Texas star Laura Rose Gray becomes the second member of MSU's 2017 signing class.
Bulldog Volleyball Adds Texas Standout Laura Rose Gray
December 21, 2016 | Volleyball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – One of the top middles in the state of Texas will be calling Starkville her home starting in 2017, as Mississippi State volleyball announced the signing of Laura Rose Gray.
"We're very happy to have the Gray family join the Bulldog volleyball program," MSU coach David McFatrich said. "Laura Rose is a 6-3 middle blocker that will add an element of power, versatility and physicality to our front row. Laura Rose, like our other signees, possesses outstanding character and work ethic and I expect her to come in with a strong desire to learn and compete from day one. She also possesses strong blocking skills and the potential to attack at a very high level."
A native of Hallsville, Texas, Gray was instrumental in the Hallsville High School Ladycats, led by coach Cara Collum, capturing three-straight district and bi-district championships. By the end of her career, Gray had established herself as one of top blockers in HHS history. She will now bring much needed depth to the middle blocker position for the Maroon and White.
"My ultimate dream has been to play for an SEC school," Gray said. "I met the Newberrys at a summer camp and really liked their personalities and style of coaching. Once I got to visit campus and meet Fatch, I heard his vision for the program and was hooked. I love MSU's small-town atmosphere and the unbelievable school spirit. I am so thankful to God for how He made this all come together."
The 2014 season for Gray saw her earn 147 kills and a .266 hitting percentage, while garnering 98 blocks en route to capturing her first All-District honor, landing on the honorable mention team. Her play was crucial in the Ladycats capturing their first of three-straight 5A District and Bi-District titles.
Gray's monster 2015 campaign had the Ladycats capturing more success on the district level. Individually, Gray was twice named to All-Tournament teams and earned All-District First Team laurels behind a career-high 345 kills, a .448 clip and 98 blocks. She followed up her junior season with 191 kills, a .309 hitting percentage and 80 blocks in her final go-around, once again making her way to All-District First Team honors and being named the 5A District Most Valuable Blocker.
Along with her numerous All-District honors, Gray was also named the Ladycat Top Blocker in all three seasons on the varsity level.
When not starring on the court for HHS, Gray was putting on a show for the East Texas Juniors club, playing for coach Ronda Shirley.
Gray's athletic ability stretches beyond the volleyball court, as she has been a star for the HHS track and field program. In her time as a Ladycat, Gray has placed in shot put, the 800 meter relay, 1600 meter relay and the triple jump.
The newest addition to the Bulldog family has also made her community a passion, as she dedicates countless hours to serving those around her. Gray is in her second year serving as a peer tutor in the Life Skills class at HHS. She's also very active in church activities, including a mission trip to serve the inner city of Dallas.
The daughter of Jonathan and Candice Gray, Laura Rose was born in Baton rouge, La. She has two siblings, Lily and Brooks. In her free time, Gray enjoys art and playing sand volleyball with her friends. Gray intends on majoring in kinesiology at MSU and looks forward to using her passion and education to help children with special needs.
For more on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
"We're very happy to have the Gray family join the Bulldog volleyball program," MSU coach David McFatrich said. "Laura Rose is a 6-3 middle blocker that will add an element of power, versatility and physicality to our front row. Laura Rose, like our other signees, possesses outstanding character and work ethic and I expect her to come in with a strong desire to learn and compete from day one. She also possesses strong blocking skills and the potential to attack at a very high level."
A native of Hallsville, Texas, Gray was instrumental in the Hallsville High School Ladycats, led by coach Cara Collum, capturing three-straight district and bi-district championships. By the end of her career, Gray had established herself as one of top blockers in HHS history. She will now bring much needed depth to the middle blocker position for the Maroon and White.
"My ultimate dream has been to play for an SEC school," Gray said. "I met the Newberrys at a summer camp and really liked their personalities and style of coaching. Once I got to visit campus and meet Fatch, I heard his vision for the program and was hooked. I love MSU's small-town atmosphere and the unbelievable school spirit. I am so thankful to God for how He made this all come together."
The 2014 season for Gray saw her earn 147 kills and a .266 hitting percentage, while garnering 98 blocks en route to capturing her first All-District honor, landing on the honorable mention team. Her play was crucial in the Ladycats capturing their first of three-straight 5A District and Bi-District titles.
Gray's monster 2015 campaign had the Ladycats capturing more success on the district level. Individually, Gray was twice named to All-Tournament teams and earned All-District First Team laurels behind a career-high 345 kills, a .448 clip and 98 blocks. She followed up her junior season with 191 kills, a .309 hitting percentage and 80 blocks in her final go-around, once again making her way to All-District First Team honors and being named the 5A District Most Valuable Blocker.
Along with her numerous All-District honors, Gray was also named the Ladycat Top Blocker in all three seasons on the varsity level.
When not starring on the court for HHS, Gray was putting on a show for the East Texas Juniors club, playing for coach Ronda Shirley.
Gray's athletic ability stretches beyond the volleyball court, as she has been a star for the HHS track and field program. In her time as a Ladycat, Gray has placed in shot put, the 800 meter relay, 1600 meter relay and the triple jump.
The newest addition to the Bulldog family has also made her community a passion, as she dedicates countless hours to serving those around her. Gray is in her second year serving as a peer tutor in the Life Skills class at HHS. She's also very active in church activities, including a mission trip to serve the inner city of Dallas.
The daughter of Jonathan and Candice Gray, Laura Rose was born in Baton rouge, La. She has two siblings, Lily and Brooks. In her free time, Gray enjoys art and playing sand volleyball with her friends. Gray intends on majoring in kinesiology at MSU and looks forward to using her passion and education to help children with special needs.
For more on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
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