Both coaches optimistic about what each student-athlete brings to their respective programs

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The fall sports season may still be months away but for the HINU cross country and volleyball teams, it has been a busy off-season. Both programs announced over the weekend they have each signed one athlete to suit up for the Indians this August.

Head Coach All Gipp has signed Fort Wingate, N.M. native Nicholas Desiderio to run for the Indian cross country team. Desiderio had a solid senior season for the Bears of Wingate High School, finishing in the top 10 in eight of the ten races he competed in. His second place finishes in the three-mile during the Grants Invite and the 5,000-meters at the Valencia Invite highlighted his 12^th grade campaign.

"We are very excited that Nicholas is coming and he is going to be a real plus for us," Coach Gipp said. "At this point he will be one of the top five depending on how the rest of recruiting goes, he will no doubt be a solid member of our cross country team."

Desiderio's XC Profile: http://www.athletic.net/crosscountry/Athlete.aspx?AID=1444963#tT1

To the court where Head Coach Nana Allison-Brewer is proud to announce her signing of Albuquerque, N.M. native Lakesha Padilla. The 5-11 outside/middle hitter went to Santa Fe Indian School in Santa Fe, N.M. and starred on both the basketball and volleyball squads for the Lady Braves.

"I think she is going to make an immediate impact as an offensive player," Coach Brewer explained. "She can play any position front-row and definitely brings the power as an outside hitter."

Padilla was considered one of the best middle-hitters in New Mexico's Class AAA during her senior season (2010-11), and led the Lady Braves to the state tournament.

Brewer also hopes to officially announce the signings of four verbal commitments in the coming weeks.

Padilla's Volleyball Profile: http://www.maxpreps.com/athletes/F80afIJT0kSCnhYoEIKk3Q/volleyball-fall-10/profile-padilla-lakesha.htm