Clemson Volleyball Adds Two Standouts

Nov. 11, 2004

Clemson volleyball has added two standout performers for the early signing period, head coach Jolene Jordan Hoover announced Wednesday. Jeannette Abbott and Danielle Hepburn have signed with Clemson and will enroll in August of 2005.

“Today is a great day for our program,” Hoover said. “We are extremely excited to be adding two very fine players to our team. After this season, we will lose the bulk of our offense with the graduation of Leslie Finn and Lori Ashton. The addition of Jeannette and Danielle will definitely help us to replace that void.”

Abbott, a 6-0 outside hitter from Downers Grove, IL, has had a highly decorated prep career. The #94 national prospect according to PrepVolleyball.com, Abbott is a three-year starter on one of the top teams in the state of Illinois. She led Downers Grove South High School to the 2002 State Championship as a sophomore and to a Regional and Sectional Championship her junior year. Abbott plays club volleyball for Sports Performance and was selected to USA Volleyball’s Junior National Team in 2003.

“Jeannette has been competing at such a high level over the last three to four years,” Hoover said. “Her high school team is competing for a state title this weekend, and her club team is continually one of the top programs in the country. She is a fantastic all-around player, her fundamental skill level is very high, and she plays great defense. Above all, she wants to win. She is a very competitive player, and we are thrilled that she is joining us.”

PrepVolleyball describes her as a player “with the potential to be strong both at the net and in the backcourt and the athletic ability to easily adapt to the speed of the collegiate game.”

Hepburn is a 6-2 middle blocker from Opa Locka, FL. She was the 2003-04 Miami Herald Player of the Year and team MVP in both 2002 and 2003. She led Dade Christian School to consecutive district championships. She is the #51 prospect according to PrepVolleyball.com and is described by the site as “quick and fluid with good lateral movement and exceptional speed.” An exceptional athlete, Hepburn also lettered once in track and field and four times in basketball.

“Danielle is going to be someone who will make her presence known very quickly,” Hoover said. “Her long arms, fast feet, and versatile attacking ability certainly make her an excellent prospect. She led her high school team to their best season in a long time.

“We are excited that both of these players have decided to join us.”