Merrimack Volleyball Unveils Class of 2015, Hajjar's First Class

First-year head coach TJ Hajjar has unveiled his first recruiting class, the five-member class of 2015 which will begin play this fall for the volleyball team.

Hajjar’s squad also returns five letter winners from the 2010 squad that compiled a 12-14 (9-6 NE-10) record.

Stephane Sheehan, Outside Hitter/Smithtown, N.Y./St. Anthony’s High School

Member of two-time undefeated league and state champions at St. Anthony’s High School; All-State team honoree; sportsmanship and spirit award winner; elementary education major at Merrimack.

Hajjar on Sheehan: “Stephane is an all-around player who has proved to be at the top of her class at any position. She’s a six-foot outside hitters with a super volleyball IQ.”

Corrine Gosselin, Middle Hitter/Lawrence/Central Catholic High School

Team captain and MVP as a senior; two-time Merrimack Valley all-conference; nominated for MVP for MVC; Eagle-Tribune all-star; guided Central Catholic to two undefeated regular seasons; undecided major at Merrimack.

Hajjar on Gosselin: “Corrine is a very athletic six-foot middle hitter who brings not just talent but great leadership to Merrimack. She will be a major force at the net throughout her four years.”

Allison Cote, Setter/Chelmsford/Chelmsford High School

Two-time team MVP at Chelmsford HS; three-time Merrimack Valley Conference and Lowell Sun all-conference honoree; Bay State Games Silver medalist as a junior; elementary education major at Merrimack.

Hajjar on Cote: “Allison has proven to be one of the top setters and defensive players in her conference. Her leadership will be a great addition to both sides of the ball.”

Aliya Winker, Middle/Opposite Hitter/Arlington, Va./Washington-Lee

Two-time Northern Virginia Regional Volleyball Coaches Association all-district selection; two-time captain at Washington-Lee HS; NRVCA honorable mention as a sophomore…environmental studies major at Merrimack.

Hajjar on Winker: “Aliya is a high-flying, 5-11 middle and opposite hitter. She will give us the ability to run a very fast offense.”

Jackie Jones, Outside Hitter/Amherst, N.H./Wheaton College

Transferring after spending one year at Wheaton; led team in kills, points and was second in NEWMAC in scoring and fourth in kills; notched four double-doubles; two-time team MVP at Souhegan Cooperative High School.

Hajjar on Jones: “Jackie is a very strong six-foot outside hitter who will bring a year of college ball under her belt to Merrimack. She was one of the top players in her conference as a freshman defensively and offensively at Wheaton.”