Hernando Reporter

Edward Waters College Athletics issued the following announcement on July 26.

After taking over the women's program, new Edward Waters head coach Dr. Brandon Reeves is excited to announce three new players for the 2021 campaign. On Friday, it was announced Arielly Del Souza, Saldy Amparo Smith and Catherine Richards have signed their Letters of Intent to play for EWU. 

"We have addressed our needs with these elite players," Dr. Reeves said. "The volleyball IQ and skill of this group is unmatched. Combine that with their athletic ability and what we have, this will be a great season for the Purple and Orange."

Arielly Del Souza | RS- JR | Outside Hitter | São Paulo Brazil | Bethel University

Arielly Del Souza is a 5-11 outside hitter, signing to EWU from Bethel University where she was a First Team All-Southern State Athletic Conference selection, averaging 3.95 kills per set. She helped guide the Lady Wildcats to a 27-13 record and a second place finish in the SSAC last season. Del Souza is also a previous NJCAA All-American from Lakeland College. 

Reeves on Del Souza: "Arielly is a dynamic, six rotational player who's as competitive as she is explosive. She has solidified herself as a top player and we are looking to her to lead our young team."

Saldy Amparo Smith | RS- FR | Outside Hitter | Sãnto Domingo, Dominican Republic | Universidad of Nacional Evangelica

Saldy Amparo Smith is a 6'1 outside hitter, signing with EWU from Universidad Nacional Evagelica where she attended one year for her studies. Smith was a member of 2019 U-18 Dominican Republic National Team. 

Reeves on Smith: "Saldy is a high flying outside hitter with a fast arm and strong all-around game. Her quiet nature doesn't reflect how hard she plays. Watching her play will be a lot of fun for our fans." 

Catherine Richards | FR | Middle Blocker | Sãnto Domingo, Dominican Republic | Colegia of Angel 

Catherine Richards, a 6'5 Middle blocker, signed with EWU from in Colegia of Angel in the Dominican Republic. Richards was a member of U-18 Dominican Republic Beach Volleyball National Team. 

Reeves on Richards : "Catherine's height will be unmatched in our conference. She is full of energy and a blocking machine. She will be tremendous addition to our defense and offense. I'm so excited to see this young lady play."

When asked about his team's prospects for the upcoming season, Dr. Reeves did not mince words expressing the confidence and high expectations he has for the Lady Tigers. "Winning is a mentality. It's a mindset You have to believe in your heart you are going to win and work day in and night out proving yourself right." "Amateur athletes have the advantage of ignorance. They don't know any limitations. Let's change the culture. These are young ladies who are ready to win and ready for a championship year on and off the floor."

The Lady Tigers return 12 student-athletes to this year's roster and the Lady Tigers will kickoff their 2021 campaign against the College of Coastal Georgia on Wednesday, August 25 at 6pm inside of the Adams-Jenkins Community Sports & Music Complex. 

Original source can be found here.