All Saints’ volleyball players Katie Karbo ’16, Imani Davis ’16, and Allena Heath ’16 were the center of attention Wednesday, November 11, 2015, when they officially signed to their respective colleges for volleyball. All around the country, volleyball players (as well as a few athletes in other sports) signed their commitment contracts on the 11th because it marked the first day of the 2015-2016 signing season.

Last year, All Saints’ alumna Katie Nicholson ’15 chose to sign with the University of Central Arkansas (later switching to Mississippi State) at the start of signing season. The three student athletes’ signing day was filled with love and support; Coach Beck brought his senior varsity football players, students stood all around the commons, and, of course, family and friends of the girls filled the provided rows of chairs.

Upper School Division Head, Joey Menendez, kicked off the morning with a prayer; Dr. Thaddeus “Tad” Bird, Head of School, followed the prayer with a thank you to the veterans for their service, November 11th was Veterans Day, and a thank you to the three student athletes for their time at All Saints’. Athletic Director, Coach Beck, was brought up to congratulate the athletes he has watched from afar and up close for so many years.

Imani Davis ’16, Allena Heath ’16, and Katie Karbo ’16, accompanied by the entire All Saints’ volleyball team

All Saints’ Volleyball Head Coach, Kailee May, began the player recognition with Allena Heath. Heath primarily played outside hitter during her short time with the Saints, she started at All Saints’ in 11th grade.  She signed her letter of intent to Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Coach May continuously referred to her “competitive drive” and let the audience see a glimpse of their bond when she mentioned Heath “thinks [she’s] awkward when [she] talks in public.” Congratulations Allena and, as Coach Beck enjoyed saying, Go “Fighting Camels!”

Allena Heath ’16

Next up, was middle blocker Imani Davis. Davis made the decision to sign with the University of Southern California after receiving interest from schools all over the country such as Stanford, Columbia and Penn State. Coach May referred to Davis as the “smartie-pants” on the team for taking on the job of doing all the stats for the team. Davis is also known for height at All Saints’, and she will be the second tallest girl on the USC team at 6’5. Coach May made sure to note Davis “has been such a leader this year” for the underclassmen as the All Saints’ team consisted of many young players. Congratulations Imani and “kick some freaking butt” (Coach May) for the Trojans next year!

Imani Davis ’16

Coach May then turned her attention to the third young lady sitting at the table, Katie Karbo. Karbo has played for the Saints’ the longest as she joined the family in 7th grade. She is considered a defensive specialist and is known to use her libero jersey to its fullest. Karbo received interest up until the day of her signing when she decided to stick with her already two-year commitment to the University of Houston. Karbo said the decision came down to the surroundings of Houston “because it was more of what she wanted compared to the other places.” May highlighted how competitive Karbo is when she shared that the volleyball players make goals everyday before practice and every day Karbo’s goal is “win.”  Congratulations Katie and Go Coogs!

Katie Karbo ’16

The first National Signing Day of the 2015-1016 season was a huge success for All Saints’, the Lady Saints volleyball team, and the three talented young ladies. Heath, Davis, and Karbo are embarking on a journey not many young men or women are able to or offered; therefore, November 11, 2015 is a day they will not forget.