Utah State Signs Irvine Volleyball Player Pursley

Irvine High volleyball player Johanna Pursley has signed with Utah State and is one of three Mission Valley Blue club players who have signed with colleges.

Pursley, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker, chose Utah State over UC Irvine, San Jose State and Cal Poly Pomona. She was a first-team all-Sea View League selection last season.

Also signing were Capistrano Valley outside hitter Shelly Smith (Northern Arizona) and Capistrano Valley Christian outside hitter Heidi Elliott (The Masters).

Smith, 5-9, the South Coast League’s MVP last season, chose Northern Arizona over Santa Clara. Elliott, 6-1, who played on two State Division V championship teams, chose The Masters over Christ College Irvine, Utah State and Biola.