Feb. 5, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Aley Tallman, a member of the 2006 Conference USA Tournament champion UAB volleyball team, has transferred back to UAB for the 2008 season as announced by UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith Tuesday. Tallman transferred to Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. for the 2007 season before deciding to return to UAB.

"We're thrilled that Aley has rejoined us," Messersmith said. "She is a very talented player that we were sad to lose after her freshman season but we respected her decision. I'm very happy that she has came back to us because she is a great kid and has loads of talent."

Tallman will be a junior at UAB and is enrolled in classes for the spring semester; however, she will have to sit out the 2008 season due to transfer regulations.

At Nova Southeastern, Tallman averaged 2.85 kills and 2.50 digs per game in helping lead the Sharks to the NCAA Division II South Regional semifinals where she was named to the all-tournament team. The Wichita, Kan., native recorded 14 double-doubles and finished the year ranked second on the team with 390 kills.

For her freshman campaign at UAB, Tallman played a large role in helping lead the Blazers to their first-ever Conference USA Tournament championship and appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament. Tallman averaged 1.79 kills and 1.12 digs that season. She also ranked second on the team with 52 assists.