Nov. 20, 2003

Charleston, SC - The Citadel Volleyball program and head coach Wendy Anderson are proud to announce the early signing of Crystal Bessler, a 5-10 St. Petersburg Junior College setter from Cocoa Beach, FL.

"We are very happy about Crystal's decision to join us at The Citadel," Anderson said. "She's a talented player, with great experience and I'm certain she will be beneficial to our program."

Last year at St. Petersburg, Bessler received the 2002 Coach's Award as a setter and rightside hitter. In high school, Bessler played four years of volleyball, of which she was all-conference every year, all-tournament for three years, all-Europe her junior year, as well as MVP, and Best Offense Player her senior year. Bessler was also selected as a Gatorade "Will to Win" athlete. As an all-around athlete, Bessler also played four years of high school basketball and three years of high school softball in which she received all-tournament and all-conference honors for both sports, as well as MVP Pitcher.

Bessler is the daughter of Paul and Judy Bessler of Melbourne, Florida.