Courtesy: Clemson Athletics
CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson volleyball head coach Michaela Franklin announced the program’s incoming class for the fall of 2018 Tuesday. The additions include soon-to-be freshmen Crystal Childs (right side hitter/Alpharetta, Ga.), Katelyn DeGuzman (defensive specialist/libero/Easley, S.C.), Gabrielle Easton (setter/Anderson, S.C.) and Torie Frederick (defensive specialist/libero/Manvel, Texas). Additionally, the signings of Ava Pritchard (middle blocker/Austin, Texas) and Solei Thomas (defensive specialist/libero/Detroit, Mich.) were announced in November of 2017.
Mid-year freshman Adria Oliver (middle blocker/Seneca, S.C.) and Ohio State junior transfer Brooke Bailey (outside hitter/Canton, Ohio), both of whom joined the team in January and have been competing in the Tigers’ 2018 spring scrimmages, will make their official Clemson debut in the fall of 2018 alongside, Childs, DeGuzman, Easton, Frederick, Pritchard and Thomas.
Michaela Franklin on Childs:
“Crystal is an elite athlete with the desire and drive to be great. She will help enhance our gym competitiveness and fits perfectly with the cultural we are creating which is why we recruited Crystal to Clemson. She will compete and be an excellent teammate and help our program reach its expectation of Championship Behavior.”
If you didn't see it on instagram here it is again. Beyond excited to announce my commitment to play D1 volleyball at Clemson!! #GoTigers ? pic.twitter.com/MSpcVT9Lhc
— ?Crystal? (@crystalchilds_) July 29, 2017
Michaela Franklin on DeGuzman:
“Katelyn DeGuzman (aka Guz) has a fiery spirit and drive to be successful with anything she does. She is a very determined young lady and has a high standard for herself and those around her. She will hold her teammates to that standard and motivate them to reach that standard.”
Michaela Franklin on Easton:
“I’ve had the opportunity to watch Gabby during my time at Clemson and the progress she has made over the past year is what has lead her to Clemson. She has the demeanor and court presence a setter should have with confidence, composure, and competitiveness. Gabby’s parents were athletes at Clemson so she knows what it means to represent Clemson and our volleyball program.”
Michaela Franklin on Frederick:
“Torie is a quick and smooth athlete. She will help increase our team ball control and first contact immediately. She is a winner and knows what it takes to do so. I’m looking forward to watching her blossom as she is surround by teammates that are wired and driven like herself.”
Michaela Franklin on Pritchard:
“I have had the fortune of recruiting Ava over the past few years and what I have enjoyed most about Ava is she is a smooth and sneaky competitor with composure and maturity. Ava is a winner and comes from a competitive club background where her and her team have had a lot of success at the national level. Ava will add an offensive presence as well as she has the ability to be a physical blocker.”
Michaela Franklin on Oliver:
“Adria is a dynamic athlete with a dynamic personality,” said Franklin. She plays with passion, intensity, and is a true competitor. She has the drive to make an impact on our program right away. We are looking forward to helping Adria reach her full potential as she has a very high ceiling. Adria’s athleticism will allow her to fit perfectly in our offensive system.”
Michaela Franklin on Bailey:
“Brooke brings experience at an elite level and will enhance our gym and team culture immediately. She has the ability to be a dominant attacker and has a contagious positive demeanor about her.”
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