Milligan College: Lady Buffs Volleyball

Agin joins Lady Buffs' Volleyball

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (May 8, 2007) --- Greater Atlanta Christian standout Ashley Agin has signed to continue her volleyball career with the Milligan College Lady Buffs.

Agin was an All-County team member for three seasons and started at Greater Atlanta Christian since her sophomore season. She holds the Gwinnett County record with 128 aces in a season and holds the school record with 596 career kills.

“I am so happy that Ashley has decided to continue her volleyball career at Milligan College,” said Milligan head coach Kim Hyatt.

At Greater Atlanta Christian, Agin was coached by Kristy Shelton. The Lady Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian reached the state playoffs every year during Agin’s varsity career, her sophomore season marked the first time the Lady Spartans made the state playoffs in the program’s history. In her junior and senior seasons, the team reached the Elite 8 and the team was ranked in the top five in the final state rankings.

She also played on the club level for coach Brent Bridger and the TCA team.

“After watching Ashley play; I know her volleyball talent and athleticism will add real depth to our team. Ashley’s heavy swing and powerful jump serve will make her a force to reckon with in the AAC,” concluded Hyatt.

She is the daughter of Dr. Lynn Austin and David Agin.

Biddle signs with Lady Buffs

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (May 8, 2007) --- Cocke County High School’s Erin Biddle has signed to continue her volleyball career with the Milligan College Lady Buffs.

Last season, Biddle was a captain for the Cocke County squad and was named to the All-Northeast Tennessee team. She also was an All-IMAC selection for three seasons and was named to the All-District 1-AAA team in 2006.

“I am so happy Erin decided to play for Milligan, there were many conference colleges wanting her. She will help in the setting role as a freshman,” said Milligan head coach Kim Hyatt. “She has great hands and really reads the court well. Erin is an extremely hard worker and loves the game.”

While at Cocke County, Biddle played for her father, E.L. Biddle while her mother Missy is also an assistant coach at Cocke County.

She also played on the Cobra Juniors club team.

“We are excited that she will bring all those talents to the Lady Buffs volleyball team,” concluded Hyatt.

Tennessee High's Hobbs signs with Lady Buffs

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (April 27, 2007) --- Tennessee High School’s Kristin Hobbs signed to continue her volleyball career on the collegiate level with the Lady Buffs of Milligan College.

Hobbs, a 6-foot-0 outside hitter, was named to the All Big-Nine Conference team last season. She also was an honorable mention on the All Northeast Tennessee Volleyball team. Hobbs was a two-year starter for the Lady Vikings and head coach Mary Johnson.

“Kristin really improved her overall game mentally and physically. She worked hard in the gym and weight room to get where she is today.” commented Johnson.

For the season, Hobbs averaged 7.2 kills per match as she totaled 187 for the season. She also served 19 aces in her senior season to go with her 93.4 service percentage. Against rival Science Hill, Hobbs accounted for 21 kills and 13 digs to go along with a 100 pct. service percentage.

“Milligan is so fortunate to have Kristin join our volleyball team next year. She brings a wealth of talent to our team,” said Milligan head coach Kim Hyatt.

Hobbs joins fellow Tennessee High alums Alison Slagle and Kalyn Perrigan on the 2007 Lady Buffs’ roster.

“I always know that I am getting caliber players when recruiting athletes from Tennessee High,” added Hyatt. “Kristin is a hard worker and is committed to our team’s success.”

She is the daughter of Pam and Robert Hobbs and she plans to major in nursing while at Milligan.

Cookeville's Burnett inks with Lady Buffs

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (April 11, 2007) --- Cookeville High School’s Bianca Burnett signed to play her collegiate volleyball with the Lady Buffs of Milligan College. The signing took place at Cookeville High School with her family, friends and coaches in attendance. Milligan head coach Kim Hyatt was also in attendance.

Burnett, a 5-foot-6 outside hitter and setter, helped lead Cookeville to a district and region championships. The team also earned a birth in a substate contest as well.

In her senior season, she earned All-District honors after she recorded 174 kills, 221 digs and 385 assist for the Cavaliers.

“Bianca is a very talented young lady, we are extremely fortunate to have a player of her caliber join our team for the 2007 season,” said Hyatt. “She brings with her a winning attitude and a stellar performance on the court and in the classroom.”

While at Coookeville, Burnett played for head coach Karen Brooks. She was also a member of the girls’ basketball team.

"Bianca is a hard worker and she's a great kid to have around," said Brooks. "She will set a precedent for the other players by the way she acts and the way she looks and her work ethic. I couldn't be more excited for her."

She is the daughter of Marc and Tammie Burnett.

"It feels good to know that I am playing one of my favorite sports and it's a good academic school," said Burnett. "I really liked the volleyball program itself, and the scenery at the school is a lot like Cookeville."

Science Hill's Sapp to play at Milligan

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (February 1, 2007) --- Science Hill High School’s Ellyn Sapp has signed to continue her volleyball and softball careers for the Lady Buffs of Milligan College.

Sapp, a 5-foot-0 defensive specialist, was named to the Big-9 All-Conference and District 1-AAA volleyball teams this past season. In 125 games, she accounted for 406 digs and served 74 aces.

“Ellyn is one of those athletes that every coach wishes she had,” said Milligan head volleyball coach Kim Hyatt. “Her hard work, team spirit and the “no fear” attitude on the court makes every hitter try to move the ball away from her.”

In the 2006 softball season, Sapp scored 25 runs and hit .294 from her lead-off spot in the batting order. In Big-9 conference play she raised her average to .315. She earned a spot on the All-Big-9 conference second team.

“I am very happy that Ellyn has chosen Milligan College to continue her academic and athletic career,” added Milligan head softball coach Wes Holly.

At Science Hill, Sapp played for head volleyball coach Louise Stallworth and head softball coach Bob Dempsey.

“Ellyn is the kind of person and athletes every coach wants on their team,” commented Stallworth. “She is totally unselfish, dedicated, and intent on trying to do exactly what the coach expects of her.”

“I believe Ellyn is just beginning to tap into her abilities,” Dempsey said. “She has set high goals and standards for herself and is deeply committed to achieving them.”

She is daughter of David and Rebecca Sapp and she plans to major in applied finance and accounting while at Milligan.

“Ellyn also is a very good student and Christian young lady and will fit into our Milligan College mission very well, as our goal is to educate servant leader. I am very excited for Ellyn to join our softball program next fall and think she will be an asset to our program,” concluded Holly.

Welch inks with Lady Buffs volleyball

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (January 30, 2007) --- Asheville Christian Academy standout Ashley Welch has signed to play her collegiate volleyball at Milligan College.

“I believe we have signed an absolute major power player at the net,” said Milligan head coach Kim Hyatt. “Ashley’s vertical and hitting power will separate her from many players she will be competing against.”

Welch, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter, was named to the CAA All-Conference, NCISAA 2A All-State and All-Western North Carolina teams along with help leading her team to a CAA conference title and the NCISAA 2A State championship. She averaged 2.9 kills and 1.8 digs per game while totaling 31 blocks, 46 aces and 56 assists.

In the state championship match, Welch accounted for 19 kills and served three aces in ACA’s victory.

“Ashley is an amazing athlete. She was our ‘go to’ player in every big match,” said ACA head coach Andy Ramsey. “Her teammates valued her friendship as much as her athletic contribution to the team. Her coaches valued her willingness to always do whatever was asked. Her leadership on and off the court will be greatly missed.”

Along with head coach Ramsey, Welch was coached assistant coaches Susy Ramsey and Joy Allen.

“We are so fortunate that Ashley has chosen Milligan to further her career both athletically and academically,” Hyatt concluded. “You know you’re getting top notch athletes when you recruit from ACA and Ashley is a prime example of those attributes.”

She is the daughter of Cedrick and Mary Welch of Waynesville, N.C.

Morristown's Hale signs with Lady Buffs

MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (January 23, 2007) --- Emilee Hale of Morristown East High School has signed to player her collegiate volleyball with Milligan College.

Hale, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker/right side, led East to two 2-AAA District titles, two 1-AAA Regional berths and two sub-state games while being named a two-time member of the All-District 2-AAA tournament team, as well as an all conference selection in 2006. Hale led the team in aces in 2005 and received the Hurricane Award in 2006.

In 2006, she accounted for 271 kills, 15 assist, 207 digs, 55 blocks and severed 60 aces.

“My choice of Milligan was an easy choice,” said Hale. “From the moment I met Coach Kim Hyatt, I loved her. The school also attracted me because it was smaller with a more personal feeling. I am very excited.”

To go along with her volleyball career, Hale was also a member of the varsity basketball team at Morristown East.

“The first thing that stands out with Emilee is her character,” said Milligan head coach Kim Hyatt. “She has an absolute wonderful character. She is a very hard working young lady and she is a no-quitter. Emilee will give her all for you. She has plenty of skills that will help us tremendously next season."

"We are just thrilled that Emilee chose Milligan," concluded Hyatt.

“While I am at Milligan, I hope to improve my overall play and to grow as a person,” concluded Hale.

Outside of the classroom, Hale, the daughter of Kyle and Kay Hale, of Rogersville, Tenn., will bring a charitable and well-rounded presence to Milligan as she was a member of the state winning 4-H dairy judging team while also volunteering at the Ridin’ High therapeutic riding program.