Feb. 22, 2010
PITTSBURGH–Pitt Head Coach Toby Rens continues to bring high-level talent to the volleyball program, as he announced the addition of four recruits for the 2010 incoming class. After finishing second in the Big East conference during the 2009 season, the Panthers aim to make further gains in 2010 with the addition of standouts Jalisa Barnes, Keisha Leggs, Maria Nicholas and Monica Wignot.
"I’m extremely excited about the 2010 class," Rens said. "We’ve had a nice run of talent choose Pitt for the last two seasons. All four student-athletes will represent the University of Pittsburgh and our volleyball program very well.”
All four of these players have the ability to play a significant role next year, according to Rens. Rens also anticipates developing the Panthers into a more powerful team, as incoming and returning players mature during their tenure at Pitt.
“I’m excited to see where this group can take us by the time they are seniors," Rens added.
Barnes is a 5-8 outside hitter from East Rockaway High School in East Rockaway, N.Y, where she earned Long Island Class C Player of the Year honors in both 2008 and 2009. Barnes finished her career with a school record 978 kills, while being coached by Gus Baco. Other accomplishments include:
• Member of the 2009 NYSPHAA State Final Four (finished fourth)
• Member of the 2008 NYSPHAA State Final Four (finished third)
• Two-time all-county selection and 2009 First Team All-State
• 2009 All-County All-Star team member
• 2008 Nassau County All-County
• 2008 First Team All-State Top 6
• 2007 Nassau County All-Conference and All-County
• MSG Varsity Spotlight Athlete of the Week
• Member of A2 USA HP Developmental and Training Camps in 2007 and 2008
In addition to her solid athletic background, Barnes has also excelled academically and civically. She was a member of the high honor roll and National Honor Society all four years of high school, and the recipient of the following awards:
• State of New York Proclamation from Senator Dean Skelos
• Certificate of Merit by New York State Assembly
• Certificate of Recognition by Town of Hempstead, N.Y.
Barnes graduated early from high school and has started classes here at Pitt.
“This spring season will give us time to develop Jalissa’s all-around game,” Rens noted. “Her athleticism and willingness to work hard suggests only good things for her as a player. Jalisa is an outstanding athlete. She has great potential as an all-around player. She has the ability to make a contribution in either the front row or back row. If she stays focused and keeps working hard, I’m sure she will find her way onto the court this fall.”
Leggs is a 6-3 middle blocker from Stockton, Calif., who will transfer from San Joaquin Delta College after playing for Michaela Reyes. An imposing presence on the court, she made the CCCAA All-Nor-Cal team in 2008 and 2009. In addition, she: • Tallied a team high in kills and blocks during the 2009 season
• Named MVP of her 2009 team
Leggs was also a member of the basketball team at Delta where she captured Big Eight Honorable Mention and all-conference honors. At Lincoln High School, she was a two-time all-league honoree and was named the 2006 Offensive Player of the Year in basketball.
“Keisha is a fierce competitor and is a dominant athlete,” Rens said. “She’s already touching 10’ 4” which gives her a very high point of contact. She’s the type of physical athlete who can take us to the next level.
“Keisha has a great desire to play at this level. If she works hard between now and the beginning of our season, she will make a great impact. Her best skill may be her blocking ability as she is so athletic and physical. With two years of junior college experience, we are looking for her to make an immediate impact.”
Nicholas is a 5-6 setter/defensive specialist from Gibsonia, Pa., who attended Pine-Richland High School. She served as captain of her 2009 volleyball team, which finished eighth in the PIAA State Finals. Additionally, Nicholas was:
• Named to the 2009 All-WPIAL First Team
• Named a 2008 and 2009 all-section awardee
Nicholas also excelled academically at Pine-Richland where she was a member of the honor roll all fours years of high school. Outside of Pine-Richland, Nicholas was a member of the Renaissance Volleyball Club for seven years before switching over to Pitt Premier this spring.
“I’m very excited about Maria deciding to become a Pitt Panther,” Rens commented. “She’s an outstanding person and comes from a great family. The first place we look to recruit is in our home state of Pennsylvania. It’s exciting to have a talent like Maria in our own backyard. She was a huge priority for us in the recruiting process. I’m so glad someone as talented as her decided to stay close to home.”
Rens took note of the exceptional conditioning—and familial support—Nicholas has had throughout her career. “She received some great training from Emily Walker at Pine-Richland and from Brian Begor at Renaissance and now with Pitt Premier. She comes from a great volleyball family. Maria’s mother played at Illinois State and her sister just completed her playing career at Notre Dame.”
Wignot is a three-time all-state performer in both volleyball and basketball at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. During her senior season, the 6-2 middle hitter had 855 kills while leading her team, coached by John Kablick, to the Class AA State Semifinals. Some notable accomplishments of Wignot include:
• Four-time district champion team member
• Member of the 1,000+ career kill club for Holy Redeemer
• Four-time League Conference All-Star
• Two-time conference MVP
• Three-time all-state selection
An athletic, strong and dynamic attacker, Wignot was also a four-time letterwinner in basketball where she named a two-time conference MVP and all-state selection. She also lettered in soccer.
“Monica is super talented,” Rens said. “She is already touching just over 10 feet. She lettered in three different sports-volleyball, basketball and softball.
“I’m very excited to have a student-athlete of Monica’s caliber on our team. She has the ability to play any one of the three hitting positions. She does some really natural things as an all-around player. If Monica stays focused and works hard, she will accomplish anything she sets her mind to.”
