Murray State University Athletics
Volleyball Signs Two For 2007
12/11/2006 6:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Murray State volleyball head coach David Schwepker announced the signing of Sara Hayden and Ashley Nenninger for the 2007 season.
Hayden, a native of Louisville, Ky., and a senior at Assumption High School, played four seasons under coach Ron Kordes, helping the Rockets to a 43-0 record and national high school championship in 2005 and a 41-2 mark and national runner-up finish last season, losing only to the national champion twice. AHS was the state champion for each of the last three seasons.
Hayden, a 5-10 middle blocker, currently has a 3.97 grade-point average and is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and French Honor Society. She plans on majoring in special education, and is the daughter of Marcia and Al Hayden.
"Sara is a great athlete, but more importantly, she comes to Murray State as an already accomplished player and an excellent student," said Schwepker. "She has been a four-year varsity player for her highly-ranked high school team. Sara has played against the best high schools in the nation and some of the best talent this country has to offer.
"Her club team, KIVA, is also consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the nation. Volleyball is a game of experience, and Sara has a lot of it. I think she is going to fit into this program right away, and will enjoy continued success not only as a volleyball athlete, but as an excellent student that Murray State can be proud to have come through its doors."
Nenninger, a native of Marble Hill, Mo., and a senior at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau, Mo., played four seasons for the Bulldogs under coaches Jenny Vandeven (2003), Andria Burke (2004) and Tara Stroup (2005-present). Last season, she helped NDHS to a 20-10-4 record and district championship. She had 369 kills, winning the team's Offense Award. She was named to the all-region first team and the all-district first team as well as to the Festus All-Tournament Team.
Nenninger was also a four-year member of the Notre Dame swim team, earning all-conference honors in all four seasons. She was a 2005 state qualifier in that sport.
Nenninger, a 6-0 outside hitter, currently has a 3.6 grade-point average and is a member of the Science Club, band and Bluecrew. She plans on majoring in pre-veterinary medicine, and is the daughter of Dennis and Debbie Nenninger.
"Ashley is a great talent with a high ceiling," Schwepker said. "Growing up in the bootheel of Missouri did not afford her the opportunity to play volleyball at a high level, but I believe that, in no time at all, she will adapt to this level of play and end up being a force for this team. She is tall and can jump and hit the ball really hard. She is a smart player on the court and doesn't get intimidated by her opponents.
"She has worked hard to get to where she is now, and I suspect that is going to carry over into her collegiate career. She is a fine young lady that Murray State University can be proud to have in its student population."
Murray State finished the season at 19-8, finishing in third place in the Ohio Valley Conference at 11-5.
