Grizzlies add Martell for 2011

ALAMOSA, Colo.— Alyssa Martell, a 5-foot-10 setter from Tooele, Utah and Stansbury High School has signed a national letter of intent to continue her educational and volleyball careers at Adams State College, according to Grizzly head volleyball coach Lindy Mortensen.

Martell, who earned honorable mention all-state and first team all-region honors for the Stansbury Stallions, coached by Leeah Dahle, signed her letter of intent Wednesday, the first day that high school seniors in several sports could commit to the colleges of their choice during this the regular spring signing period.

She was the first player to commit to the Grizzlies.

"Alyssa came to a try out we had at Adams State.  We were impressed with her strength as a setter.  I had also watched her practice in Utah as well as play with her club team at tournaments.  She is very consistent with her sets and also is a good defensive player.  She is a great student and we're happy to have her join our team,” Mortensen said.

Martell, who also plays club volleyball for the South Jordan based Utah Juniors and coaches Kate Holdeman and Karolina Bartkowiak, helped the Stallions to an 11-1 record and their first regional title last fall.  She can also play the right side hitter position and also competed in basketball and track and field for the Stallions.

Martell, the daughter of Andrea Sweat and Jonathan Martell, plans to major in biology at ASC while pursuing a career in health science. The honor roll student currently holds a 3.92 high school GPA and was a Sterling Scholar in mathematics and will be a recipient of an honors diploma.

“When looking for a school to go to, I had to weigh everything.  Location, academics, volleyball, financial affordability and the community were all factors in my decision,” Martell said.

“For me, Adams State has the complete package,” she continued.

Mortensen, who welcomed three mid-year transfers to the Grizzly family in January, also noted that she hopes to sign additional players in the coming days and weeks of the signing period, which runs through Aug. 1.