Lady Falcons Receive First Two Commitments to their 2016 Recruiting Class

September 20, 2015

Outside hitter, Kyra Ross, and setter, Emily DeStaffino, have both verbally committed to the Daytona State Volleyball program for the 2016 season. Coach Stegall is excited about these young players joining the program for 2016.

“Both of these young ladies are equally impressive players, as well as, people. They both are extremely talented on the volleyball court, and will offer the Lady Falcons athleticism and enhanced depth,” remarked Coach Stegall.

DeStaffino has joined the Lady Falcons for their summer camps the past two summers. During this time DeStaffino has had the opportunity to learn about the program, and create a connection with the coaching staff. Equally, the coaches had a chance to see her strengths as a setter, and her ability to run the court. She is capable of running a quick offense, as well as, providing an offensive threat of her own.

“It has been a pleasure getting to know Emily and her family,” commented Coach Stegall on DeStaffino’s recent commitment. She is an awesome young lady that will fit in well with our system of play. Additionally, she plays for Oviedo High School and is accustomed to winning both with her high school team and with her Top Select club program. She will bring competitive fire and a desire to take our program to the next level. We are grateful that Emily has chosen to play for the Falcons in 2016.”

DeStaffino has played varsity all four years for the Lions of Oviedo. It is here that she received recognition for All Conference her sophomore and junior seasons, and is likely to obtain similar honors this year, as a senior. Her sophomore season she led her team to a 7A State Championship. In the same year she was honored by her coaches and teammates, receiving the award for Best Offensive Player. Following her successful sophomore high school season, DeStaffino and her Top Select teammates qualified for the Junior Olympics. She then followed up this honor her junior year with another successful qualification for the Junior Olympics, as well as, the honor for the Best Leadership Award.

The Lady Falcons are equally as excited to welcome Kyra Ross to the Daytona State Volleyball program. Ross is a Jacksonville, FL native, who will join the program from University Christian. Ross is an exceptional athlete that will bring her impressive vertical and contagious positive approach to the game of volleyball and life.

“You can’t help love being around this young lady. She embodies all the qualities that you want in a player. She is competitive, athletic, but most importantly positive and coachable. Her smile is infectious and her commitment second to none. Mark my words, this young lady will find major success with the Lady Falcons,” commented Coach Stegall on Ross’s recent commitment.

Ross currently plays with Powers Volleyball Club out of Jacksonville. She has fine-tuned her game under the tutelage of coaches Will Berdecia, Jessica Clifton, Sarah Powers, and Gilberto Bermudez III. The first thing you will notice about Ross is she can fly. At just 5’8”, Ross’s approach touch is just shy of 10’. She is also versatile, having played roles as an outside and middle hitter with her club and high school programs.

In 2011 and 2014 Ross was honored as her team’s MVP. Additionally, she was named Best Defensive Player in 2011, Top Performer in 2013, and All Tournament Player three consecutive seasons (2014-2015). The Falcons hope that Ross will score similar accolades in her Lady Falcons jersey next fall.

“I am thrilled with the commitment of Kyra and Emily. They are great students and people, as well as, exceptional volleyball players. The Daytona State Volleyball program just got better with the addition of these two young ladies. We are excited to welcome them to the Falcon family,” cited Coach Stegall on her first two 2016 commitments.