Rice Volleyball Signs Two of the State's Best

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 13, 2008) Rice University head volleyball coach Genny Volpe has announced the signing of Nancy Cole and Megan Murphy to National Letters of Intent to attend Rice and play volleyball for the Owls beginning in the fall of 2009.

Cole, from Pasadena, Texas, and Pasadena Memorial High School, is a two-time high school team Most Valuable Player and three-time first team All-District 22-5A. During the 2008 season, Cole registered a school-record 37 kills vs. Spring H.S. and currently leads the Houston-area with 630 kills for a whopping 6.75 kills per set average.

A 6' 3" middle blocker, Cole is rated as the #62 volleyball player in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com. She is also an all-state selection by LoneStarVolleyball.com.

"Nancy is going to be a force at the net immediately upon coming to Rice," comments Volpe. "She has size, is a great blocker, is very competitive, and is a well skilled volleyball player. Nancy's quickness allows her to move along the net swiftly and efficiently. She has the ability to play all three front row positions as she can hit a quick tempo ball as well as second and third tempos with pace and control."

In 2007, Cole led the Houston-area with 500 kills (5.1 kills per set) and was second in kills in 2006 with 494. She was also tops in the region in 2006 with 115 blocks. A National Honor Society member, Cole is a member of the All-Academic District 22-5A team.

Nancy competed for Absolute Volleyball Association club team and is the daughter of John and Shane Cole.

Murphy is a 5' 11' setter from Plano, Texas, and Plano West High School. A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter, Murphy has served as one of the team's co-captains the past two seasons. In 2008, she set a new Plano West record for assists in a career in leading the Wolves to the District 8-5A championship. She was also named as the 2008 MVP of the Arlington Tournament. Murphy is the setter for a team that went undefeated (10-0) in District 8-5A action without losing a set.

"Megan is one of the best setters in the state of Texas and one of the most experienced setters to ever come to Rice," states Volpe. "She is a smart setter who understands the game extremely well in running a quick and diverse offense and is one of the most composed players I have seen for her age."

She recently has been selected to the 2008 LoneStar Volleyball All-Texas team and one of Prep Volleyball's Top 250 Senior Aces.

As a junior, Murphy was selected to the first team All-District 9-5A squad as well as All-Collin County first team. The Wolves concluded 2007, as 5A state semi-finalists.

The daughter of Harry and Gwen Murphy, Megan competed for a Texas Advantage volleyball club that earned a bronze medalist at the17-open Junior Olympics.

"I would also like to thank assistants Melissa Ferris and Trent Herman for all of their efforts in recruiting this exciting 2009 class which will no doubt lead us to great things in the future," concludes Volpe.

Rice is experiencing one of its finest seasons ever with a 21-5 overall record and a 25th ranking in the latest NCAA RPI ratings. The Owls are 12-3 in Conference USA play and have clinched a first-round bye for next week's C-USA Championship in Memphis, Tenn. This Thursday, though, the Owls play at Houston starting at 7 p.m.