Nov. 21, 2008

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State's head volleyball coach Grayson DuBose announced Friday the signing of Samantha Brunatti, Kassi Hargrove and Josselyn White to National Letters of Intent to compete for the Aggies beginning in the 2009 season.

Brunatti, a 6-0 middle blocker from American Fork, Utah and is currently a senior at Brighton High School and is coached by Kathy Mendenhall. As a prep senior she earned first-team all-region and all-state honors as she helped her team win its region and place third at the state tournament. She is also a member of Club Utah Volleyball which is coached by Chris Gorny.

"I am happy that Sami is going to be a part of our program here at Utah State," said DuBose. "She is a fun kid to be around and a great competitor. Sami has been well coached in high school and club, and will have a big impact on our team at the middle blocker position."

Hargrove, a 5-9 setter, is currently a senior at Bishop Monogue High School in Las Vegas, Nev., and is coached by Jason Sterrett. As a senior, she earned all-state honors as she led her team to a 22-6 record and a state championship. During her senior season, Hargrove recorded 734 assists, 132 digs, and 61 service aces. She is also a member of the Northern Nevada Volleyball Club team.

Along with her accomplishments in volleyball, Hargrove also earned all-state honors as a pitcher and outfielder in softball as a freshman and sophomore at Monogue HS, and all-league honors in each of the last three seasons.

"Kassi is a wonderful athlete that is continuing to learn the setter position," DuBose stated. "She works hard and will be a great asset to our program. We are extremely excited that she decided to become an Aggie."

White, a 6-2 outside hitter, is currently a senior at Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah and is coached by Shane Jones. As a senior, White led the Bobcats to a perfect 12-0 region record and a fifth-place finish at the state tournament. During her senior season, she hit .293 and recorded 382 kills, 204 digs, 67 service aces and 62 blocks. As a junior, White was named the Player of the Year in Cache Valley by the Logan Herald Journal, and also earned first-team all-state honors from the Deseret Morning News and second-team all-state honors from the Salt Lake Tribune, along with being named a first-team all-region. White is also a member of the Mountain West Volleyball Club.

"Josselyn is an excellent addition to our volleyball program," said DuBose. "She is a physical player who will bring some height to the outside hitting position. She is a student of the game and is always continuing to get better. We are happy Josselyn decided to stay close to home and become a part of the program we are developing."

"Overall, we addressed some needs with this signing class," DuBose said. "They are all good athletes and good students that will continue to help our program compete at a high level in the Western Athletic Conference.