The Bulls snagged three commitments on National Signing Day Wednesday as Natalia Soares, Ciara Brown and Erin Taylor all completed their National Letters of Intent and will be enrolling at USF in the fall.
"This is one of the most athletic and physical classes we have ever signed," head coach Claire Lessinger said. "They individually fit into our system and as a class will pack a serious punch."
Making a splash outside of the United States, the Bulls officially snagged Natalia Soares for Porto Alegre, Brazil Wednesday, bolstering their setting corps with the 5'7" incoming freshman.
Soares, a member of the Brazil Junior National Team in 2011, could compete for playing time in 2012, earning multiple honors while playing in Brazil. Soares was named the "best player" of four tournaments, and earned "best setter" honors in five different tournaments. The setter was also a member of the Porto Alegre State Team five times and was named "best player" on her club team in 2010.
"Natalia is an extremely talented setter with an extreme amount of volleyball IQ," head coach Claire Lessinger said. "Natalia confidently runs the floor and works extremely hard to position herself and her attackers for success. She'll do whatever it takes to create one-on-one situations, and her dynamic personality will fit extremely well with our style."
Another potential immediate impact player, Ciara Brown will also join the Bulls in 2012. Coming from Overland High School in Aurora, Co. Brown played four years of varsity volleyball, earning at least All-Conference honorable mention in each of the four years. The six-foot outside hitter can hit from either pin, and took on a role as middle blocker for her A2 USA Volleyball High Performance Team. Brown was selected as a top 48 player in the region in 2010.
"Ciara is a dynamic athlete who will immediately help us become more physical at the net," Lessinger said. "I have been blown away by her commitment to her own development - she knows what she wants and embraces working hard. I can see Ciara becoming a player who makes everyone around her better."
Erin Taylor will continue to add depth for USF as she commits to the Bulls for the 2012 season. Playing for William P. Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas and contributing to the Houston Juniors 18 Elite club team as well, Taylor comes into the program with plenty of in-game experience. A 5'10" Texas native who can swing from the right or left side, Taylor earned first-team all-district honors as a junior and senior, and rounds out the Bulls' newest members on National Signing Day.
"Erin is a nice six rotation player that has high level club experience," Lessinger said. "She is a competitor and is going to immediately impact and improve our depth chart. "
