May 2, 2006

COMMERCE, Texas - A&M-Commerce volleyball head coach Gwen Weatherford has added to the 2006 class with the signing of junior college transfer Cortni Brazelton.

"In accessing our needs for next season," Weatherford said, "she was at the top of the list." The 5-7 setter from Deer Park, Texas, has been on Weatherford's recruiting radar since the end of her freshman season at Tyler Junior College.

"Her experience and up-tempo play will help a lot," coach added, as nine new players are slated to join the Lions next season.

In her first year at TJC, Brazelton was named a Region XIV honorable mention after claiming 1,112 assists in 111 games, ranking 21st nationally in the division with 10 assists per game.

In her two-year college career, she has racked up 1,710 assists and 117 aces. Defensively, she has ranked among the top defenders on the team with 499 digs in 181 career games. She is the second Deer Park native to sign with the Lions this season, joining DP senior Lauren Flynn.

"They both played with [Lion freshman] Brittany Williams in high school, so they should have an easier transition," Weatherford said.

In two high school varsity seasons, Brazelton was a District 23-5A First Team selection and team MVP.