April 24, 2009

4.24.09 - Bentonville, Ark. - The Mid-America Christian University volleyball team added two Bentonville High School seniors, Shelbi Johnson and Lindsey Whipp, to the roster for the 2009-2010 season.

"Lindsey and Shelbi have been friends for a long time," head volleyball coach Nikki Dieball said. "They are veterans of the game and will be a great success her at Mid- America. They have great attitudes and are both very talented. They are the kind of girls that we want to set the foundation of this program on."

Shelbi Johnson, 17, is a Bella Vista, Arkansas native and the daughter of Mark and Penny Williams. Johnson will graduate from BHS in May. While playing volleyball for the Tigers she was a member of the back to back state championship team (2007 and 2008). She plays defensive specialist and outside hitter. Out side of high school volleyball, Johnson plays competitively for Club Net.

"Shelbi is a fierce competitor," Dieball said. "She sees the floor well and brings in a powerful swing. She is a great team leader and will step in to make great contributions for us. She brings in a lot of experience with her and has the ability to step up and be a great leader."

Lindsey Whipp, 18, is the daughter of Kim Riley and a native of Bentonville, Arkansas. She will also graduate from BHS in May. While playing for the Tigers, Whipp was defensive specialist and the libero. She also contributed to the back-to-back state championship team.

"Lindsey has the heart of a champion," Dieball said. "She gives maximum effort every time her feet hit the floor. She reads the floor well and is also a great leader. She will be able to step in and give us the spark that we are going to need through the season."