By Holly Weber, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Tech head volleyball coach Dave Zelenock has announced the sixth addition to the 2016 Golden Eagle volleyball class with the signing of Lexi Kingree out of Georgia's Chattahoochee High School.
"Lexi is a converted middle who will be a setter in our program," Zelenock commented about the addition of Kingree. "She came to setting late, which is why we do expect to redshirt her. Down the road we think with her size and foot speed and soft contact, she will be one of the best setters in the OVC. Her ability to score because of her height and jumping ability will make our offense so diverse that teams will be forced to commit a blocker to her, which will free up everyone else."
Kingree will come to Cookeville from Johns Creek, Ga., where she attended Chattahoochee High School and was a four-year varsity letterwinner in volleyball. Kingree played as a middle for three years, and then transitioned to setter her senior season. She also played club volleyball for the A5 Volleyball Club and helped her team qualify for the USAV National Championships every year.
"I chose Tennessee Tech because it had everything I was looking for," Kingree said. "I love the players and coaches, the school is a perfect size, and Tech has great academics. The volleyball program is something I am proud to soon be a part of. The surrounding area is beautiful and I am really excited to enjoy the outdoors in Tennessee.
"I had a good feeling when I visited the school, and everyone there made it feel like a second home. I am so excited for my first season as a Golden Eagle," she added. "I am ready to get in the gym and work hard to improve and be the best player that I can be for my team. I plan on bringing a positive attitude, competitiveness, and giving it my all for TTU."
During her four-year career at Chattahoochee, Kingree compiled 717 assists, 348 kills, and 264 blocks including 71 solo blocks. She also led her team to the Elite 8 in 2012 and an Area Championship in 2013, as well as GHSA State Runner-up in 2014 and 2015.
She is the daughter of Bill and Lisa Kingree and intends to major in business.
Kingree is the sixth player announced by Zelenock for the 2016 signing class, joining Elizabeth Bossong of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Taylor Houck from Fletcher, N.C., Rachel Thomas from Okemos, Mich., Abigail Duncan from Memphis, Tenn., and Emily Brooks out of Franklin, Tenn.
"This group is our best class yet," Zelenock remarked about the 2016 signing class as a whole. "We bring in athleticism and skill in each position that will only help us as we continue to grow this program. Next year we will have 12 underclassmen and that's a big task for the staff. If each group can continue to grow like the previous, we fully expect to be competing for OVC titles in the near future. In 2016, I feel that we have the best mix of athlete and volleyball players in the OVC."
