Siedlik signs Denver's Faulkner

Bruin head volleyball coach Trish Siedlik announced today the signing of 6-3 middle blocker Symone Faulkner (Denver, Colo.) to a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Bellevue University beginning in the fall of 2012. 

Faulkner, the daughter of Christi Romero, attended Venture Prep High School, while competing in volleyball at Denver East High School under head coach Michael Hernandez. Venture Prep HS does not sponsor athletics. 

"I am so glad that Symone chose a program that strives to hold a close family atmosphere,." said Siedlik. "This was something that was the kicker for her decision. Tie that with our student athletes getting that personal touch in the classroom setting, and she wanted to be a Bruin."

Faulkner played club volleyball with the 303 Volleyball Club under coach Tracy Bell, leading her team to a sixth-place finish in this past season's Regional Tournament. She also participated with the Front Range Club, helping her team qualify for Junior Nationals in Reno, Nev. in 2010.

"I think that the sky is the limit with Symone and with her size, her personality, and her love of the game, she is going to be a player that this program will be very excited to see grow throughout her career," added Siedlik. "After meeting with Symone and her mother, she is the type of young lady we love having in our program.

Faulkner joins BU's earlier signees Beth Walker (Dubuque, Iowa/Wahlert Catholic HS) and Andi Umbarger (Chanute, Kan./Neosho County CC/Girard HS).

Bellevue finished the 2011 season with a No. 25 final national ranking, winning the 2011 MCAC Tournament title after finishing second in the MCAC regular season. The Bruins advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the fifth-straight season.