The University of Kentucky volleyball program and Coach Jona Braden announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2001 season.

The 2001 class consists of 6-1 right side/middle blocker Katie Bright (Kalamazoo, Mich./Portage Northern), 5-8 setter Leigh Marcum (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville), and 5-10 outside hitter Sarah Spinner (Melbourne, Fla./Satellite Beach).

Bright is a versatile athlete who can play left, middle or right side positions. She can hit the ball with force and has developed into a smart hitter. Her improved back-row skills have developed her into a more complete player. She is coached at Portage Northern by Jack Magelssen. Portage Northern boasts one of the most prominent volleyball programs in the country, having captured 10 state championships throughout the 1980s and 1990s while producing 71 All-State volleyball players.

Marcum received Second Team All-State honors in Indiana her senior season in leading Noblesville to a 24-10 record. She was a four-time all-conference and all-county selection and two-time county player of the year. Marcum was chosen as the Indianapolis Metro North co-player of the year both her junior and senior seasons. She holds nine school records with the most impressive being her total of 1,974 career assists.

Spinner was selected to the Florida All-State and All-District teams following the 2000 season. She was voted Regional Player-of-the-Year and holds the single-season school record at Satellite Beach with 333 kills. In addition to her kill total, Spinner recorded 260 digs, 78 aces, 62 blocks and five assists this season.

"This class is going to add depth and assist in the overall growth and forward movement of our program as we strive in our pursuit of excellence," Braden said. "These three players are going to compliment our team from the physical, mental and emotional aspects. Off the court, they are solid in their academic pursuits and are complete definitions of what a student-athlete should be. Their work ethic, approach to becoming the best they can be, and their pure team player mentality will enhance the overall development of this program. They truly fit what this program needs."

Katie Bright "Katie will bring us that fearless, competitive spirit and a never say die attitude. She will get her job done because she is meticulous to detail and a constant thinker. Katies love for competing is contagious. When she steps onto the floor, you can be assured that she is prepared for battle. Katie will add a great deal of versatility to our team because she can fulfill many roles."

Leigh Marcum "Leigh is very athletic and very excited about being trained as a setter. With her experience as an outside hitter, it brings another depth of understanding to our team. Her athleticism is incredible as is her approach to competition. She is constantly figuring out a way to win and get the job done. She is a natural leader and many times has been called upon to do more than what her role has required. Leigh has a real mind for the game."

Sarah Spinner "Sarah brings a lot of what she gained as an individual sport competitor to the volleyball court. There is a deep inner competitive strength that Sarah exhibits as she plays and performs. Her newness to the game is countered by her athleticism. Her strengths as a tennis player naturally carry over to volleyball. She is a wiry, explosive player. Sarah has an inner competitive drive and her preparation brings her ability to the surface and possesses an incredible enthusiasm for performing."