University of Mary Washington volleyball head coach Matt Troy announced this week six recruits that will join the class of 2019. This class will join the current Eagles squad that in 2014 garnered a record of 22-12, which was a program best since 1997. Coach Troy: “I’m very excited to bring these six wonderful student athletes and their talents into the Eagle family. We feel all six players can make an immediate impact in our program and look forward to coaching them and watching them grow over the next four years”
Ryan Cho – 5’5” – Libero – Centreville, VA – Westfield H.S./Virginia Juniors Volleyball Club
First Team All-District Libero … Coaches Award … 2nd Team All-District Setter … Helped her Westfield H.S. team win their first every district championship where she was named the All-Tournament Libero. Academically Ryan will be in the UMW Honors Program.
Why UMW…Ryan Cho: I fell in love with the smaller historic university feel. I always knew I wanted to play volleyball and when I came for camp and met all of the amazing coaches and players I knew this was the place for me. I was definitely looking for a smaller school so I could have a better relationship with the teachers and feel a sense of community within the campus”
Mallory Hill – 5’11” – Middle Blocker – Hillsdale, MI – Hillsdale H.S./Charged Up Volleyball Club
Received All-Area, All-County and All-Region honors and was an All-State Honorable Mention. Mallory is a member of the National Honors Society.
Why UMW…Mallory Hill: “I choose UMW because of the amazing coaching staff and girls. Nothing compared to what I saw at the University of Mary Washington.”
Casey Spanitz – 5’3” – Libero – Virginia Beach, VA – Frank W. Cox/Coastal Volleyball Club
A 4 year varsity player for Cox high school where she was voted the 2015 Defensive Player of the Year and was 2nd Team All-Conference. Casey was also a class officer all four years.
Why UMW…Casey Spanitz: “When I first visited the school I became very interested and was attracted to the UMW environment. Not only the team but the faculty members as well made me feel like I belonged here. It felt like another home where I could almost have another family. UMW offers many great things, and I know everyone here will lead me to great success both academically and athletically in my next four years as an Eagle! Can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.“
Lindsay Vaught – 5’10” – Outside Hitter – Melbourne, FL – Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy/Orlando Volleyball Academy
Helped her high school team win two District Championships where she received the Tiger Award and went on to play in the Brevard County Senior Showcase. Lindsay has Highest Honors and is a member of the National Honors Society, National English Society, National Arts Honors Society and received the AP Scholar Award. Lindsay will also be a part of the Honors Program here at UMW.
Why UMW…Lindsay Vaught: “I chose UMW because of the beautiful campus, proximity to DC, and the academics. I wanted to be a part of a strong volleyball program and the team seemed like a family and was super nice and welcoming”
Leslie Walters – 5’11” – Outside/Middle Blocker – Palmyra, VA – Fluvanna H.S./Charlottesville Area Volleyball Club
A three year varsity player where this past season as a captain helped lead her team to an undefeated regular season going 22-0. Fluvanna went on to win their District and Conference Championships where they just fell short in State Regional’s. While at Fluvanna Leslie garnered 2nd Team All State, 1st Team All-Region, All-District and 2X All-Conference honors. Academically Leslie is top 10% of her class where she is a member of the Beta Club, and Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School.
Why UMW…Leslie Walters: “After an overnight visit with the team and sitting in on some classes, I took one more trip to visit another school, but knew then that Mary Washington was the place for me. I love the beautiful campus and Fredericksburg is just a cute little town (and they have really good pizza!). I’m happy to be a part of Coach Troy’s third year at UMW and to have the opportunity to play alongside a great group of girls. I’m excited to learn and grow as a player and win as many games as we can!”
Eve Williamson – 5’10” – Setter – Warrenton, VA – Kettle Run H.S./Dulles Volleyball Club
Conference Player of the Year … 1st Team All-State … 2X 1st Team All-Conference … 2nd Team All-Region A three year varsity starter where this past season as a captain helped lead her team to its first ever state playoff appearance. During club Eve helped lead her team to Nationals in Minneapolis in 2014. Eve is a member of the Honor Roll and was a Lead Mentor in the leadership academy her junior and senior years.
Why UMW…Eve Williamson: “The UMW campus is beautiful and I like the proximity to home. The volleyball program competes in a great conference and really felt a connection with Coach Troy as well as the players. I look forward to being a part of such a wonderful college and team.”