Valparaiso University volleyball coach Carin Avery has announced that three players have signed National Letters of Intent to play volleyball for the Crusaders during the early signing period.

Joining Valpo for the 2005 season are Brittany Marks, Jill Meyer, and Allison Sears.

Marks is a 5'4" libero from Elkhart, Ind. The Elkhart Memorial High School product was a Second Team All-State selection in 2004 and a First Team selection as a junior. She has twice been named to the Northern Lakes Conference First Team. Marks was named to the state's Junior All-Star Team as a junior and the Senior All-Star Team this season.

?Brittany is an outstanding volleyball player," noted Avery. ?She is a great defender and hurt teams this year from behind the service line."

Meyer is a 5'11" right side hitter from Crystal Lake, Ill. A First Team All-Fox Valley Conference selection from Crystal Lake South High School, she has all been named to the Fox Valley All-Area Team. Meyer has also earned Second Team Chicago Sun Times honors along with Honorable Mention accolades from the Northwest Herald.

?Jill will add strength to our blocking and attacking next year," said Avery. ?She is a great blocker with a quick arm swing."

Sears is a 6'0" middle blocker. Also from Elkhart, Ind., she has been a teammate of Marks the past four years. A four-time First Team All North Lakes Conference selection, she has been First Team All-State selection each of the last two years. She too was a member of the state's Junior and Senior All-Star Teams.

?Allison is a great athlete and a great competitor," said Avery. ?She is a very versatile player who will make a great impact to this program."