Local Recruits Looking to Fill Critical Positions for the 2018 Season

On the heels of a solid 2017 season, which included a 20-11 overall record as well as GRAC Conference and Region 24 titles, most observers would have wondered about the future of the program after graduating five key sophomores in the spring of 2018.

"We lost a foundation of success with these girls. One that was going to be difficult to replace." Head Coach Bill Burnside said at the time. "Emily Burkitt(OH), Carolyn Phoenix(L), Brooke Hogard(MH), Cheyenne Pitchford(MH), and Ahnie Hoff(OH): all of these girls were critical players for us, and were ideal student athletes on and off the court."

Ahnie Hoff was NJCAA Region 24 MVP and GRAC conference player of the year. Replacing her would be a big task by itself. But the team had also lost All-Conference and Region 24 team Brooke Hogard, Emily Burkitt and Carolyn Phoenix who had been named to the Region 24 team and GRAC conference respectively, and the experience and leadership of Cheyenne Pitchford who was a rare three year player for the team.

Recruiting was a priority for Coach Burnside and the Vols. "As always we wanted to recruit the very best local recruits to be the starting point of our recruiting class, and this year we were fortunate that several players in the area had the potential we were looking for."

Mallorie Harris from Murphysboro was the first key recruit to commit. Murphysboro volleyball has a rich tradition in southern Illinois, and has supplied John A Logan with many key players over the years. Mallorie became the most recent example of quality Murphy athletes continuing their career at Logan. "She is an excellent athlete with great jumping ability which allows her to be effective at the middle hitting position even though she is only 5'9," said Coach Burnside.

Bryleigh Buchanan, a 6' right side hitter from Harrisburg, also decided John A was the right place for her. As an excellent high jumper at the high school level, Bryleigh had proven jumping ability and was also one of the most accomplished, capable volleyball players in the region. "There was no doubt that we were interested in Bryleigh very early in the process. We knew she had the focus and athleticism to be highly successful at the collegiate level (not to mention the size, which is always helpful)," said Coach.

Naudia Johnson, a 5'8 middle from Carbondale, was added to the squad as well. Naudia is another undersized, but amazing athlete. "I would rather have smaller athletes with explosiveness, quickness, and jumping ability. Being tall is a bonus, but size is not always the most important factor. Naudia has a vertical jump that makes up for her lack of size. She also has a quality work ethic which will serve her well here at John A Logan." said Coach.

In addition, the team has also brought in Marissa Russell from Herrin. With a lack of depth in the Outside hitting position, it was necessary to find one more piece to the puzzle. Marissa was playing for a local club team, and her name kept coming up in conversations around the program. Assistant Coach Jessica Whitehead had been helping out with club volleyball, and recommended that Coach Burnside take a look at Marissa. After a tryout, it was clear that she was a good fit for the program. "Just a good kid with excellent focus and attitude. I think she will blossom as a member of our team," said Coach.

There are definitely big shoes for these players to fill. Much will need to be proven on the court in the fall of 2018. But Coach Burnside seems to be confident that these local recruits are the base of a successful 2018 recruiting class saying, "Some years, southern Illinois produces only a couple players that can help us be productive at the level we need. This year we were very lucky to have a quality group that we could turn to here in the area. We are very glad to have them on board and are anxious to see what they can do in the fall."

On the heels of a solid 2017 season, which included a 20-11 overall record as well as GRAC Conference and Region 24 titles, most observers would have wondered about the future of the program after graduating five key sophomores in the spring of 2018.

"We lost a foundation of success with these girls. One that was going to be difficult to replace." Head Coach Bill Burnside said at the time. "Emily Burkitt(OH), Carolyn Phoenix(L), Brooke Hogard(MH), Cheyenne Pitchford(MH), and Ahnie Hoff(OH): all of these girls were critical players for us, and were ideal student athletes on and off the court."

Ahnie Hoff was NJCAA Region 24 MVP and GRAC conference player of the year. Replacing her would be a big task by itself. But the team had also lost All-Conference and Region 24 team Brooke Hogard, Emily Burkitt and Carolyn Phoenix who had been named to the Region 24 team and GRAC conference respectively, and the experience and leadership of Cheyenne Pitchford who was a rare three year player for the team.

Recruiting was a priority for Coach Burnside and the Vols. "As always we wanted to recruit the very best local recruits to be the starting point of our recruiting class, and this year we were fortunate that several players in the area had the potential we were looking for."

Mallorie Harris from Murphysboro was the first key recruit to commit. Murphysboro volleyball has a rich tradition in southern Illinois, and has supplied John A Logan with many key players over the years. Mallorie became the most recent example of quality Murphy athletes continuing their career at Logan. "She is an excellent athlete with great jumping ability which allows her to be effective at the middle hitting position even though she is only 5'9," said Coach Burnside.

Bryleigh Buchanan, a 6' right side hitter from Harrisburg, also decided John A was the right place for her. As an excellent high jumper at the high school level, Bryleigh had proven jumping ability and was also one of the most accomplished, capable volleyball players in the region. "There was no doubt that we were interested in Bryleigh very early in the process. We knew she had the focus and athleticism to be highly successful at the collegiate level (not to mention the size, which is always helpful)," said Coach.

Naudia Johnson, a 5'8 middle from Carbondale, was added to the squad as well. Naudia is another undersized, but amazing athlete. "I would rather have smaller athletes with explosiveness, quickness, and jumping ability. Being tall is a bonus, but size is not always the most important factor. Naudia has a vertical jump that makes up for her lack of size. She also has a quality work ethic which will serve her well here at John A Logan." said Coach.

In addition, the team has also brought in Marissa Russell from Herrin. With a lack of depth in the Outside hitting position, it was necessary to find one more piece to the puzzle. Marissa was playing for a local club team, and her name kept coming up in conversations around the program. Assistant Coach Jessica Whitehead had been helping out with club volleyball, and recommended that Coach Burnside take a look at Marissa. After a tryout, it was clear that she was a good fit for the program. "Just a good kid with excellent focus and attitude. I think she will blossom as a member of our team," said Coach.

There are definitely big shoes for these players to fill. Much will need to be proven on the court in the fall of 2018. But Coach Burnside seems to be confident that these local recruits are the base of a successful 2018 recruiting class saying, "Some years, southern Illinois produces only a couple players that can help us be productive at the level we need. This year we were very lucky to have a quality group that we could turn to here in the area. We are very glad to have them on board and are anxious to see what they can do in the fall."