NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State head volleyball coach Jennifer Fry announced on Friday the early signing of two athletes who will play for the Spartans beginning in 2010. They are outside hitters Arielle Knafel (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove HS) and Mykal Vailu’u (Tustin, Calif./Beckman HS).

“We are very excited about our 2010 class because of the wealth of talent that is coming in,” Fry said. Both players are coming from very successful high school and club programs which have given them the capacity to contribute to our team immediately and help take us to the next level.”

Knafel tallied over 300 kills, 200 digs and 70 blocks during her senior season at Center Grove in 2009. She helped the Trojans to a 33-4 record and the state semifinals for the first time in nine years. Knafel was also a multi-event athlete on the track and field team for Center Grove.

“Arielle is an exceptional athlete that we are very excited to have at NSU”, Fry said. “She is a fierce competitor and brings a wealth of skills to our program. We are very excited about her confidence, skill level, energy and drive.”

Vailu’u helped Beckman HS to a 23-9-1 record in 2009 and was named to the second team All-Pacific Coast League. She also was a thrower on the track and field team and set the school record in the discus this past spring with a throw of 102 feet, 7 inches.

“Mykal will make an immediate impact for us both offensively and defensively,” Fry said. She has incredible range and a natural touch on the ball. She is a poised, intelligent veteran of the game and a controlled player who sees the court exceptionally well.”