A 5'9” outside hitter with all-star credentials from Texas became the first recruit of 2010 to sign a Letter of Intent to compete with the Florida Christian College Lady Suns' Volleyball program. Shelby Buchanan of Fort Worth, Texas, attends Aledo Christian School, and has been their Varsity Outside Hitter for three years. She helped lead her team to a second place State finish as well as a district championship last year.

“Shelby is a great addition to our program,” said FCC Coach Becca Reed. “She is an extremely athletic player and will strengthen us defensively. She has only begun to tap her potential as a hitter, and has the ability to grow into a strong offensive player.”

Among her awards, Buchanan was named to the 2007, 2008 and 2009 All-State Tournament Teams and received All-State Honors, as well as a 1 st Team All District selection. Reed expects Buchanan to make an immediate impact. The FCC coach, in her third season at the school, said that Buchanan is a student-athlete with strong character and strong faith, and is “a perfect fit for the college as well as the volleyball program”.

Buchanan traveled to Kissimmee for a December 5 th tryout accompanied by her mother. Coach Reed officially extended a position to Shelby following the tryout, and Shelby, joined by her mother and Coach Reed, signed the next day. “She brings a great attitude and heart to our program,” said Reed.

The young program set a season win record with an 8-22 finish in 2009. As the hosting institution, FCC will compete in the NCCAA Division II National Tournament in 2010 with an automatic bid.