Nov. 19, 2002

Jenni Casper, a defensive specialist from Louisville, Ky., and Melissa Popp, an outside hitter from the Indianapolis, Ind. area, have signed national letters of intent to play volleyball for the University of Kentucky, it was announced Tuesday by Coach Jona Braden. Both will join the team in the fall of 2003.

Jenni Casper

Casper, a 5-4 senior at Mercy Academy, will serve as UK’s libero, a position she’s played with her club team, the Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy (KIVA). She replaces UK senior Aleisha Craven, who completes her eligibility this month, another Mercy graduate. Casper has enjoyed a highly successful high school and club career, culminating in All-Region honors her junior and senior years.

During Capser’s time at Mercy, the Crusaders won the regional title twice. She also was a member of the U.S. AAU national championship team and the 1998 USA Junior National Championship team.

“Jenni is a fearless competitor, a never-say-die athlete who gives her all until the very end,” Braden said. “She makes everyone around her betterby giving selflessly. Her competitive range is phenomenal. Covering the court is what Jenni Casper does. The passion and intensity that she plays with inspires others to keep fighting and believing in theprocess.”

Melissa Popp

Popp, a 5-11 outside hitter from McCordsville, Ind., played for Bishop Chatard High School. Braden served as head coach at the school from 1978-83, coaching Popp’s high school coach, Jill Starliper. Popp was named first-team All-State in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and City Player of the Year the last two seasons for the Indianapolis area. She also was first-team All-City for the last three years and first-team Super Team in 2001 and 2002.

Just last week, Popp was named the 2002 Super Team Player of the Year in Indianapolis. An all-around athlete, she played basketball and ran track in high school. She was named All-City in basketball in 2001 and 2002 and was honorable mention All-State in 2001.

“Melissa brings so much to the table with savvy play, incredible tenacity anda fearless competitive spirit which hugely demonstrates her will to win,” Braden commented.”Shehas had a stellar high school and club career where she has been recognized and honored for the excellence she brings to the court.”

Popp played club for Circle City and also was named to the 2001 Michiana High Performance team. She was named team captain at Circle City for the 2001-02 club season. An honor student, Popp was named honorable mention Academic All-State this year and is a member of the National Honor Society.

“I believe that Jenni’s and Melissa’s strengths will complement each other in so many ways,” Braden concluded.”They are both physically talented athletes who know the game. They come from high school and club programs that have competedagainst the very best. They both havea desire to go to the nextlevel and make an impact. We are looking forward to Melissa and Jenni joining the program next fall.”

The women are the first two signees of the 2003 UK freshman class.