Volleyball Welcomes Four New Signees Ahead of 2015 Season
5/14/2015 8:08:00 PM | Volleyball
CHARLESTON, S.C. – College of Charleston volleyball has welcomed four additional signees to the team's 2015 recruiting class, as announced by head coach Jason Kepner on Thursday.
I am really excited to add these four additional players to our roster this fall,” said Kepner, whose team has claimed back-to-back Colonial Athletic Association regular-season titles. “It is a very well rounded group and will bring some experience to our team this fall. They are all great people and will represent the College well and help our program compete for Championships.”
Here's a look at the four new additions to the College of Charleston volleyball team:
Kayla Tronick: MB | 6-3 | Hutchinson, Minn. (Kentucky)
After a stand-out prep career at Hutchinson High School, Tronick has spent the last three years at the University of Kentucky, making 11 starts for a Wildcats program that made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA tournament. In last year's showcase, Tronick notched a season-best .500 hitting percentage with five kills, one dig and one block versus Duquesne. Against South Carolina, Tronick made her first start of the season and racked up nine kills on .353 hitting with three blocks. As a redshirt freshman Tronick played in 14 of the Wildcats 31 matches, tallying 41 kills and nine blocks. Tronick will have one year of eligibility in the lowcountry.
Coach Kepner on Tronick: “Kayla has played and practiced with one of the top teams in the country for the last 4 years. She was coached very well and will definitely bring a high level of play to our gym this fall. She is extremely mature and can play a variety of positions, which will provide us with great versatility.”
Tyna William: MB | 5-11 | Castries, St. Lucia (U. of Albany)
A member of the Saint Lucia National team, William heads to The College with three remaining years of eligibility after spending the last two seasons at the University of Albany. A dynamic middle blocker, William redshirted in 2013 before being limited through injury last season. William was also named the National Junior Player of the Year in 2013 and won an Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Championship with the Saint Lucia National Ssquad.
Coach Kepner on William: “Tyna has only been able to train the last two seasons at Albany but has represented her country on several occasions and is ready to compete. She is very athletic and has a very smooth arm swing. She can play more than one position for us which I know will be put to good use this fall.”
McKala Rhodes: OH | 5-11 | Charleston, S.C. (First Baptist)
A local product, Rhodes comes to The College as one of the premier prep players in South Carolina. Among the litany of awards Rhodes was bestowed with while playing outside for Charleston-based First Baptist High, McKala was named to the 2013 and 2014 All-Lowcountry teams as well being state 2013 HSSR SCISA Miss Volleyball. Equally adept in the classroom, Rhodes was named as a 2014 AAU Academic All American award winner. Well-rounded, Rhodes hit over .250 while at First Baptist, also averaging over 6.5 digs/set and was named team MVP in each of her four years.
Coach Kepner on Rhodes: “McKala is one of the top players, if not the best, prep player in South Carolina this year. She has always had to carry a big responsibility on her teams and I know that experience will be a huge plus for her as she makes the transition to CofC. She hits a heavy ball, works extremely hard, and always gives 100%. Those are qualities, as a coach, you always want in your gym.”
Taylor Foley: DS | 5-10 | Agoura Hills, Ca. (Oaks Christian)
A Southern California native, Foley plied her prep trade at Oaks Christian High School, for whom the 5'10” libero was a three-time team captain and CIF finalist. An All-League award winner, Foley is also a strong sand player and should contribute on both fronts for the Cougars.
Coach Kepner on Foley: “Taylor came to us late in recruiting but I am excited that she decided to join us. She has played libero her whole life against some of the toughest competition in the country. She also competes for her HS Sand volleyball team and will bring that experience.”
College of Charleston Class of 2015 Volleyball Signees
Kayla Tronick, MB, 6-3, Hutchinson, Minn. (Kentucky)
Tyna William, MB, 5-11, Castries, St. Lucia (U. of Albany)
McKala Rhodes: OH, 5-11, Charleston, S.C. (First Baptist)
Taylor Foley, DS, 5-10, Agoura Hills, Ca. (Oaks Christian)
Maren Braun, OH, 6-2, Zionsville, Ind. (Zionsville HS)
Devon Rachel, OH/RS, 6-0, Louisville, Ky. (Mercy HS)
Kennedy Madison, MB/RS, 6-0, Evansville, Ind. (Evansville Bosse HS)
Allison Beckman, S, 5-11, Apex, N.C. (Apex HS)
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