“Jadyn and Carly bring that experience as we make the transition to the Big 12. It’s an experience to have four years of college volleyball under your belt,” Molly Alvey said. “What they have learned in their four years in college, to now being in a master’s program here at the University of Cincinnati, they just bring a different level of experience to this team. Katelyn has been a wonderful addition to this team and is an exciting player for us heading into the Big 12.”
Highest ranked recruiting class in program history
In addition to the Bearcats three transfers, they also bring in a highly touted recruiting class which ranked 21st in the country, the highest rated recruiting class in program history. A class that is highlighted by Zeta Washington and Nina Horning. Washington, was rated the 6th ranked middle blocker, while being the 31st overall player in the 2023 recruiting class. Washington recorded an impressive 1,088 kills, 175 blocks (67 Solo) while hitting .504% throughout her high school career. Washington, comes to the University of Cincinnati ranked higher than former Bearcat Jordan Thompson was ahead of her freshman season in 2015.
Horning, on the other hand was ranked the 50th overall player in the class of 2023, after a dominant high school career where she racked up a school record 1,930 kills, 845 digs, 291 service aces and 150 blocks. Horning, a 6’5″ outside hitter had a dominant senior season where she recorded 702 kills, on 5.80 kills per set, where she earned AVCA All-American honors.
Along, with Washington, Horning, the Bearcats also welcome in middle blocker Lillian Entenmann, libero Kayla Hostetler and setter Vivian Campbell, round out a recruiting class that could have a very bright future ahead of them at the University of Cincinnati.
“When you look class per class, the amount of woman playing club volleyball across the country, to think we have the number 31 and 50 recruit in the country, and the 21st ranked recruiting class, that will be some of the highest ranked recruits to come through the University of Cincinnati. I think that is pretty exciting,” Molly Alvey told TFON.
Bearcats Big 12 season just 36 days away.
Despite, being picked to finish 13th in the Big 12 preseason polls, the University of Cincinnati volleyball program is looking to prove doubters wrong heading into their first season within the Big 12 conference. Coach Alvey and the Bearcats are just 36 days away from their season opener as they kick off the 2023 season with their annual Tribute to 10 Tournament where they will take on Alabama State at 6 pm at Fifth Third Arena, in game one of a three game series that features matchups vs Xavier and Indiana State.
