April 15, 2008

AUBURN - The Auburn volleyball team added two players to its 2008 signing class during the regular signing period, head coach Wade Benson announced on Tuesday. Chanelle Clark and Kelly Fidero signed National Letters of Intent and will join Jyoti Ruffin and Olympia Haney, who signed during the fall early signing period.

Clark is a 5-9 outside hitter and Fidero is a 6-0 outside hitter, both are from Temecula, Calif. and play together on the 951 Elite club volleyball team. Wallace is a 5-9 outside hitters and is transferring to Auburn from Colorado State.

"My thought process when I took over the job in December was to bring in some kids that could help us out right away and all three of these really bring that to the team," said Benson. "We went out all over the country and brought in some athletes for this recruiting class and we feel as a whole with the 2008 class, and what we anticipate in the 2009 class, will keep Auburn volleyball moving forward."

Clark is coming off her senior season at Temecula Valley High School where she was a four-year varsity starter and a four-year All-League selection, earning first-team honors in 2007. She was also a second-team All-Area selection in 2007 and was a gold medalist with the USA Volleyball High Performance Youth Team.

"Chanelle is a great five-point player for us," said Benson. "She is good in the front row, good in the back row and I think she is really going to help us out in depth as she should be able to come in and contribute to the team right away."

Fidero just completed her senior season at Chapparal High School and the 951 Elite club team. A perennial All-League selection, she earned first-team honors in 2007 and was named the League Tournament MVP. She also played on the Temecula Valley Viper club team that won nationals in Reno, Nev. in 2005.

"Kelly Fidero is a sleeper in the 2008 class," said Benson. "She is an outside hitter with a great front-row presence and we feel that she will be able to come in right away and fight for a spot. She comes out of a very good club program in Southern California, and we are excited to have her here at Auburn."

Benson is entering his first season as Auburn's head coach after spending the 2007 season as an assistant. The Tigers open the 2008 season Aug. 29-30 at home with the War Eagle Invitational.