Volleyball Signs Four
Anna Williams, a native of Spartanburg, SC has signed her NLI to play for the Valkyries in the Fall of 2010. Williams had a great deal of success for the Vikings; most notably was her selection as the 2009 SHS Most Valuable Defensive Player and 2005 MVP and All Conference Player. 
“Anna has a great work ethic and knowledge of the game that will take us to new heights next year,” commented Coach Regina Schantz.
Acting as captain for Spartanburg High and Club South, she led her team to multiple successes. She was also a part of the 2009 Power Silver Regional Championship as well as the 2008 and 2009 Southern Classic Championship teams.
When asked why she chose Converse, Williams explained that “after visiting Converse and getting to spend time with the volleyball team, I felt like it was an ideal match for me. I can't wait to become a part of their program.”
Cassandra Reanee’ Rogers, a native from Minneapolis, Minnesota has chosen Converse to continue her volleyball career. Rogers’ 6’1” presence will add to Converse’s stellar ranking of 14th in the nation for blocking.
With Cassandra’s natural intelligence on and off the court I know she’ll be a great leader,” remarked Coach Schantz. “I’m really excited for Cassandra’s arrival in the fall.”
Rogers comes from a well-established high school program at Battery Creek High School. Her career there was nothing short of impressive as she was selected as both 2009 Offensive player of the year and 2008 defensive player of the year, in addition to 2008 and 2009 All Region and 2009 All State awards.
“From the moment that I stepped foot on to the Converse College Campus, I knew that I'd found my home for the next four years,” Rogers said. “When I came for my visit, I was treated as if I were part of the team. The atmosphere at Converse is amazing, and the energy level is sky high. It is everything I could ask for in a college and so much more."
Kandace Griffin, daughter of Keith and Jamie Griffin of Gardendale, Alabama, has decided to join the Valkyries squad in the fall of 2010. Previously, she played for Shades Valley High School, distinguishing herself as a vital asset to the team through multiple
awards, including the 2009 Large Schools All County Tournament Team, 2009 All-Area Tournament Team, 2009 JCIB Superlative Student Athlete, 2009 Birmingham News Scholar Athlete, and a 2009 nominee for the Area 12 Region D Bryant Jordan Scholar Athlete award. She was also the starting varsity setter at Shades Valley for four years.
“I’m ecstatic for Kandace deciding to come to Converse,” commented Coach Schantz. “I know her presence will make our team more competitive and confident on the court.”
Kandace has also received the honor of being selected as one of the Weisiger Scholar Athletes, an award given to a student-athlete that will succeed on and off the court.
Brittany Graves, from Bluffton, South Carolina, has also chosen Converse to be her home for the next four years. Daughter of Sandy and Clay Graves, she comes from the Bluffton High School program.
“Brittany will be one of those players I can ask to do something and she’ll get it done,” commented Coach Schantz. “She is one of those players that gives 110% all the time.” Graves represented Bluffton High School well, receiving Best Offensive Player 2008 and All Tournament Team Beaufort Invitational in 2008.
Graves described her decision to attend Converse, saying that “I feel like I belong there; the team is great and the school atmosphere makes me feel right at home. The academic courses are great; also, the small number of students in a class really works for me because I’ll be able to get help if needed.” She went on to explain that “during the first day with the girls, I felt like I fit right in with them; they were so welcoming! Also, Coach Regina and Coach Candace are so sweet and a joy to be around. I'm excited to be a Converse Valkyrie!"
As demonstrated by their past recognitions and accomplishments, Williams, Rogers, Griffin, and Graves will make their mark at Converse, further distinguishing the already high-quality and well-regarded program.
