NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Iona College volleyball head coach Alan Edwards announced the signing of two athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period.  Taylor Jade Manuel of Seal Beach, CA and Kelsey Hess of Laguna Niguel, CA have signed to play volleyball for the Gaels in the fall of 2010.

"Both Taylor and Kelsey come from the TCA volleyball club program in Southern California which runs a similar offensive and defensive system to ours," said Edwards.  "With their previous experience I look forward to having them join our program and contribute right away."

Manuel - a 5-10 outside hitter - will join the program from Calvary Chapel High School in Santa Ana, CA.  In addition to playing at Calvary Chapel, Taylor played as an outside for TCA 17-Black during the 2009 club season and was selected to represent the SCVA as a member of its regional High Performance team.

"Taylor's speed and athleticism are going to make an immediate impact for us on the outside," said Edwards.  "I think she will be looked out to contribute in a big way as a freshman." 

Also a member of TCA 17- Black and a team captain at Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo, CA, Hess will look to help shape the Gaels' future next fall.  A 5-10 outside hitter, Hess comes to New Rochelle after an accomplished career as a prep athlete.  She competed on regional High Performance teams in 2008 and 2009 and was a four-year letter winner at Aliso Niguel.   She also finished in ninth place at the AAU Beach Volleyball National Championship as a 16-year old.

"Kelsey is a very polished player and has been playing the game for a while," said Edwards. "She has great leaping ability and a quick arm and her ball control on defense will allow her to make a potential impact as a six-rotation outside hitter as a freshman next season."