USC Aiken Adds Two to 2009 Signing Class

AIKEN, S.C – USC Aiken head volleyball coach Glenn Cox announced the signing of two players to a National Letter of Intent on Thursday, April 16.

Cox’s dynamic duo spreads the nation as K.D. Almaraz joins the Pacer volleyball player program out of Ventura, Calif., while Samantha Lukralle will come to Aiken, S.C. from Lindenhurst, N.Y. Both players enter the program as a libero.

The duo gives Cox seven incoming student-athletes in his 2009 class. The twosome joins five others signed by Cox during the early signing period at the conclusion of 2008. Cox signed Sara Reeves (Centerville, Va./Centerville), Samantha DeVries (Orangeville, Ill./Orangeville), Ashley Farwell (Wake Forest, N.C./Wake Forest-Rolesville), Alex Petock (Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge) and Shannon Byers (Morristown, Minn./Fairbault) during the fall of 2008.

“We are excited about adding these two incredible defensive players to our roster this fall,” noted Cox. “Both players come from high level club programs and are well trained. They will help provide the Pacers with four years of great passing and defense, which is the foundation of any great team.”

Almaraz played her high school volleyball for Saint Bonaventure High School in Ventura, Calif. She was also a member of the Channel Islands Volleyball Club.

A true student-athlete, Almaraz was the Associate Senior Student Body President and Class President during her freshman through junior years at St. Bonaventure.

“KD will dramatically up the level of our ball control and defense this coming fall,” remarked Cox. “She has great anticipation skills and the ball will have a real problem hitting the floor anywhere around her.”

Lukralle attended Lindenhurst Senior High School, while playing her club volleyball at Island Volleyball Academy.

“Sam is one of the fastest and most athletic liberos we have seen in the 2009 recruiting class,” mused Cox. “This kid is so athletic and tough she actually wrestles with her high school men’s team. Her athleticism combined with great ball control skills will be truly frustrating for our opponents this fall.”