Volleyball adds three new players
5/10/2013 8:45:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Junior college transfer Krista Koopman and incoming freshmen Claire Kilpatrick of Arlington Martin High School and Avery Zamzow from Goliad will join the Southland Conference championship Sam Houston volleyball program next year.
Koopmann, a 6-2 right side hitter, set China Spring High School records for most kills in a match and a season and most aces in one year. She earned Super CenTex “Player of the Year” and District “Most Valuable Player honors.”
At San Jacinto College, she was a 2011 regional all-tournament selection and earned first team All-Region honors in 2012. She totaled 138 blocks and produced a .304 hitting percentage as a sophomore.
“Krista will be a big presence for us at the net,” SHSU head coach Brenda Gray said. “She's left-handed, which will provide us with a different look offensively, and she is also a shutdown blocker. On top of that, her personality meshes well with the team, and she brings some experience to our young team.”
Kilpatrick is a 5-7 libero and defensive specialist who received numerous awards during her career at Martin High School. She was a three-time winner of her team's sportsmanship award and a two-time all-district selection.
As a junior in 2011 she was voted District 4-5A “Outstanding Utility Player.” Her senior season in 2012 she received honors as District 4-5A “Outstanding Setter,” team “Most Valuable Player” and was all-tournament at the Arlington Invitational. She also was recognized for her academic achievements as the program's “Outstanding Scholar.”
Kilpatrick played for Texas Advantage volleyball club, earning bids to national tournament play from 2010 to 2013.
“Claire played multiple positions throughout her high school and club career, so she knows the game well, “ Gray said. “She will provide us with more ball control. In addition, she is a top performer in the classroom.”
Zamzow, a 6-0 middle blocker, has earned first team all-district and all-area honors at Goliad in both volleyball and basketball. She led the team to district basketball titles in both 2011 and 2012. She also is a regional qualifier in track and field in four events, winning regional championships in the 4x200, 4x100 and long jump.
“Avery is just such a raw, but talented athlete,” Gray said. “She came to our summer camp last year, and we saw glimpses of what she could do. Once she learns the nuances of the game and catches up to the speed in the gym, she could turn into a special player.”
Sam Houston State lost five seniors to graduation from last fall's Southland Conference championship squad.
“We knew we had to reload in certain areas of our game,” Gray said. “We feel confident that our six new faces are great additions both on and off the court, and we can't wait to get the whole team in the gym to see what they are capable of.”
