AHS Teammates are First OBU Volleyball Recruits

A pair of Allen (Texas) High School seniors is Oklahoma Baptist University's first volleyball recruits.

Cassandra Winker, a 5-6 libero, and Chassie Hamilton, a 5-10 outside hitter, committed to the Lady Bison program, which resumes this fall.

Winker and Hamilton have been All-District honorable mention selections and led AHS to successful seasons in 2006 and 2007. OBU head coach Anna Monsen thinks they will be strong ambassadors for volleyball at OBU.

"I'm glad these two as my first recruits because they are filled with personality and fire and they have a lot of experience," said Monsen. "They are good friends and they have a lot of spunk and energy. I think they will really help us and lead this team in the future."

Winker, the daughter of George and Debbie Winker, was second in digs for AHS in 2007-08 and was named Best Passer and Most Spirited on her 10th-ranked national Victory Volleyball club team.

"I felt OBU was a place where I could get a great education and a place where my faith could grow stronger every day," Winker said. "I am very excited to be one of the girls who get to help build a name for our Bison volleyball team."

She also has served as a Habitat for Humanity Builder, an academic letter winner and has been nominated by AHS faculty for leadership awards.

"Getting Cassie is a big deal to me as a libero," said Monsen, who played the position at the University of Oklahoma. "I think she'll have a great future here."

Hamilton, the daughter of Mike and Karyn Hamilton, has played six years of club volleyball with North Dallas Red, Dallas Skyline Ro Shambo and Dallas Summit, making five trips to the junior national tournament. She also has been to two USA National High Performance camps.

"I felt OBU was the right choice for me," Hamilton said. "It reminded me of home and I love the atmosphere."

Hamilton also is strong in the classroom and is in the upper quarter of her high school class.

"Chassie is great all-around," Monsen said. "She can be utilized anywhere on the floor. She's going to be very valuable to us."