Montreat College Volleyball continued to build for the 2010 season and beyond as Head Coach Christine Mooberry announced the signing of Hannah Leigh Travis, a senior standout at Rhea County High School in Dayton, Tennessee who will join a promising Montreat Cavalier program which set a record during the 2009 season for total match wins with a very young team.


The daughter of Steve and Vicki Travis and sister to brothers Justin and Chris Travis, Hannah played for four seasons at Rhea County High School in Evensville, Tennessee for volleyball coach Rusty Ray, who predicts success for Travis at the next level: "Because of her work ethic, she will be an important part of Montreat's success.  She is a great athlete and a tremendous student as well."  Beyond that, Ray says that Travis "possesses a competitive side to her that will not allow her to lose."

Ray's assessment is based on Travis' achievements during her days as a Rhea County Golden Eagle, during which she earned All-District accolades for three straight seasons (2007-09), a team Most Valuable Player award, and several tournament MVP honors as well.

Montreat College head volleyball coach Christine Mooberry recognizes Travis' past accomplishments and believes she can help the Cavaliers program flourish, saying, "Hannah's quickness, effort, and character will make her valuable to the team as a player and as a presence."

Travis claims that the process of deciding to attend Montreat College worked out perfectly.  "I chose Montreat because of the awesome team unity and Christian people that love God there.  Plus, when I learned the school had a pre-med program, I knew right then it was the school for me, as I hope to pursue a degree in nursing.  I can't wait until my 2010 season."

Passionate in her explanation about her love of the game, Travis says, "What I love best about volleyball is that six people have to work together to make something happen.  I love the excitement and communication of close games and listening to the crowd yell. Volleyball makes me feel as if I've accomplished something good in my life.  I never get tired of playing and love learning new ways to do things and teaching other people how to play."

Perhaps that intensity is what led Mooberry and the current players at Montreat College to nickname Travis "Spark Plug" after playing with her at a summer camp.  Mooberry salutes the incoming freshman's energy and attitude and says her spirit is infectious.  "She's already family … she's going to bring some needed fire and competitive drive to my team."

Mooberry anticipates a very strong squad in 2010 after her team set a school record for most victories in a season, finished with a 27-19 win-loss mark, and lost only one player to graduation.