2020 Lady Falcon Newcomers
Daytona State will commence the program's eighth season this fall. The Lady Falcons are hoping that the 2020 season will be an exceptional season marked with landmark success.
The Lady Falcons are excited about the new additions to their 2020 roster, exceptional players, that could have a profound impact on the success of the season. Daytona State will welcome 7 newcomers in the fall, with fresh faces and talent at all positions.
Sophomore transfer, Essence Bell will be joining the Lady Falcons from College of Central Florida and Vanguard High School. Bell was a standout libero in the Florida Region last year, playing for the Patriots of Central Florida. After Central Florida terminated their volleyball program, Daytona State College was able to land this All-Conference libero. Bell recorded impressive 38 dig nights twice against the Falcons in 2019. "We are excited to have Bell on our side of the net this fall. She will be a great addition to the program and will be able to enhance our defensive tenacity," commented Stegall.
Simone Jackson, from OTVA Volleyball Club, is Daytona State's other defensive juggernaut joining the Falcons in 2020. Jackson also played for Oviedo High School, an exceptional high caliber high school volleyball program in the state of Florida. Jackson's agility and defensive prowess will make her an asset to the Lady Falcons. "Jackson is a strong defender with a tremendous amount of potential. I am looking forward to watching Jackson blossom in our program this fall," added Stegall.
Svea Frobel, a freshman outside attacker from Germany, should prove to be a strong 6 rotation asset for the Falcons. Frobel has played high level volleyball for many years and boasts the experience and athleticism to be a significant contributor in the Falcon Volleyball program. Frobel played for the club GW Eimsbuttel in Germany. Frobel has a strong attack, as well as, versatility to pass and play defense. "Frobel was a great add to our program. We will be asking Frobel to step up and play a significant role for us on the outside as a freshman," remarked Stegall.
Freshman setter, Jenna Zimmerman, is the next incoming Falcon. Zimmerman has been commanding a high-level offense for her club team, SC Potsdam, in Germany. Her leadership, work ethic and ability to execute a quick offense makes her a valuable asset in the program, especially with the graduation of All-American setter, Bruna Avila. "Zimmerman has a lot of experience as a setter and a strong volleyball IQ that will make her an asset in our program. We have big shoes to fill in the setter role this fall and both Zimmerman and (Victoria) Zarazel will have a great opportunity to compete for playing time in this role."
Victoria Zarazel, OTVA setter standout, will join the Falcons in the fall. Coach Stegall first witnessed Zarazel's talents at their Elite Camp last summer, "her setting was great, but her spirit, attitude and way by which she led the court was even more remarkable." After four days of camp both Zarazel and Stegall both knew that Daytona State College would benefit from an exceptional athlete like Zarazel. Zarazel will join the Falcons from Dr. Phillips High School and OTVA volleyball club.
The Falcons lacked depth in the middle blocker position last fall, so Stegall knew this was a position she would need to invest heavily in for 2020. The Falcons locked down two impressive middle attackers for 2020, Kaitlyn Thompson and Sarah Stratton. Thompson is a 6'1" middle blocker from USA South Volleyball Club. Thompson has a powerful, yet versatile attack. Her athleticism allows her to be a strong blocker pin-to-pin. "We immediately connected with Thompson and her family. She made a great impression on her visit and we knew that she was not only skilled in volleyball but would make a great teammate and leader in our program," Stegall commented on Thompson.
Sarah Stratton, also an exceptional Middle Blocker, joins the Falcons from Tauranga, New Zealand where she plays for the Tauranga Volleyball Club. Stratton is an exceptional, high-level middle attacker. She runs an impressive slide attack but is equally athletic and effective in front of the setter. "We were so pumped when Stratton chose DSC. I knew immediately that she would fit in well with our culture but was equally impressed with her high caliber skillsets."
