AUBURN, Ala. – Adding depth to the roster, head volleyball coach Brent Crouch announced the addition of Sydney Handel, a multi-sport athlete from Lee's Summit, Mo., for the 2022 season.
"I am excited to welcome Sydney - a talented, athletic multi-sport athlete," said head coach Brent Crouch. "She brings an infectious energy to the court and is a fantastic teammate. I expect her to compete in practice as both an outside hitter and a libero, bringing added depth to our roster at both positions. Long term, Sydney has the ability to develop into a fantastic back row player. With her size, she will be able to dig with substantial range and become an excellent server."
Competing at Lee's Summit West, Handel played both basketball and soccer in addition to volleyball. A six-rotation player on the court, Handel closed her career ranked in the top 20 in Missouri state history for attacks in a career (2,793) and sets played in a career (332). She closed her career with 1,127 kills, 671 digs and 116 blocks.
She was a four-year starter and letterwinner in both volleyball and soccer, serving as a team captain for both sports. She earned First Team All-State honors twice in volleyball in addition to earning First Team All-Conference and All-District honors three times in her career.
Handel was also named a MOKAN All-Star and was a finalist for the Evelyn Gates Award, which recognizes the top volleyball player in the Kansas City Metro area.
Competing for KC Power for the last five years, Handel served as the team captain. She was tabbed to the 2019, 2020 and 2021 AVCA Phenom Lists. She was a 2021 USA Volleyball GJNC All-Tournament Team selection and a 2022 Under Armour All-American Selection Camp nominee.
Academically, Handel is a four-time Academic All-State selection and has been named to the Principal's Scholarship Honor Roll for four straight years while participating in numerous extracurricular activities and clubs.
Athletics are a staple for the Handel family. Her brother Shaquille Harrison played basketball at the University of Tulsa and plays professionally with the Chicago Bulls. Her brother Grayson played football at Pittsburg State. Her brother Jamone played football at Butler Community College. Her brother Monte Harrison was drafted to play professional baseball out of high school and is currently signed with the Miami Marlins.