Nov. 12, 2003

Nebraska high school standout Tatum Ailes has signed an agreement to join the Mizzou volleyball team next fall. Ailes, a 5-6 setter for Bellevue West High School in Nebraska, will join the Tigers as a defensive specialist.

Ailes has 995 assists for Bellevue West, for an average over 11 assists per game. She is among the team leaders in kills with 119, aces with 51 and blocks with 42. Bellevue is ranked No. 1 in Nebraska Class A and is the favorite to win this weekend's state tournament.

"We are very excited about having Tatum join our team," Missouri Head Coach Susan Kreklow said. "I think she will be a great fit to our team and will have the chance to contribute to quickly."