March 28, 2012

COMMERCE, Texas – Texas A&M University-Commerce head volleyball coach Craig Case announced a pair of additions to the Lion volleyball program – one on the court and one on the sideline.

The Lions added libero Michaela Spicer, who transferred to A&M-Commerce after spending one season at Stephen F. Austin. A native of Katy, Spicer helped lead Katy High School to a pair of District 19-5A championships as well as playing a key role in leading the Tigers to a pair of regional semifinal appearances. She spent the last eight years playing club volleyball, most recently with Texas Elite club Volleyball in 2011-12.

"Michaela is a high-energy, ball-control player that will enhance both our offense and defense," said Case. "In addition, her serve-receive should help us side-out much more efficiently, putting us in a better position to win."

A&M-Commerce also added a big name in the world of collegiate volleyball to its staff, bringing on former All-American Marcie Hampton as a consultant to the volleyball program. Hampton was a three-time All-American at Florida where she helped lead the Gators to four NCAA tournament appearances, including a pair of regional finals, and concluded her career with 1,471 kills and 217 blocks. Hampton also was a member of the U.S. Women's National Team, winning a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Marcie brings with her an incredible wealth of volleyball knowledge and experience," Case said. "Having competed and won at all levels of volleyball, she is able to relate to our players and understands the dynamics of game situations, which will be an incredible asset for this team moving forward. Marcie has made an immediate impact on all of our hitters, namely Rachel Robertson, Ciara Holmes and Ezon Onditi and has also been able to parlay her knowledge to help our ball control and defensive players."

A&M-Commerce has returned to the court for its spring workouts, looking to build off a 2011 season in which the Lions fell just short of reaching the Lone Star Conference tournament. The Lions return the entire core of their team, losing no one to graduation, with first team All-LSC middle blocker Rachel Robertson and second team All-LSC setter Jordan Neal setting their sights on the upcoming 2012 campaign.

"We've made several adjustments from last spring to this spring, and the players are handling them well," said Case. "We decided to work at a significantly higher and intense level. Between Lance Farmer's new strength training program and Marcie's input on conditioning and agility, I think we are going to be more explosive than we were last season. On the court, we're changing some of our offensive systems and making slight adjustments to our skill sets, which has slowed down some of our work, but in the long run will be an integral part of making our team more effective."