ATLANTA- As the construction of the sand volleyball complex continues to progress behind the Sports Arena, the Panthers keep adding to their inaugural squad.

Incoming freshmen Alexis Townsend (Pearland, Texas/Dawson High School), Kaitlynn Hufsteler (Atlanta, Ga./Cherokee High School), and Alexis Elmurr (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy High School) inked their letters of intent to join GSU’s first-ever squad next spring.

The Panthers have now signed 11 student-athletes for the squad, each scheduled to enroll in school in August in preparation for the spring 2013 season.

Townsend played with the Absolute Volleyball Academy of Texas at the club level and at Dawson High School. She is the first member of the Absolute Volleyball Academy of Texas to sign a letter of intent to play sand volleyball at the collegiate level. In her final season at Dawson High School, Townsend posted a total of 52 digs and 17 service aces.

“Alexis (Townsend) has just one year of experience in the sand but has put in countless hours training and learning,” said assistant coach Beth Van Fleet. “She is a persistent athlete and understands the strategies involved in sand volleyball.”

Hufstetler played indoor volleyball at Cherokee High School and her sand experience at Triple Crown Volleyball led her to Georgia State. Hufstetler also played indoor club volleyball with the North Atlanta Volleyball club.

“We are very happy to have our first local addition to the team,” said Van Fleet in reference to Hufstetler. “She is new to the game but her indoor volleyball experience has prepared her and helped her transition smoothly. She is a really scrappy player and will bring a lot of heart to the team.”

Elmurr, a native of Lewis Center, Ohio, comes to GSU after playing three varsity seasons of indoor volleyball at Olentangy High School. She was a three-time scholar athlete award winner as well as a member of the National Honors Society and an AP Scholar.

“Alexis (Elmurr) is a very dynamic athlete,” said Van Fleet. “She is comfortable in all roles and is very skilled. She may be the key to our success this season.”

In the inaugural AVCA National Championships in April, Pepperdine captured the title over Long Beach State.