COLUMBUS, Ohio – A quartet of highly-touted prep players have signed on to become the next class of Buckeyes to join the women’s volleyball program. Head coach Geoff Carlston and staff scoured the country to find the talented group hailing from four different states, including a native Buckeye in Lauren Witte from Mentor. Joining her in the class will be Hannah Gruensfelder (Weldon Springs, Mo.), Becca Mauer (Houston, Texas) and Ayanna Swan (Richmond, Va.).
“We are so excited to welcome these four incredible ladies to our Buckeye family,” Carlston said.
Hannah Gruensfelder | Defensive Specialist | 5-6 | Weldon Spring, Mo. | St. Joseph Academy
- AAU All-American
- Four-year starting libero has guided the Angels to the 4A Class Quarterfinals or beyond in each of her first three seasons; setting a new St. Joseph digs record all four seasons
- Played club ball for St. Louis CYC and the Rockwood Thunder
- Three-time Junior Nationals Open qualifier, including an all-tournament team selection in 2016
- Daughter of Donn and Cindy Gruensfelder
- Three siblings – Jacob (22), Joshua (19) and Sarah (16)
- Intends to major in biomedical engineering
“Hannah is a talented libero who will add a lot to our team’s defensive strength. With plans to study engineering, she understands what it means to be a student-athlete.”
Becca Mauer | Setter | 5-9 | Houston, Texas | Jersey Village H.S.
- AAU All-American and selected for the 2015 AVCA Phenom LIst
- Named first team all-district in each of her first three seasons, including Setter of the Year in the last two campaigns
- Played club ball for the Texas Tornados and the Houston Juniors
- Earned all-tournament team honors at the 2016 Junior Nationals after guiding her squad to the championship match
- Daughter of Michael and Lynn Mauer
- Two siblings – Kylie (24) and Julia (20)
- Intends to major in nursing
“Becca has a very high IQ and a contagious leadership style, two important traits in a setter. Her work ethic both in the classroom and on the court were things that stood out during the recruiting process.”
Ayanna Swan | Outside Hitter | 6-2 | Richmond, Va. | Mills E. Godwin H.S.
- AVCA High School All-American First Team
- Invited to play in the Under Armour All-America Match & Skills Competition hosted at Nationwide Arena on Dec. 16
- Three-time All-Virginia, all-region, all-metro and all-conference honoree
- Played club ball for the Richmond Volleyball Club
- Daughter of Deanna Mays and Adrian Swan
- Two siblings – Nikayla (22) and Gabby (18)
- Intends to major in physical therapy
“Ayanna is going to be really, really good. She is learning every day and is one of the most dynamic athletes we have had at Ohio State. She is a strong student in the classroom whose personality fit in perfectly with our team.”
Lauren Witte | Middle Blocker | 6-2 | Mentor, Ohio | Lake Catholic H.S.
- AVCA High School All-American First Team
- Invited to play in the Under Armour All-America Match & Skills Competition hosted at Nationwide Arena on Dec. 16
- Has led Lake Catholic to a 27-0 season thus far and a spot in the state semifinals (Nov. 10)
- First Team All-Ohio performer and four-time all-league selection; Third Team All-Ohio as a sophomore
- Played club ball for the Eastside Cleveland Juniors
- Daughter of Mike and Cathy Witte
- Three siblings – Megan (16), Jack (14) and Connor (6)
“We have seen Lauren grow up from when she was a ninth grader. It’s been so cool to see this local kid become one of the most prolific middle blockers in the nation. As is the case with this entire class, Lauren gets it done in the classroom with a goal to finish valedictorian in her class.”
News courtesy of Ohio State Athletics.
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