February 7, 2000

BLACKSBURG, Va. ˜ The Virginia Tech volleyball staff released its 2000 signing class Monday afternoon, announcing the signing of setter Kelli O'Dell and middle blocker Jenny Hill.

"We've brought a lot of stability in with the class of 2000 in Kelli and Jenny," said assistant coach Matt Ginipro. "We're very pleased with this class and hope they can contribute immediately."

O'Dell is a 5-10 setter from Kingwood, Texas, who was MVP of District 22-5A for the 1999 season. The Kingwood High product was first-team all-district in 1999 and 1998, leading the Houston area in assists with 1,247 in 1998.

O'Dell plays club volleyball with the Texas Elite Volleyball Club, which qualified for the highly-competitive Tour of Texas in 1999 and 2000. She helped lead the team to a fifth-place finish at the 1999 Asics Colorado Crossroads Junior National Qualifier, second place at the 1999 Asics Tampa Bay Junior National Qualifier and 29th place in the 1999 Junior Olympic Nationals.

"Kelli is probably one of the calmest setters on the court that I've ever seen," Ginipro said. "She runs the offense well, no matter what's going on."

Hill is a 6-foot middle blocker from Holland, Mich., who was a 1999 first-team all-conference selection. Hill attends West Ottawa High and plays club ball for the Dead Frogs. She helped lead the team to a fifth-place at the 1999 Asics Tampa Bay Junior National Qualifier as well as a fifth-place finish at the 1999 Junior Olympic Nationals.

"Jenny will bring a lot of athleticism on the court and will push for time at either the right side or middle position," Ginipro said.