NATCHITOCHES – Co-head volleyball coaches Hugh and Stephanie Hernesman announced that Aaliyah Smith and Danielle Sellari have joined the 2013 Northwestern State volleyball squad.
 
"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Danielle Sellari and Aaliyah Smith to our program.  They both fill much-needed roles in our program and will bring a lot to the team," said Hugh Hernesman. "On top of that, they both come from great volleyball backgrounds, as their club programs are highly successful.  There is a lot of value to adding players that are accustomed to high expectations and possess a winning mindset."
 
Aaliyah Smith, a 5-10 right-side hitter and middle blocker, is a three-year letterwinner from Juan Seguin High School in Arlington, Texas.
 
She was named the "Most Improved Player" her freshman year and joined the varsity team he sophomore season.  She was coached by Lauren Otto at Juan Seguin and by Shan Sackett with the Texas Advantage Volleyball Club.
 
"Aaliyah comes to NSU as a great athlete.  She is a fun player to watch and will improve a ton as she learns the game at this level," said Hernesman.  "We're excited to get her in the gym and find out exactly where she fits because we believe that she has the ability to play multiple hitting positions."
 
Smith is the daughter of Joann and LC Smith and has three sisters: LeMeita, Rochell and Toni.  LeMetia played volleyball at Texas Christian University. 
 
She will be a psychology and addiction studies major and wants to become a relationship counselor or specialize in athletes that suffer with life altering or career ending injuries.
 
Danielle Sellari, a 5-2 libero, was a two-year letterwinner for Merideth Thompson and Jessica Curtis at Clear Brook High School in Friendswood, Texas.
 
"Danielle is someone that we are very fortunate to add to our program this late in the recruiting game," said Hernesman.  "She's a tremendous defender who fits the mold of what we look for in our liberos, speed.  On top of that, NSU volleyball is adding an outstanding student in the classroom that will further add to the character of our team." 
 
Sellari played club volleyball at the Absolute Volleyball Academy under Phil Guerrero in Dickenson, Texas, and the Texas Revolution in Pasadena, Texas.
 
She graduated with a 3.9 grade point average and will major in biology with aspirations of going to medical school.
 
She is the daughter of LaVonne and Ben Sellari and has one sister, Rachel.
 
Another 2013 Northwestern State signee, who joined in April, was honored with an opportunity to play in the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star game Thursday night. It is the third straight year a future Lady Demon has taken part in the game, Glynna Johnson played in 2012 and Keelie Arneson in 2011.