The Tribune

By AMAJAHL KNOWLES

ST Augustine’s College Big Red Machine volleyball standout Jannelle Curtiss signed her letter of intent for a full scholarship at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte yesterday during a press conference at the Holy Cross Anglican Church.

The 6’2 outside hitter for the Bahamian women’s national team signed her letter of intent alongside her mother Jeanette Fox, as well as her coaches, family and friends.

After receiving offers from schools such as Hampton and Bluefield State, Curtiss said she chose UNC-Charlotte because of its family-like atmosphere.

“I love the programme that they have and the coach is friendly and she is very mother-like and I feel if I go to that school I could accomplish what I want as a volleyball player and as a student,” said Curtiss.

Her former coach at SAC, Michelle Wilson, raved about Jannelle’s athleticism and seeing her potential early on.

“I remember Jannelle as a seventh grader at SAC the first time she came out to volleyball practice the excitement she displayed, the skills and talent she had at her age level for volleyball and also softball, Jannelle is a phenomenal athlete with a lot of ability and she can go very far with the right support,” Wilson said.

Her club coach, Jason Saunders, issued similar sentiments comparing Curtiss’ physique to that of SAC alumni and current Bahamian track and field superstar Shaunae Miller.

“I met her four years ago and saw she had a similar build to that of Shaunae Miller. At that particular point in time I thought that she would be a track star and at that time she didn’t think she was that athletically inclined as far as track was concerned, but I told her volleyball was a sport in which she could go far,” Saunders said.

“I made a promise to her that upon her completion of high school that she would be able to get a scholarship to a division one college and through hard work and determination she has accomplished that.”

Curtiss’ mother Jeanette Fox shared the enthusiasm of her daughter as well as her coaches and spoke about how proud she was of her daughter’s accomplishment.

“I just want to say that I am so happy that Jannelle has received this scholarship today and want to say thank you to her coaches, family and friends that have supported her and you make me proud knowing that you are my only daughter and I pray that you stay as sweet as you are and that you continue to put God first,” she said.

Curtiss plans to enroll in the fall and major in kinesiology.