February 9, 1999

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV volleyball program has signed Leiana Oswald to a national letter of intent to attend UNLV beginning in the fall of 1999, Head Coach Deitre Collins announced Tuesday.

Oswald, a 6-foot outside hitter/middle blocker from Notre Dame High School in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, was selected as her league's MVP during her senior season as well as a being named a first-team all-provincial selection.

Oswald was also her team's MVP for the past three seasons as well as earning top honors as MVP of both her basketball and track teams.

Oswald has excelled academically as well, earning a 3.77 grade point average or better each of her four years of high school.

"Leiana is a talented athlete who will definitely make an impact to the future of UNLV volleyball," Collins said. "I am really excited about what she brings to our program."

Oswald, who is one of Canada's top young players, has been tagged as a Canadian National Team prospect.

She chose UNLV over perennial power Michigan State, Washington and Eastern Washington.

The Rebels, who finished last season with a 23-8 record and a WAC Tournament semifinal appearance, lost only one player off last year's team in setter Meri-de Boyer, whose scholarship will be given to Oswald.