The Bulls bolstered their back row, adding defensive specialists Chynna Ratner, Wylie Devlin and middle blocker Jennifer Lauber to the 2012-13 incoming class.
Ratner, a three-year starter at Brandenton Christian School, will add depth to the 2012 defense. Ratner was named to the Manatee All-County Team for three consecutive years, while recieving an all-conference nod in 2011. The defensive specialist earned all-county honorable mentions in 2010 for the Manatee and Sarasota Counties' Fall Athlete of the Year award.
"Chynna has good all-around skills and will be able to help us in areas of ball control and backcourt defense," head coach Claire Lessinger said. "She has a fun personality and flare to her game that I really like. I think she's a perfect fit and belongs in a Bulls uniform."
Wylie Devlin, a defensive specialist and setter, signed to join the Bulls after compiling 55 service aces and 264 digs during her senior year at Winter Park High School in Winter Park, Fla. Measuring 5'7" tall, Devlin also played for the Orlando Volleyball Academy, and was a 2010 Tampa team camp All-Star. Devlin was a National Honors Society member, and also participated in basketball, soccer and track and field.
"We are thrilled about the addition of Wiley, she is an extremely versatile player with superb defensive skills and significant setting experience," Lessinger said. "She will add immediate competitive depth in two key areas. The combination of her digging and setting skills will automatically put her in a compeittive situation for the open libero position. Wiley is a stabilizer who plays with poise, confidence, and consistency. The Bulls are excited to welcome her to the family."
Lauber enters USF after living and playing in Germany. The 6-1 middle blocker played high school and club volleyball, earning a 2009 all-tournament award at the International School Sports Tournament. Lauber also played basketball and softball, and was an honors student in Germany.
"Jenny is mature player with a lot of international experience," Lessinger said. "She has an impressive presence with her size and build. Her ability to play all three attacking positions will add much needed depth to our offense. I look forward to developing and helping her adapt and adjust to the faster game style of play at USF. Her potential is very exciting to us."
Ratner, Devlin and Lauber join Natalia Soares, Ciara Brown, Erin Fairs, Kayla Bivins and Erin Taylor, adding to this group of talented recruits.
