April 11, 2002
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University volleyball head coach Jon Wallace announced the signing of opposite hitter Alyssa Lantz of Bakersfield and setter Kristen Luxton of Los Altos to National Letters of Intent. The duo will join November signees Cassie Perret and Kimberly McGiven as the Bronco class of 2006.
Lantz, who played primarily at middle blocker for Centennial High School, will move over to the right side in college. At 6-1, Wallace said she possesses a quick and dynamic arm and has a long reach. She led her prep team to four league championships and posted a 106-24 overall record. As a junior, Lantz led the Golden Hawks to the Central Section Division II Championship and received All-America honors as a senior. She is a five-time MVP honoree by her club team, the Jamba Juice17s, and was part of the team that won the 2000 Davis Festival 16s. Her sister is a current member of USC's volleyball team.
"I think Alyssa is going to be an incredible player at Santa Clara," Wallace said. "She'll really compete for a spot on the right side with Christina Vick, Becky Biniek and Megan Johnston. She hits the ball really hard and fast, which can be a very successful combination in that spot. In addition to her attacking ability, her blocking is also strong and both will help to develop the rest of her game."
Lantz chose Santa Clara over Pac-10 schools Arizona and California and West Coast Conference rivals San Diego and Pepperdine.
Luxton, a 5-9 setter from Los Altos High School, is described by Wallace as having soft hands, is a consistent player and an incredibly hard worker. Originally from Honolulu, the team captain earned second team All-CSS recognition while leading Los Altos to the CCS finals. She also earned first team all-DeAnza League honors and was named the MVP of her team last season as Los Altos finished with a 26-8 overall record. She plays club ball for Vision.
"The moment you watch her set, you'll fall in love with her hands and her delivery of the ball," Wallace said. "We feel she's a good jumper and with her hands, we can develop the rest of her game. She'll be pushing Kelli Sousa every day. We're anticipating close battles throughout the year and hopefully that will make our team better."
Santa Clara prepares for the start of their spring season with its first match against cross-town rival San Jose State on Thursday, April 18 at 5 p.m. in the Leavey Center. The Broncos hope to avenge their first round loss to the Spartans in last November's NCAA Championship. The team will have two more home matches on the spring schedule, including Pacific on April at 5 p.m., and the defending National Champions Stanford, who are scheduled for Thursday, May 9 at 5 p.m. The team will travel to Berkeley on Saturday, May 4 for an all day tournament with games against California, Stanford and Saint Mary's.