Northwestern University Athletics
Volleyball Team Inks Three Players for 2003
11/21/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 21, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - Head coach Keylor Chan has announced the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent to join the Northwestern University volleyball program beginning in the 2003-04 academic year.
Headlining the list is Louisville, Ky. native Julie Purcell, the 2001 Student Sports National Junior Player of the Year. She is joined by Stephanie Jurivich of La Grange, Ill. and Lauren Greenwood of Brentwood, Tenn.
"This could probably be regarded as one of the top 10 or 15 classes in 2003," Chan said. "They are all versatile players who will help us out in many aspects. We expect them all to contribute right away. They are all competitive, proven players who have competed for national championships at the club level. They will help raise the athletic and competitive level of play at Northwestern."
Purcell, a 6'1 middle blocker, was named a 2001 Volleyball Magazine All-America and the Kentucky volleyball Gatorade Player of the Year. She helped lead Assumption High School to three straight state championships and the 2001 undefeated squad was named national champions by Student Sports. As a junior, she recorded 319 kills with a .537 hitting percentage to go along with 144 blocks.
"Julie is one of the best competitors out there," Chan said. "As a high school national champion, she is an experienced winner. She hits a heavy ball and should compete for an offensive spot right away."
Jurivich, a 6' right side/setter, was a first-team all-area selection by the Chicago Sun Times and all-state honorable mention by the Chicago Tribune. She was named a Hot 100 pick by Student Sports. As a senior, Jurivich averaged 9.4 kills and 1.9 blocks per game for St. Ignatius. She also competed for the Second City club team, considered to be one of the top club programs in the country.
"Stephanie is one of the top two or three players out of the state of Illinois this year," Chan said. "She is considered one of the top 15 recruits in the nation. She is a very diverse player. She is an excellent attacker and a skilled and smart setter who can help us in many ways."
Greenwood, a 5'7" setter and defensive specialist, helped lead Brentwood High School to state championships her freshman, sophomore and senior seasons. Following her junior year she was named a USAV All-America after leading her Impact club team to a runner-up finish at the 2002 Junior National Championships.
"Lauren is one of the most underrated players in the class," said Chan. "She is an excellent defensive player and a pure setter. She has phenomenal game knowledge and is very savvy. She could see time right away as a setter or libero."
