University of Montevallo volleyball head coach Katie O’Brien announced her first recruit for the 2009 season on Friday. Virginia Clay of Fort Collins, Colo. has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Falcons starting in 2009.

“We’re excited to have Virginia join the program,” O’Brien said. “She will complement our core of returning players and will make an immediate impact on the court.”

Clay is a 6-3 middle hitter from Poudre High School. She was named captain of her team and led the state in blocks last season. She’s also a standout in the classroom as she was twice named Academic All-State. She plays club for the Norco 18 Black team and is coached by Glenn Sapp, who was an official at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

She is involved in many service projects and groups at school including Link Crew, NHS Qualifier, Academic Letter, Rotary Club and many volunteer projects.

Virginia is the daughter of Jim and Lisa Clay and is one of three children including sister, Maggie (16) and brother, Tucker (14).

Clay will enroll at Montevallo this fall and will join the Falcons for the 2009 season.