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May 21, 2007
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia head volleyball coach Melissa Aldrich Shelton has announced the addition of A.J. Cushman (Richmond, Va./James River) as the fourth member of the Cavaliers’ 2007 recruiting class. Cushman will enroll at Virginia for the 2007-08 academic year and play defensive specialist for UVa beginning in the fall of 2007.
“I am excited to finally announce that A.J. will be joining our team next fall,” said Shelton. “I have wanted A.J. on my team since I first saw her playing club as a 15-year old. She is a dynamic competitor and a terrific teammate as well as being an outstanding student. Her attitude and skills will help bolster our strong corps of backcourt players.”
Cushman, 5-8, was a four-year starter for the James River High School volleyball team as well as a three-time captain. She played both outside hitter and defensive specialist. In 2006, Cushman was named the Player of the Year in the Dominion District in the Virginia High School League. She also captured Dominion All-District and All-Central Region honors as a senior. A second-team All-State selection in Virginia Group AAA, Cushman was also named to the Richmond Times-Dispatch All-Metro Team in 2006. She holds the school records for most kills and digs in a match with 33 and 35, respectively.
As a junior in 2005, Cushman was an All-District selection as well as a second-team All-Central Region pick. She also garnered second-team All-District honors in 2004. Cushman is also a four-time VHSL AAA All-Academic selection.
Cushman is enrolled in James River’s Center for Leadership and International Relations. She has been named to the Distinguished Dean’s List throughout high school and is a member of the National Honor Society as a senior. Cushman is also a member of the Senior Class Council.
Cushman has played for the Richmond Volleyball Club for the past five years and is currently playing for Don Gresham on RVC’s 18 National team.
“Together with Sydney Hill, Kelly Irvin and Kendahl Voelker, this class fills all of our needs for the next season, said Shelton. “We are all looking forward to the challenge of our schedule and returning to the NCAA Tournament this fall.”