FREDERICK, Md.--Head volleyball coach Judy Whims-McGraw announced the addition of six talented newcomers to her roster for the upcoming season.

Kristan Hawkins, Mary Krietz, Kristina Straub, Chelsea Weaver, Katie Worthington and Krista Zerby have all committed to attend Hood College and play volleyball this fall.

Hawkins played both right side and middle hitter at powerhouse Centennial High School in Ellicott City, Md. Hawkins helped the Eagles clinch the state championship in 2005 and 2006. She earned an Academic Achievement Award and a Merit Award for honors classes.

"Kristan is dedicated to volleyball," tells Whims-McGraw. "She's the kind of student-athlete that would be a bonus for any program to have. I love her passion for the sport. Kristan will help our offensive line with special attention given to the middle hitting position."

Krietz is a setter from nearby Catoctin High School whose older sister, Jess, plays softball at Hood. Krietz is an outstanding student and member of the National Honor Society. She received Maryland Distinguished Scholar Athlete Honorable Mention and was nominated for both the National Honor Roll and Who's Who Among American High School Students.

"Over the course of her high school career, I've been able to watch Mary improve steadily," commented Whims-McGraw. "She is a goal-oriented young lady and that is important on the court as well as in the classroom. We are glad to have Mary, a Frederick County resident, joining Blazer volleyball."

Straub, a product of Paint Branch High School in Burtonsville, can be used at setter and outside hitter. A two-sport athlete at Paint Branch, she was selected as a Senior All-Star for both volleyball and basketball in addition to garnering the Marine Corps Outstanding Athlete Award. Straub averaged over three kills, five assists and seven digs per game in high school.

"Kristina will help to give us depth at the setting position and we are eager to have her learn our offense," noted Whims-McGraw.

Weaver, an outside hitter and defensive specialist, was a four-year varsity starter and co-captain at South Hagerstown High School. A four-time all-county and all-Monocacy Valley pick in volleyball, Weaver was a three-sport standout at South Hagerstown who also excelled in tennis and basketball. A member of the National Honor Society she was ranked in the top 10% in her class and served as senior class president this past year.

"Chelsea is a player who's been on our radar for the past couple of years," admits Whims-McGraw. "She's a much bigger player than her size would indicate and we are happy to have her join the Blazer program. Chelsea is a fundamentally sound player who could make an immediate impact for us both offensively and defensively."

Worthington will add depth at both middle blocker and outside hitter and comes to Hood from Hereford High School in Parkton, Md. She earned numerous academic accolades at Hereford, including being named to the National Honor Society. She was also the recipient of the Gold Award and has earned Distinguished Scholar status the last two years.

"Katie will be an asset for us at the net," said Whims-McGraw. "She's proven to be a versatile offensive player in high school and we look for her to continue that trend at Hood."

Zerby, a middle hitter, attended Williams Valley High School in Muir, Pa., and ranked second in her senior class academically. She appeared in Who's Who Among American High School Students Sports Edition and earned a spot on the National Honor Roll.

"Krista's defensive ability, work ethic and ability to lead will compliment our program nicely," stated Whims-McGraw.

The Blazers are coming off a 6-15 campaign which saw them advance to the Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference title match. Hood will begin its first year of competition in the Capital Athletic Conference this fall.