FREDERICK, Md.--Hood College head volleyball coach Judy McGraw announced the addition of four recruits to her 2008 roster this fall.

Laura Hood, Megan Heidel, Katherine Brosious and Ashley Haines are the newest members of the Blazer volleyball squad.

Hood is a 5-7 outside hitter from Chesapeake City, Md. She is a 2008 graduate of Bohemia Manor High School who led her team to the regional semi-finals in 2006 and a runner-up finish in the conference in 2007. A three-time member of the honor roll, Hood also lettered in softball during her prep career.

"Laura will provide to us additional offensive options," said McGraw. "She has proven she's a hard worker and a committed student-athlete given her participation in multiple sports in high school."

Heidel is a 5-8 utility player from nearby Catoctin High School in Thurmont, Md. Named the team's most valuable player in 2005 and team captain in 2007, Heidel earned numerous academic honors at Catoctin. She garnered the AP Bronze Star and Environmental Academy awards this past year and graduated with high honors. She appeared in the Who's Who of American High School Students the last two years and was bestowed with the Maryland Scholars Certificate.

"Megan is a local student-athlete in which I have been able to watch grow to love the game of volleyball over the past years," said McGraw. "She's expanded and improved her skills in all areas of the game and I'm pleased she's joining our program."

Brosious is a 5-4 libero who comes to Hood from Sterling High School in Magnolia, N.J. She earned three varsity letters at Sterling and holds school records in digs and service points. A three-time all-conference performer, Brosious also excels in the classroom and is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Katie is a smart defensive minded player and she'll help give us the depth we need at the libero spot," said McGraw.

Haines, who hails from Keymar, Md., played volleyball and ran track at Walkersville High School. A four-time member of the honor roll at Walkersville, Haines earned the school's scholar-athlete award her sophomore, junior and senior years and looks to major in psychology at Hood.

"Ashley, our second Walkersville recruit during my tenure, is a hardworking, delightful and coachable young lady," said McGraw. "I'm glad she's decided to be a Blazer.

"I'm very pleased with the recruits we have coming in this fall," McGraw continued. "We have hopes that these players will add depth to our young squad. Our coaching staff is looking forward to a season full of smiles, surprises, sweat and sweet victories."

The Blazers open up the 2008 campaign Aug. 30 hosting the College of Notre Dame and Shenandoah University in a tri-match at Gambrill Gymnasium beginning at 10 a.m.