UWA inks Sandifer, Collins

LIVINGSTON — The University of West Alabama volleyball team has inked Vic Collins of Lebanon High School (Ohio) and Briana Sandifer of Huntsville High School during the early signing period.

“Bri and Vic are dynamic athletes that will be able to step in and help our team immediately,” said UWA head volleyball coach Jordan Lay. “Both have had outstanding high school careers with many accolades. Bri and Vic come from a tradition of winning programs and we know they will bring that attitude here to West Alabama.”

Sandifer led the Panthers to three straight Class 6A State Championships (2010, 2011, 2012) and an Elite Eight berth last season, where she was named to the All-Tournament team. Her accomplishments on the court earned her a place on the 2013 Alabama North-South All-Star Team, as well as Huntsville/Tennessee Valley Player of the Week recognition.

“Bri is a 5’11” Outside/Middle hitter who brings a dynamic athleticism to our program,” Lay said. “She is long and powerful at the net but also possesses the finesse to play the back row as well. She has won 3 state titles and been named an all-state player 2 times. She comes in poised to make a push for the title.”

Collins is a three time Scholar Athlete Award winner for the Warriors. In her three seasons on the varisty volley team she has made the All-Greater Western Ohio Conference teams. She was named Warrior Player of the Year for the previous two seasons and named 2013 GWOC South Athlete of the Year. The two time kill leader for LHS, Collins earned a spot in the Ohio All-Star Game this season.

“Vic is a 5’8″ Outside hitter who is an outstanding 6-rotation player,” said Lay. “She is a hard-nosed defender in the back row, and at the net she has the ability to work multiple angles with power. She has played in the toughest high school conference in Ohio and has played against and with some big time D1 players. She knows how to compete at the elite level.

“These are the type of players we love bringing into our program. They have a great amount of character and fit in absurdly well with our team dynamic. We are very excited to have them both and can’t wait to see what their futures hold here in our program.”