EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville women’s volleyball coach Mike Swan announced the signing of a pair of players to a national letter of intent to play for the Purple Aces beginning this fall.
 
Included in the class are libero Kimberly Deprez and outside hitter Emma Roberson.
 
“The coaches and team are excited about both players joining our squad,” Swan said.  “They give us depth and raise the bar of our talent level.”
 
Deprez is a native of Glen Ellyn, Ill., which is located on the suburbs of Chicago.  She played at Glenbard South High School for four years and is currently wrapping up her senior year.  The 5-4 libero was a 3-year varsity starter and as a senior in 2011, notched 403 digs, 40 aces, 22 kills and 21 assists. 
 
She was her team captain as a senior and was named the MVP of her squad in 2010 and 2011.  Her top honor came in 2010 when she was named the Metro Suburban Conference Player of the Year.  Deprez also made the All-Conference team in 2010 and 2011 and will graduate with several school records.
 
“Kim is a quick, intense defensive player who is a natural when passing or digging,” Swan explained.  “She gives us a big boost in the back court.”
 
Also set to join the Aces in the fall is Emma Roberson, who comes to UE from nearby Louisville, Ky.  The 6-2 hitter played at duPont Manual High School and lettered in all four years of school.
 
Roberson was named an All-District and All-Region player on two occasions while being named her high school MVP.  One of her top performances came at last year’s Junior Nationals where her team finished fourth on the strength of a 20-kill performance by Roberson.
 
“Emma is a highly-skilled, versatile player who can hit from any position,” Swan said.  “We love her enthusiasm and grit when playing.”
 
“I know both will have highly successful careers here and will battle for playing time.”