MOBILE, Ala. - This fall, the South Alabama volleyball program will welcome six newcomers to the Jaguar roster.  Leading up to the start of the 2016 season, USAJaguars.com will provide fans an opportunity to get to know the newest Jags a little bit better away from the court.  The fourth newcomer in the series is Kelley Hartman, who one of two twins on the South Alabama roster.  

Hartman, a 6-2 freshman middle blocker, signed with USA back during the fall after lettering the past four years at Sequoyah High School for head coach John Edwards, while also lettering four years in basketball for the Chiefs.  Over her final two seasons, Hartman recorded 730 kills 288 total blocks – 93 solo, 109 service aces and hit .370 and finished her prep career with over 1,000 kills.  She was a three-time all-state selection, earning first team honors during both her senior and junior seasons, while receiving honorable mention accolades during her sophomore campaign.  Hartman led the Chiefs with 390 kills and a 4.4 kills per set average, while hitting .361 and posting 113 blocks as a senior and guided Sequoyah to the Georgia High School Association Class AAAAA state final match.  Like her sister, she was selected to compete in the Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association Senior All-Star match.

What are your goals and expectations for the season?
"My goal is to play at the same level and with the same intensity as the rest of the team.  I hope to be able to contribute as a freshman and I know will have to work really hard to ensure I meet my goal of playing or even starting.  My goal for our team is to win the conference tournament."

What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the team and why?
"Leadership.  I am very vocal when I play and I think that helps in multiple ways.  It boosts my confidence and the confidence of others." 

What area do you feel you can improve on this season and why?
"Blocking.  I can definitely improve my footwork along with the technique that comes with it.  (Assistant coach) Jordana (Price) gave Lauren (Hartman) and I a few tips before AAUs and just that little bit of information helped, so I am excited to see how working in the gym with her improves my game." 

What do you feel is going to be the biggest thing for you and your teammates to do this season to be successful?
"From past experience, I can say that if we listen to our coaches and outwork our opponents we will be successful.  I totally trust that my coaches know what they are doing and know what to do in order to be successful." 

Is there a teammate of yours who you look up to?  What about them makes you feel that way?
"I look up to all of my teammates.  I know it is a huge commitment to play a DI sport and fact that they can all do that and be successful is pretty cool."  

What does it mean to you to be a Jaguar?
"Being a Jaguar means working hard and doing the right thing to represent my school."

Who on the team do you feel will take on the biggest leadership role this season and why?
"The seniors; I think that since they have been here the longest they know what we have to do to be successful." 

Why did you choose to come to South Alabama? 
"I could tell that the coaches really wanted me.  It's a good distance from home, but I felt like I fit in with the team.  South Alabama also has a gorgeous campus." 

What is your favorite place on campus?
"I haven't really been to too many places so I'd have to say my dorm."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).