Norfolk State University head volleyball coach Jennifer Fry announced Thursday the signing of middle hitter Charlotte Armstead (Lightfoot, Va./Warhill HS) and setter Kristen Burt (Ashburn, Va./Broad Run HS) to national letters-of-intent to play for the Spartans in 2009.

“We are very excited to have players of this caliber commit to NSU during the early period”, Fry said. “This gives us a great start to our 2009-10 recruiting efforts. Both ladies come from very successful programs, which will only improve NSU volleyball. It also shows that we’ve strengthened our recruiting capabilities locally and in the state. Both signees have the potential to excel athletically and academically during their careers at NSU.”

Armstead tallied 297 kills, 177 digs and 122 blocks as a senior en route to making the All-Bay Rivers District first team. A two-year letterwinner at Warhill, Armstead was also a Region 1 honorable mention pick this season. In signing with NSU, Armstead became the first student in Warhill’s two-year history to earn an athletic scholarship.

“Charlotte is a natural athlete who has great physical abilities and who will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the team,” Fry said. “She is also academically gifted and has a personality that is as dynamic as her athleticism. Charlotte should quickly become a favorite among Spartan fans since she is a Hampton Roads native.”

Burt lettered four years for the Broad Run Spartans and was a three-time AA All-Dulles District pick. As a senior in 2008, she had 277 assists, 43 service aces, 14 total blocks and averaged 4.0 assists per game.

“Kristen is a versatile and dynamic player who has a strong work ethic and a winning attitude”, Fry said. “She is fast, strong and smart and will be a key part of the class of 2009 and the future success of the NSU volleyball program.”