Recently, five members of Head Coach Mark Pryor's initial recruiting class for the Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball team were named to the Texas Sports Writers Association 2008 All-State Volleyball Team.
 
Three future Lions were named to the third team including in Class 3A, Rachel Roberston, a 6-1 middle blocker from Princeton as well as from Class 2A - Morgan Moeller, a 5-9 outside hitter from Scurry Rosser and Reagan Hayes, a 5-11 utility player from Pottsboro.
 
Two more received honorable mention recognition including in Class 4A, Blair Claypoole, a 6-2 outside hitter from Mesquite Poteet and Jillian Atkins, a 6-1 middle blocker from Thorndale in Class A.
 
The recruiting class assembled by Lions' head coach Mark Pryor has brought a level of excitement to A&M-Commerce volleyball as he enters his second season.

"It is exciting to see that so many of the student athletes that
have signed in this first recruiting class are receiving such honors. For
five of our seven signees to receive this honor says a lot about our signing class this year," said Pryor.

 
Joining the five will be Ashleigh Barnett, the district co-MVP for 7-5A,
from Arlington and Chelsea Simonton, An all-district selection from Mineral Wells round out the seven-person recruiting class.

"Another important aspect of this is the majority of these signees are from such a close proximity to our university.  I really believe that we need to keep local talent right here.  I know that we can not sign every quality player in the area, but since the university serves this region, I think it is important to use the region's athletic talents as much as we can," said Pryor.
 
In the fall of 2009, the Lions will return seven players from a 2008 squad that enjoyed its best season since 2002 after winning 15 contests and advancing to the LSC Tournament.
 
"I have already had an opportunity to see some of these athletes play for their club teams this season, and I am excited about their long term
potential here," said Pryor.  "With our program returning seven of our eight players from last season, I see that as a positive for these incoming athletes.  They will have an opportunity to compete for playing time, but they will be able to have the returning letterwinners lead them by example and show these talented incoming freshmen how we want things done here."