks from Lansing High School where she is coming off a 39-6 team record and an undefeated record in the United Kansas Conference. Her program also was sub-state champions and finished third at state. She is a three-time all-league honoree and twice named all-tournament in state competition where her team has qualified all four years.
"While Rachel will compete primarily as a middle blocker, her versatility, athleticism and jump ability allows her to be successful from any front row position," said Shires. "She has great lateral speed which makes her a dynamic blocker from pin to pin. She also elevates extremely well, making her an outstanding slide attacker. Rachel was twice an all-tournament selection at state during high school, so she knows how to bring her best on the biggest stages."
Erin Williams | 5-4 | Defensive Specialist | Lincoln, Neb.
Williams is a four-year letter winner from Lincoln Lutheran and helped her team to a runner-up finish in the Class C1 State Tournament with a 34-4 overall record. She also owns multiple school records in aces and digs along with earning all-conference and all-state multiple times in her career.
"With her relentless pursuit of balls and command of the back court, Erin brings added depth to our strong core of defensive players," said Shires. "She will fit right into our defensive system. She has a solid platform, strong serve and is an exceptional player in serve receive and on the defensive side of the game. Having competed in the final stages at both the high school and club level, I am excited to see what Erin will accomplish during her career."
Megan Woods | 5-10 | Outside Hitter | Grand Island, Neb.
Woods is a four-year letter winner out of Grand Island Central Catholic High School and is a multiple-time all-state and all-conference honoree. She helped lead her team to multiple qualifying appearances at the NSAA state tournament and earned a runner-up finish as a junior. Woods also set a new record for career kills at her high school.
"Megan is one of the most versatile, multi-sport athletes in the state of Nebraska--regardless of class--and the true definition of a workhorse," said Shires. "She has put in the time to continually develop her skills, and I believe her ceiling as a 6-rotation outside hitter is extremely high. She is an aggressive attacker who sees the court well and isn't afraid to go after the blocker's hands. Megan is also an outstanding and selfless teammate who strives to make those around her better. She will be a positive impact on our team's culture and has the ability to develop into a leader both on and off the court."
