(Photo by John Kelley)
“Both Sydney and Bre came to summer camp last year and impressed our staff with their effort, drive and enthusiasm for the University of Georgia and our Bulldog volleyball program,” Stemke said. “We are excited to add these two to our large incoming group this summer and we look forward to getting to work!”
Sydney Gilliam – Defensive Specialist – 5’5” – Asheville, N.C.
Gilliam comes to Georgia after a four-year career at Hendersonville High School in North Carolina, where she helped her team to three state titles in 2012, 2013 and 2014. She also played for several club teams including Peak, Biltmore, Xcel and Axis. She also was a member of the NC High Performance Training Team and was a state qualifier, all-conference and all-state track athlete.
Off the court, she was a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA, the Chamber of Commerce Young Leaders, Spanish Club, Leadership Club, Student Council and the Keywanette Club. She served as the Senior Class President, a Junior Marshall, CTE Scholar, Homecoming Queen and a student trainer. She also was named to the Wall of Fame in 2013 and 2014 and earned the Bearcat Award from 2011-13.
Sydney is the daughter of Mike and Kasey Gilliam and has two brothers, Jordan and Tanner. Her mother, Kasey, was a four-year member of the track and field team at Appalachian State.
Stemke on Gilliam: “Sydney is full of energy and will run through walls for our Bulldog volleyball team. She will be a great role model with her efforts on and off the court.
BreAnn Laney – Defensive Specialist – 5’6” – McDonough, Ga.
Laney was a four-year varsity letter winner at Eagles Landing Christian Academy. During her freshman year, she helped lead her team to a state champion title. She was an all-tournament selection in 2013, as well as a Senior All-Star, All-Area and All-State selection in 2014. During her senior season, she served as her team captain. Additionally, Laney lettered in basketball in 2011 and golf from 2011-2014. Apart from her prep career, Laney also participated on the Tsunami club volleyball team for three years.
Off the court, Laney is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, BETA Club, United Nations and was on the Presidents List.
BreAnn is the daughter of Jason and Angela Laney and has two sisters, Maddison and Tessa. Both of her parents played collegiate basketball at Fresno Pacific University.
Stemke on Laney: “Bre is a tremendous in-state athlete that will wear her Georgia jersey proud as she represents her home state. Her athletic experience as a former golfer has provided her with some great body awareness and coordination that will enable her to be a sponge for us on the volleyball court.”