Dec. 18, 2009

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State head volleyball coach Deanne Scanlon has announced the signing of three student-athletes that will begin their collegiate careers at GVSU at the start of the 2010 season. Stacey Catalano (Macomb, Mich./Utica Eisenhower), Brittney Jackson (Cleveland, Ohio/Laurel), and Cailie Johnson (Rockford, Mich.) are the newest members of the Laker volleyball program.

Catalano is a 6-0 outside hitter that starred for the Utica Eisenhower Eagles, earning First Team All-State honors during her senior season. In 2009, she recorded 830 kills, 362 digs, 174 service aces, 167 block assists, and 71 solo blocks for a team that went 39-10-3 and a regional championship. During her final three seasons at Utica Eisenhower, Catalano totaled 1,484 kills, 434 block assists, 398 digs, 287 service aces, and 250 solo blocks, including an 82-32-7 record over those three years. She earned all-district and all-county first team honors during her final three seasons, while being named her Utica Eisenhower's most valuable player all four years. Catalano was tabbed as an all-region selection twice, including first-team all region plaudits during her stellar senior season, in which the Eagles won the Imlay City, Ladywood, and Stevenson High School tournaments. She also earned varsity letters in track and field and soccer during her time at Utica Eisenhower.

A 5-9 outside hitter at Laurel School in Cleveland, Jackson was a four-year starter for the Gator program. In 2009 as a senior, Jackson was named to the Independent School League First Team, while also garnering all-state honorable mention laurels, as she finished the year with over 400 kills. Jackson also was voted to the ISL First Team in 2007 and 2008, while being named Laurel's most valuable player three times. She was an ISL Second Team selection during her freshman season in 2006. Jackson also competed in track and field for all four years at Laurel and played basketball for two seasons and was a member of Junior Olympic volleyball for four years.

Johnson is a 6-0 athlete that saw time at outside hitter, middle blocker, and right side for the Rockford Rams. She was named to the all-academic team all four years at Rockford and won four district championships with the Rams. A two-time team captain, Johnson earned all-conference laurels during her senior season when Rockford won the regional title. Named to the North Kent Advance all-area team twice, she also was tabbed most spirited and most improved during her time at Rockford. The Rams won the Spring Lake and Cristi Curtis tournaments, as well as the Mason Invitational during her four seasons. Johnson competed in track and field for a year at Rockford and was the RHS junior and senior class president, as well as the mayor of student council. She was also a member of National Honor Society at Rockford.

Grand Valley State finished 16-13 in 2009, advancing to the Midwest Regional tournament for the 10th straight season.