Jan. 10, 2007

CHAPEL HILL --- The University of North Carolina volleyball program signed two high school seniors to National Letters of Intent, head coach Joe Sagula announced Wednesday.

The two members of the class of 2011 are Suzanne Haydel from New Orleans, La., and Courtney Johnston from Jacksonville, Fla.

"We are very excited to welcome Suzanne and Courtney to the Carolina volleyball program," Sagula said. "They are standout players both on the high school and club level who have the ability to make an impact right away."

Haydel is a 5-11 outside hitter from the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans. She was named Louisiana Division II state tournament most valuable player three consecutive years while leading her team to three straight state championships. Haydel, who plays club volleyball for Cajunland, was named PrepVolleyball.com's 2005 National Junior of the Year and the New Orleans Times-Picayune All-Metro Player of the Year.

"Suzanne is a terrific all-around talent who has ball control skills and will be a great addition to our team," Sagula said. "She has the athletic ability to be a great defender and primary passer, as well as a solid and steady contributor on offense."

Johnston is a 6-2 outside/right side hitter from the Bolles School in Jacksonville. A five-time all-state performer, Johnston was named first-team all-state in both 2004 and 2006. Johnston, who plays club volleyball for the Gainesville Juniors, was named the Jacksonville Times-Union All-First Coast Player of the Year in 2006.

"Courtney will give us size and power either in the middle or on the outside," Sagula said. "She is versatile enough to play several positions and can attack and block at a very high level. Courtney will more than likely play as an opposite due to her all-around skill level as a hitter, blocker and defender."

Both Haydel and Johnston are top 100 prospects as ranked by PrepVolleyball.com.

"This class of 2011 is a distinctive group of players who will contribute significantly to our program both on and off the court," Sagula said.. This is a smaller class than usual but it's filled with talent and high expectations for our program"