The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Sports

June 30, 2006

Daniels signs early with MSU

By Randall Jett

Staying close to home.

That was the key deciding factor in Samantha Daniels’ decision to sign an early letter-of-intent with Mountain State University.

“It’s close to home,” the soon-to-be senior said. “I have a little sister and a little niece that I wanted to be close to, so that was a big part of my decision.”

The Shady Spring athlete has been a standout in both volleyball and softball for the Tigers and will continue to play both sports for the Cougars.

MSU volleyball and softball coach Tim Berry was pleased to add the standout to his list of recruits.

“I’ve watched Sam and she’s been on my short list for recruiting,” he said. “She’s worked out with our girls. She likes the school and wanted to stay close.”

Berry believes Daniels will be an excellent addition to both squads.

“I think Sam is a perfect fit,” he said. “I think she’s going to mix real well with our players. I think the chemistry is going to be good in volleyball and softball.”

He was also impressed by Daniels’ maturity.

“She’s a pretty well-grounded kid,” he said. “She knows what she wants and she was pretty clear about it. MSU is where she wanted to be and she wants to play volleyball and softball.”

For Daniels, signing early was a no-brainer.

“I can just relax and just have fun with (playing),” she said. “That’s the good thing about it. I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Daniels has been a part of a Class AA state champion and a state runner-up team in volleyball in her first three years. The Tigers won a title her freshman season and took Philip Barbour to five games in the championship her junior season.

She captained the Class AA all-state second team as a junior.

“I think she will come in and be a good setter for us,” Berry said. “We’re graduating our setter, Kelli Webb, so I’m definitely looking for a setter. I think that Sam will fill right in. I think she’ll be able to step up and do us a good job.”

Daniels was also a member of two state softball championship teams and a runner-up squad for Shady. Berry likes her versatility and can see Daniels playing a variety of roles for the Cougars.

“In softball, she can play different positions,” he said. “(Daniels) was a shortstop for Shady. We’re graduating four seniors this year and we’re going to have some openings next year. Fundamentally, I think she’s pretty strong in softball. Defensively, she’s going to be a plus for us.”

Academically, Daniels is still unsure of what she might major in, but she has plenty of time to decide.

“I’m not sure yet,” she said. “I was thinking, though, about the sonography program, but I’m not positive.”

Along with her parents and coach Johnny Pachuta, Daniels acknowledges Tim Curtis and Carol Foust as big influences on her athletic endeavors at Shady Spring.

“They really helped me out throughout the years,” Daniels said. “I just want to thank them for all their help.”

— E-mail:

rjett@register-herald.com

Text Only
Sports
  • Big12logo.jpg Getting to know the Big 12 Conference

    As West Virginia University moves into the Big 12 Conference, here's one place to come to find out about all of the Mountaineers new league opponents.

    April 18, 2012 1 Photo

  • WVU releases 2012 football schedule

    West Virginia University has released its football schedule for 2012.

    WVU announced Tuesday it has settled a lawsuit with the Big East for an unspecified amount, clearing the way for the conference power Mountaineers to join the Big 12 in July in time for the fall football season.
     

    February 14, 2012

  • WVU settles Big East lawsuit

    West Virginia University announced Tuesday it has settled a lawsuit with the Big East for an unspecified amount, clearing the way for the Mountaineers to join the Big 12 in July.
    Athletic Director Oliver Luck said the terms of the deal were confidential and WVU wouldn’t release details. But Luck said no state, taxpayer, tuition or other academic dollars will be used in the settlement.

    February 14, 2012

  • Shannon leads Woodrow win; Weiford 3 keys Spartans

    February 14, 2012

  • Woodrow holds off Huntington

     It took Woodrow Wilson’s boys basketball team nearly three quarters to figure out that the backside lob was open in Huntington High’s zone.

    January 10, 2012

  • MSU hosts Rio Grande

    For the first time since 1995, Mountain State stands a little past the half-way point at the season with five losses.

    January 10, 2012

  • OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - WVU to join Big 12 Conference

    The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors have voted unanimously to accept West Virginia University as a full conference member effective July 1, 2012.  The Mountaineers will begin competing in the Big 12 beginning with the 2012-13 athletic season.

    October 28, 2011

  • Friday update: Big East notified WVU leaving for Big 12

    The Big East says it has been notified that West Virginia is leaving the conference and joining the Big 12.

    October 28, 2011

  • Cardinals force Game 7 in World Series

    After one of the greatest games in baseball history, a 10-9, 11-inning victory over Texas in Game 6 in which the Cardinals were twice within one strike of elimination.

    October 28, 2011

  • Schiano sings WVU’s praises

    It hasn’t been the year that Rutgers coach Greg Schiano envisioned.
    Not close.

    December 1, 2010