Franz, a 6-1 middle hitter from Carmichael, Calif., played for Oregon State during the 2003 season. She did not play collegiality during the 2004 season, and was a four-time letterwinner at Sacramento’s Rio Americano High School. While at Oregon State, Franz posted averages of 0.72 kills, 0.79 digs and 0.53 blocks per game to go along with a .273 hitting percentage. At Rio Americano, Franz was named the Sacramento Bee Player of the Year and MVP of the Capital Athletic League at conclusion of her senior season. A two-time first team all-city selection, she led Rio Americano to three Sac-Joaquin Section (Div. II) championships from 2000-02.

“Michelle is a solid athlete with good college, high school and club experience,” Colberg said. “She is a very polished player who will contend for a starting position immediately.”

Trammell, a 6-1 middle hitter from Elverta, Calif., played three years for Rio Linda High School where she was part of two Capital Valley Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. She was an all-conference selection during both her junior and senior seasons, and led the conference in kills and blocks in 2004. Former Sacramento State player Kristi Lambert served as Trammell’s head coach during both the 2002 and 2003 seasons. A multi-sport athlete at Rio Linda, Trammell also played four years of basketball for the Knights.

“Jessica is a very athletic player with good size and jumping ability,” Colberg said. “I think she lacks a little experience right now, but over time, she will have an impact and be a very good volleyball player.”

Burke, a 5-8 setter from Gainesville, Fla., led Gainesville High School to 4A state championships in 2003 and 2004. In fact, those two teams combined for a 62-2 record, and the 2003 squad was ranked as high as sixth in the nation. Burke was the starting varsity setter all four years at Gainesville and received first team all-state and 4A state final four MVP honors in 2003. She posted a career-high 998 assists in 2003, and career highs in kills (57), digs (203) and blocks (67) this past season. Her club experience includes competing at Nationals in the Open Division each of the past three years (2002-04).

“Rose has so much experience, we feel she will come in and start right away as a freshman,” Colberg said. ”She has extremely strong hands and arms, and can set the ball a good distance with little effort.”

Over the last nine years, Sacramento State setters have combined for two Big Sky Most Valuable Player awards, six first team all-conference awards, five Big Sky Tournament MVP awards and three second team all-conference awards.

The signing of Franz, Burke and Trammell mark the first Sacramento State signees of the early signing period. The Hornets, who ended the 2004 regular season with a 23-7 overall record and an 11-3 mark in the Big Sky, face Montana State in the semifinals of the Big Sky Tournament tonight (Friday, Nov. 19) in Cheney, Wash. The Hornets are seeking their third-consecutive Big Sky Tournament title and seventh NCAA Tournament appearance in the last eight years.

2005 Sacramento State Signings

Name Pos Yr Ht Hometown/Previous School

Rose Burke S Fr. 5-8 Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville HS

Michelle Franz MH So. 6-1 Carmichael, Calif./Rio Americano HS

Jessica Trammell MH Fr. 6-1 Elverta, Calif./Rio Linda HS