Volleyball

Simpson and Tatum Ink With UNCW

Posted: May 27, 2014

Courtesy of UNCWSports.com

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – UNCW Head Coach Amy Bambenek has announced the addition of Taylor Simpson (Monroe, N.C./Piedmont (Cape Fear CC)) and Molly Tatum (Roxboro, N.C./Roxboro (Cape Fear CC)) to the roster for the 2014 season.

Simpson joins the program as a junior and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining while Tatum will transfer into the program as a sophomore with three years of eligibility.

Complete information for both players, along with comments from Coach Bambenek, can be found below.

Simpson photo gallery

CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Two-time First-Team All-Region X selection … Helped Sea Devils post 19-3 record and advance to Region X Tournament during 2013 season … Played in all 22 matches during sophomore season and averaged 2.46 digs, 1.42 assists and 0.42 service aces per set … Guided team to 17-5 mark and Region X Tournament during 2012 campaign … Averaged 6.80 assists, 2.27 digs and 0.42 service aces per frame as a freshman.

HIGH SCHOOL: Four-time First-Team All-Conference selection … Earned Conference Player-of-the-Year accolades in three straight seasons (2011-13) … Led Panthers to three straight conference titles.

Bambenek on Simpson: "We are excited about adding a local standout player from CFCC. Taylor is known to be a great court leader and teammate, and is willing to step up to the challenge of competing at the setter position for our team."

Tatum photo gallery

CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Led Sea Devils to Helped Sea Devils post 19-3 record and advance to Region X Tournament during 2013 season … First-Team All-Region X selection … Coaches award recipient … Took part in all 22 matches … Finished season with 3.08 kills and 1.8 digs per set average.

HIGH SCHOOL: Led Roxboro to state playoff appearance during senior season … Set school record with 395 kills during senior season … Three-time All-Conference selection … Served as team captain for all three seasons … Selected as Wendy's Senior Female Heisman Award Winner at Roxboro.

CLUB: Played for NC Elite … Helped guide club to AAU Classic Division U16 National Championship in 2011 … Named MVP of that event … Served as team captain … Recipient of program's Commitment Award.

Bambenek on Tatum: "Molly comes from a strong history of volleyball in her family and this shows in her understanding of the game and very high volleyball IQ. She is a complete player and consistent in both her front and back row play. We are excited about having another proven North Carolina native join our Seahawk program."