MICHELLE JOHNSON SIGNS VOLLEYBALL SCHOLARSHIP WITH DUKES

HARRISONBURG, Va., June 3, 2005 – The 2005 James Madison University volleyball season is a couple of months away, and head coach Disa Garner has rounded out her roster with the announcement that Michelle Johnson of Los Gatos, Calif. has signed a scholarship to play for the Dukes. Johnson plans to be a two-sport athlete at JMU, a member of the Division I Colonial Athletic Association, as she will also compete in the high jump with the Dukes' track and field program.

"Both the volleyball and track staffs are very excited about what Michelle brings to both programs," said Garner, who has been at the helm of the volleyball program since 2000. "She is a great student-athlete, which will allow her to excel not only in the athletic arena, but in the classroom as well. She has been exposed to some unique athletic experiences in both sports. Her athleticism fits our mold perfectly."

The 5-foot-9 Johnson was a first-team middle blocker as a junior and senior in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division while playing for coach Joe Ripp at Los Gatos High School. As a sophomore, she gained honorable mention honors. Johnson played on the Vision Volleyball Club 17 Gold Team in 2004 and plays for the 18 Blue Team this year.

"In volleyball, she will bring great quickness to the middle blocking position, making our offense very fast and tough to defend," stated Garner, who's husband, Ron, works with the field event performers for the JMU track and field squad. "In the high jump, she will be able to contribute immediately to the track team's pursuit for a CAA championship and eventually as an individual on the national level. She is a competitive person who wants to be a part of winning championships," added Garner.

Johnson will join Kelsey McNamara and Lauren Miles as newcomers to the volleyball team. McNamara is a 5'10" outside hitter from Northbrook, Ill., and Miles is a 5'9" setter from Tampa, Fla. Miles was named to the 2004 High School America squad by PrepVolleyball.com.

The Dukes finished 17-10 overall and 7-7 in the CAA last fall. JMU returns all but one of it's 2004 starters for the new season, which begins August 25 at home against George Washington University's Colonials. The one departed starter was middle blocker Kate Fuchs (Massapequa, N.Y.), who ended her collegiate career as the Dukes' all-time leader in career total blocks (485) and career block assists (402).

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