Snyder Inks Class of 2012

Easton, Mass. - Eric Snyder, head coach of the Stonehill women's volleyball program, has announced the six-member class of 2012. Anna Barczak (Ridgefield, Conn.), Colleen Burt (Pensacola, Fla.), Laura Huselton (Penfield, N.Y.), Therese Mance (Milwaukee, Wis.), Michelle Thornhill (Canyon Lake, Calif.) and Lauren Twomey (Maple Grove, Minn.) comprise the incoming group. The Skyhawks, who won four of their final six games, finished the 2007 season 10-20, 6-9 in the Northeast-10.  In addition to his 2008 recruits, Snyder will enter his second season with All-Conference senior Katherine Masson (Acushnet, Mass.) and first-year standout Andrea Wirth (Mesa, Ariz.) returning. 

Anna Barczak (6-0, Freshman, Middle Blocker, Ridgefield, Conn.)
At Ridgefield High School: Four year letterwinner ... Voted team captain four consecutive years ...   Earned varsity letters in basketball and softball ... Two time team Most Valuable Player ... First team all-conference honoree ... Earned second team all-state recognition ... Ranked fifth in the state for kills her senior year ... Named to the all-conference second team her junior year ... Member of the Connecticut Juniors Club Volleyball team (2006-2008) ... National Honor Society member ... Received academic excellence awards in Spanish, History, English and Math. 

"Anna's presence in the program will immediately strengthen our middle blocking core and create much needed internal competition.  She has learned a great deal from her experience playing on one of the best club programs in the northeast this past season and I am confident she will continue to develop into a very talented collegiate player." 

Colleen Burt (5-4, Freshman, Setter/Defensive Specialist, Pensacola, Fla.)
At Pine Forest High School:  Four year letterwinner ... Named team captain three consecutive years ... Named to the Pensacola Sports Association All-Star Team ... Two-time Most Valuable Player in SIdeOut Volleyball ... National Honor Society member. 

"Colleen is a very multi-dimensional player.  Her defensive mindset translates into a natural ability to lead a team from the setting position or make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.  In addition, she brings a sound work ethic and competitive drive that will immediately help our program." 

Laura Huselton (5-9, Freshman, Outside Hitter, Penfield, N.Y.)
At Penfield High School: Four year letterwinner ... Voted team captain her senior year ... Earned two varsity letters in soccer ... Named to the second team all-state ... Received first team all-county honors ... Team nominee for the All-Greater Rochester team ... Earned a spot on the Section V All-Star team ... Member of a state finalist team ... High honor roll student ... Scholar athlete ... National Honor Society member. 

"Laura's versatility and insatiable work ethic will fit well into our team dynamic.  She has the ability to play a variety of different positions, and play them well.  She has experienced a very high level of competition both in high school and throughout the club season.  I am excited to watch her development; both on and off the court." 

Therese Mance (5-7, Sophomore, Libero/Defensive Specialist, Milwaukee, Wis.)
At Divine Savior Holy Angels High School: Four year letterwinner ... Named team captain her senior year ... Received two letters in track and field ... 2006 Honor Roll student. 

"Therese is the newest member of our program, joining the team this spring.  She has added a new and exciting defensive mentality to our group of talented defensive players.  Her intensity and work ethic can be matched by very few.  I am excited to have Therese join our program and look forward to watching her develop." 

Michelle Thornhill (5-9, Freshman, Outside Hitter, Canyon Lake, Calif.)
At Temescal Canyon High School: Four year letterwinner ... Voted team captain her junior and senior seasons ... Four time academic all-league ... Four time California Scholastic Federation honoree ... Earned first and second team all-league recognition ... Named to the All-Murrieta Valley Tournament team ... Recipient of the Best Offensive Player Award in 2005 and 2006 ... National Honor Society member. 

"I am very excited to have Michelle join our program this fall.  Her experience playing on the west coast has sharpened her defensive and offensive skills translating into a very well-rounded player.  She brings a variety of athletic attributes that this program will immediately benefit from this fall." 

Lauren Twomey (5-8, Freshman, Defensive Specialist/Libero, Maple Grove, Minn.)
At Wayzata High School: Four year letterwinner ... Earned two varsity letters in track and field ... Received academic all-state and all-conference honors her senior year ... Named to the all-state team in 2006. 

"I am very excited to have Lauren join our program.  Her defensive attributes will add additional depth to a very strong core of defensive players.  I look forward to seeing all that she can do."