Volleyball inks former Madison County (Ala.) standout Dena Pierce

By Matt Green

ROME – Shorter University head volleyball coach Jon Moseley has announced the signing of Madison County High standout Dena Pierce to a scholarship to play for the Lady Hawks next season.

Pierce, a 5-6 setter and defensive specialist out of Huntsville, Ala., joins the Shorter volleyball program after finishing one of Alabama’s most storied prep careers.

“Dena has been a big part of helping Coach Clemons build a powerful program at Madison County High School,” said Moseley. “In addition to being an outstanding player, she is a strong Christian from a great family, so we feel like Dena is a perfect fit for our team here at Shorter.”

Pierce ended her senior season in 2011 with 1,727 assists, a total that ranks No. 3 all-time in the state of Alabama and No. 8 all-time in the United States. Her serving percentage of 95 percent was supplemented by 87 aces and Pierce, who also saw time at outside hitter, finished the 2011 campaign with 44 kills, 423 digs and 44 blocks.

For her work, Pierce was named first team All-State and to the Alabama State Tournament All-Tournament Team while leading Madison County to a runner-up finish at the Alabama State Tournament.

Pierce was a two-time All-State selection, two-time Area Tournament Most Valuable Player, three-time All-Area choice and four-time All-County selection. A member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a captain of the Madison County volleyball, softball and basketball teams, Pierce is set to graduate from Madison County with a 3.325 GPA.

Pierce will add depth to a Shorter squad that returns five All-Conference Performers from the 2011 team that won a school record 29 matches. Included among those returning All-Conference players are two-time Southern States Athletic Conference Setter of the Year Jordan Corder, three-time All-SSAC selection Loren Olive and 2011 SSAC Newcomer of the Year Tanequa Whitman.

“Dena is small, but she is very athletic, skilled, and competitive,” Moseley said. “She actually watched Jordan play in high school whenever she got the chance, and she brings a lot of the same qualities to the court.

“Our team loved her and was thrilled when she made the decision to come to Shorter.”

Shorter, as part of its transition to NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference, will play a full Gulf South Conference schedule in 2012.