Nov. 8, 2000

CONTACT: Mandy B. Sciba

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University volleyball coach Debbie Humphreys has announced the signing of two student-athletes. Joanna Benestante and Deborah Kirkham signed national letters of intent today to play for the Ladyjack volleyball team next fall.

Joanna Benestante, a 5-10, outside hitter from Cy-Falls High School in Houston will enter the Ladyjack volleyball program next fall. Benestante has a long list of accomplishments. During her senior season (2000), she has earned the Houston Chronicle "Athlete of the Week" and school sports "Student Athlete of the Week" honors. As a junior (1999), Benestante was named to the All-Greater Houston Area third team, All-District team, Most Valuable Player of her Cy-Falls High School volleyball team and Junior Olympic Nationals All-Tournament Team. During 1998, as a sophomore, Benestante earned the Cy-Falls "100% Award." She has served as her team's captain both as a junior and a senior. The Cy-Falls High School volleyball team finished the 2000 regular season 33-2 overall and are currently participating in the area round of the playoffs.

In the classroom Benestante has excelled as she is ranked 10 out of 695 students in her class. She has also served as the National Honor Society parliamentarian (1999, 2000), Spanish National Honor Society treasurer (1998, 1999, 2000) and Student Council officer (1999, 2000). Her other academic achievements have included Who's Who Among American High School Students and GOAL Team, a student mentoring program.

Deborah Kirkham, a 5-9 outside hitter from Cy-Creek High School in Houston, has also signed to join the Ladyjack volleyball program. Kirkham, during her volleyball career at Cy-Creek High School, has been named to numerous all-tournament teams. As a senior, she led her team in kills during the regular season play. As a team captain (2000), she has led her team to two district championships (1999, 2000). Cy-Creek High School has qualified for the 2000 area playoffs. Kirkham has served as the team captain for her swimming team and placed on the All-District, All-Region and All-State second teams.

Kirkham's club experience with Texas Elite led her to a ninth place finish at the Junior National Olympics and a second place finish in the Tour of Texas Tournament.

Academically, Kirkham has been named a member of Who's Who Among American High School Students, Mu Alpha Theta and the honor roll.

"We are very excited to have Joanna and Deborah as a part of the Ladyjack volleyball program. They both come from strong high school programs, and they know how to win. Each one brings tremendous athleticism, ball control and desire. Their jumping ability will allow them to develop into dominant hitters. They are solid all-around players who will adjust very quickly to Division I volleyball. Their style of play is a good fit for SFA. Joanna will train as a left side hitter, while Deborah will work at a variety of positions," said Coach Debbie Humphreys.