Nov. 19, 2007

CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Western Carolina Head Volleyball Coach Stephanie Dragan announced the signing of Brittany Lysik (Cary / Cary, N.C.) and Carrie Minogue (Assumption / Louisville, Ky.) to NLI's (national letter of intent) Monday.

"Carrie and Brittany bring a lot to our program," Dragan said. "They have a great work ethic, have strong technical foundations, and are mentally tough athletes that know how to win."

Dragan describes Lysik as a 6-0 utility player able to play on the outside, as she did for her high school and at the libero position as she did for her club team. She was a First Team All-Conference selection as a senior helping Cary High School to an 18-2 record ranking first in the conference, reaching top eight in the region and top 16 in the state.

"Brittany's intensity is visible and she has a great court presence," Dragan said. "She is very good in serve receive and in defense. She comes from a volleyball family and she understands the game - I am excited to add her to our roster."

Minogue is a 6-0 middle hitter who comes from the volleyball tradition rich Assumption High School. As a senior, Minogue helped Assumption win its fourth-straight state title and her third for the Rockets - who were ranked first in the state and No. 5 in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com. She was one of six Assumption players to commit to NCAA Division I schools.

"Carrie knows how to win and what it takes to win," Dragan said. "Her year round training has prepared her to come and make an immediate impact on our team. She is a quiet but deadly player. Carrie has incredible transition and attacks very well behind the setter. Katie [Hennessey] is going to love setting her the slide."

Lysik and Minogue will join a Western Carolina club that lost just one starter from 2007 - as senior Meredith Harmon completed her career for the Catamounts this season.