Nov. 12, 2003

SPOKANE, Wash. - With the upcoming departure of four seniors second-year Gonzaga University volleyball coach Kip Yoshimura has stocked up with the signing of four players to national letters of intent on Wednesday. Signing on to play for the Bulldogs in 2004 are Alecia Douglas, Heather Dunn, Briawna Mueller, and Tianna Tuatagaloa.

"Our staff is very excited about this incoming class," commented head coach Kip Yoshimura. "This is our first true recruiting class now that we have been here for a full recruiting cycle. I think we have a very talented group of young ladies who will really make an impact on the direction of this program."

Douglas, a 5-10 outside hitter from Cave Creek, Ariz., comes to Gonzaga after playing at St. Mary's Prep. Douglas is a versatile player that led her team in kills and digs as a junior and senior. She was an honorable mention 5A All-State selection as a junior after earning All-Desert Valley Region first-team honors. As a sophomore Douglas earned honorable mention All-Region honors. Douglas is also a member of the Arizona Juniors club volleyball team.

"Alecia brings a lot of energy and athleticism to our club," stated Yoshimura. "She can play a variety of roles and will have a shot at starting her freshman season at one of our outside hitter positions or as our libero."

Dunn, a 5-10 setter from Napa, Calif., joins the Bulldogs as an all-around player from Justin-Siena High School. During her junior season Dunn collected 752 assists, 498 digs and 363 kills as she helped her team advance to the second round of the Northern California Division IV State playoffs after winning the North Coast Division IV Sectional Dunn earned All-Marin County Athletic League honors in 2001, 2002 and 2003 along with All-MSM Conference honors each of those seasons. Dunn is also a member of the Empire club volleyball team along with current signee Tianna Tuatagaloa.

"Heather is another solid, versatile player that will immediately contribute to our program," says Yoshimura. "She will have a season to learn as the back-up to our returning senior setter Emilee Gihring, but Heather also has enough talent that she could challenge for the starting job in camp."

Mueller, a 6-0 middle blocker from Hermiston, Ore., comes to Gonzaga after a solid career at Hermiston High School. She earned first-team All-Intermountain Conference honors in 2003 after collecting honorable mention All-IMC accolades as a junior. In 2002 Mueller helped guide Hermiston to the State 4A District Finals before falling to eventual state champion Gresham High. Mueller is also a member of the Columbia Juniors club volleyball team.

"Briawna is a talented athlete that we discovered late in the recruiting process," mentioned Yoshimura. "I think that she will be a great fit for Gonzaga and the University will be a great fit for her. She is an outstanding blocker and will be a big asset for us once she makes the transition to Division I volleyball."

Tuatagaloa, a 6-0 middle blocker from San Rafael, Calif., enters Gonzaga after playing high school volleyball at San Rafael High. Tuatagaloa led her team in blocks in 2001 and 2002 before transforming into an offensive weapon in 2003. She led SRHS in kills and aces during her senior season while being named the team MVP. If the last name sounds familiar to Northwest sports fans, she is the daughter of former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Natu Tuatagaloa. Tuatagaloa is also a member of the Empire club volleyball team along with current signee Heather Dunn.

"Tianna is a great athlete who is still developing her volleyball skills," stated Yoshimura. "She can step in and play the middle and outside positions for us next season. She is already a good blocker and continues to develop her offensive skills. Playing with Heather (Dunn) on their club volleyball team will benefit both players here at Gonzaga."

"This is a very talented group of players who have proven themselves on the high school and club volleyball levels," Yoshimura said. "Not only are they great players but they are good student-athletes who have excelled in the classroom. All four players should make a profound impact on our program and will have an immediate chance to play as freshmen."