University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Volleyball Adds Two

11/25/2009 11:03:39 AM

Jeff Boyland

EMOND (Nov. 25) – Central Oklahoma volleyball coach Jeff Boyland announced the signing of two new players during the early signing period that ended recently.

Joining the Bronchos for the 2010 season will be Fleming Smurthwaite of Decatur (Texas) High School and Tate Hardaker of Edmond Santa Fe High School.

Smurthwaite enjoyed an outstanding senior season in leading her team to a 36-7 record and the district title, with the setter earning District 5-3A Most Valuable Player honors.

“Fleming will be a great addition to our program,” Boyland said. “She comes from a quality high school program and plays for one of the top clubs in the nation. We're excited because she has a great volleyball IQ and is a true leader.”

Hardaker was selected to the All-State team while leading Santa Fe to a 29-5 record and a state tournament berth. The daughter of UCO head women's basketball coach Guy Hardaker, she was also the starting libero on the 2009 USAV National High Performance Youth Championship team that competed in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. last July.

“Tate is an outstanding athlete who commands the floor from the defensive side of the ball,” Boyland said. “She is a converted libero from the outside hitter position, so she understands all facets of the game.”

“I'm very excited to add these two athletic players to our squad. I expect both to come in and make a huge impact in our program next year.”

The Bronchos lose just one senior off this year's team that went 16-16 and finished fifth in the Lone Star Conference.

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