Volleyball introduces 2018 recruiting class - Part 2

Last week, the Lamar Community College volleyball team introduced the first five players of its 2018 recruiting class. Today, meet the final half of our incoming Lopes. (in chronological order)

Allie White continues Lamar's run on Colorado talent. White is an athletic middle hitter from Cherokee Trail High School (Aurora, Colorado) who played for Relentless Volleyball Club. Her top-tier explosiveness more than makes up for her lack of prototypical middle height (5'7"), and she follows in the footsteps of other so-called "undersized" middles who have succeeded at Lamar against bigger opposing middles.

"Our system is a challenge and some middles struggle at first, understandably, with the learning curve, but you could see it click halfway through her visit here and I think that helped her confidence, knowing she can be a force in our offense," LCC head coach Dante Geoffrey said. "She's fast, and once she gets enough reps she'll be able to go full speed without even thinking about it."

Taylor Lallmann loves to go to work. The 5'5" setter from Arvada, Colorado, is a go-getter and knows it's necessary to put in the time in order for her to get where she wants to go. Lallmann played for Ralston Valley High School and VC Alliance Volleyball Club, where she displayed athleticism and a will to win necessary for successful setters. 

"Taylor is a grinder. She's athletic but doesn't rely solely on her physical tools, and she knows what she has to work on to be an impact setter at the college level," Coach Dante said. "She really impressed with her willingness to learn and be coached, to take feedback and apply it on the next rep. In her visit alone I saw her take new concepts and adapt her technique on the spot. It will be very exciting to see her progress over the next two years."

Jillean Cooper-Watson won't be a freshman during the 2018-19 school year, but she will be new to Lamar. The 5'10" middle is a transfer from Vincennes University in Vincennes, Indiana. With a freshman-heavy roster, Cooper-Watson will be a welcome addition to the sophomore class. Her experience at a respected program, along with her athleticism and fast swing, will provide untold value to the LCC program.

"It's a gift to be able to add a sophomore like Jill to our program, especially this year. She fills a role as a middle hitter and also as an experienced college player," Coach Dante said. "She knows what it looks like to be a college athlete day in and day out, and that will go a long way to mitigating the freshman-sophomore imbalance, while adding another weapon into the heart of our offense."

Charlène Hosly adds another dynamic attacker to an already deep and balanced Lopes offense. Hosly is a 5'9" outside hitter from Rixheim, France, who experienced success at the highest levels of France's club circuit when she helped lead ASE Rixheim to a second-place finish at nationals. Hosly, a graduate of Lycée Albert Schweitzer, is a determined winner with a well-rounded game suited for success in Region IX.

"Charlène is a tremendous talent who we can bring into our program and help mold into a top performer in this conference," Coach Dante said. "We know there's a learning curve for all freshmen, and that's especially true with internationals. We're going to help her develop, but there won't be pressure for her to carry this team so she'll be able to find her footing before the home stretch of her first season. She's a gifted and creative player and it will be a blast having her in this program." 

Valorie Walker proves that patience pays off. Walker, a 5'3" setter from Nimitz High School in Houston, Texas, was a late find for the Lopes, but one that should provide early returns in the gym and the classroom.

"Val was a great all-around student-athlete at Nimitz and we expect her to elevate our program in every way," Coach Dante said. "She has a high volleyball IQ and takes pride in her academics, and that type of discipline and focus will make her a good setter. She comes from a strong athletic background and is familiar with what it takes to thrive at this level, so we know she's going to be eager to get better and make us better in the process."