Montreat College Head Volleyball Coach Christine Mooberry has announced the signing of Bethany Hirz, who will join the Cavalier program for the 2010 season.  Hirz, a 5'1" libero, is the daughter of Pat and Sandy Hirz and is completing her senior year at Fred T. Foard High School in Newton, North Carolina, where she also played in an active club team environment.  

Hirz earned All-Conference honors in 2009 playing for Head Coach Roger Shield and the Foard Tigers of the Catawba Valley Athletic Conference, and her talents and attitude have Mooberry excited about the role she can play at Montreat: "I think Bethany will add energy and skill to the libero position; she excels at serve receive, covering the hitters, talking on defense, and hitting her zones when serving.  She also has great hands and has stepped in for the setter position when needed for her high school."

Mooberry's opinion of the recruit's character seems even more positive, as she says of Hirz: "Bethany is everything we would want in a Montreat College student athlete.  She demonstrates Christ on the court, in doing everything to the best of her ability.  I think she will add spiritual leadership to the team.  And she is a very solid and accomplished student as well."

Hirz is likewise inclined to talk about team, saying that she loves "volleyball because it's a team sport" and that her motivation is "knowing that there are five other athletes depending on" her to do her best.

When asked why she had chosen Montreat, Hirz was clear that she intends to embrace the college life and see where God might want to take her: "I believe God chose Montreat College for me because it's a place where I cannot only further my education but grow spiritually as well."  She will declare a major in Human Services and may explore missionary work.

Mooberry anticipates a very strong squad in 2010 after her team set a school record for most victories in a season and finished with a 27-19 win-loss mark and believes Hirz will have a significant position on that team: "She may be a small player," says Mooberry, "but no doubt she will make a big impact on the court."