Cowgirl volleyball signs two

University of Wyoming head volleyball coach Carrie Yerty announced that Erin Kirby and Becky Stewart will join the Wyoming volleyball program beginning in the fall of 2010.

“We are excited to add both of these players to our roster,” said Yerty. “They are incredible students and athletes, and will help improve our program.”

Kirby, a 6-foot middle blocker/opposite hitter from Evanston, is a two-time all-conference and all-state selection while attending Evanston High School. She recently earned 4A West Player of the Year and Wyoming 4A Player of the Year honors. Her team went 21-6 overall and 9-1 in the 4A West Conference, while they finished second in the State 4A Championship. She finished first in the conference in both kills with 396 (4.1 kps) and blocks (2.3 bps), while hitting 44 percent.

A three-time letterwinner, she has also earned letters in track and field and basketball. An excellent track and field athlete, she is a three-time all-conference and all-state selection. During her junior year, she qualified for seven events at the 4A State Track and Field meet and placed first in three events (400, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles) and second in an additional event. Kirby was also Best of the Best in three events at the state meet, which is the fastest overall time regardless of classification. In basketball, she was Honorable Mention All-Conference as a junior. An honor roll student, she is a member of the National Honor Society, while being involved in several scholastic and community activities.

“Erin is an extremely talented all-around athlete," Yerty said. "She will help our depth in the middle block and rightside positions, and will really help our program. We are extremely happy to get another student-athlete from the state of Wyoming, especially of her caliber.”

Stewart, a 5-7 libero from Parker, Colo., was a two-time letterwinner in volleyball while attending Ponderosa High School. In 2009, her team entered the 5A State Championship as the fifth seed and went 5-2 during the tournament to earn the 5A Colorado State Championship over Highlands Ranch, 3-2. The team finished 27-4 overall and 10-1 in league play to earn the District 8 Championship. Stewart was named Second Team All-Continental League, while earning All-Tournament honors at the Cherry Creek Tournament.

Her club team won the Omaha President’s Day Classic and the runner-up spot at the Northern Lights National Qualifier, while she won a Bronze Medal at the USA Volleyball Junior Olympics

“Becky has an incredible work ethic, ball control and will battle for playing time at the libero position," Yerty said.