MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State Volleyball is excited to announce the addition of five student-athletes slated to join the program beginning in the Fall of 2023. All are slated to be members of the indoor and beach volleyball squads.
The newest Eagles are middle blocker Amelia Nott, defensive specialist Courtney Fitzgerald, outside hitter Avery Ray, middle blocker Hollan Everett and setter Sydney Sennett.
"We are incredibly excited to add this group of student athletes to our Eagle volleyball family," said head coach Dr. Jaime Gordon. "What sets them apart, in addition to their work ethic and talent, is that each new Eagle brings a unique desire to invest in the people around them. They are a great addition to our program and Morehead State community."
Nott is a middle blocker and right-side hitter from Centerville, Ohio where she has been a standout at Centerville High School for her final two seasons and Pine Creek High School her first two. She currently plays for head coach Matt Onweller at CHS and played with Molly Stowers as head coach at PCHS.
The 6-foot-1 Nott earned First-Team All-Conference as a junior and senior. As a junior she was First-Team All-District and the district co-Offensive Player of the Year. She piled up more than 500 career kills at the two schools and posted a hitting efficiency of better than .400 her final two campaigns. She also had 200+ blocks in her high school career. In addition, she plays for Elevation club program.
"I was intrigued by the environment created by the coaches and the program and the location of the campus," she said. "When I took my visit, my feelings were solidified and it just felt like home. I am looking forward to learning about what interests me and experience college with my best friends and teammates while continuing to play the sport I love."
Fitzgerald is a 5-foot-8 defensive specialist whose hometown is Cleves, Ohio. She attends Seton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she plays for head coach Kelly Crowley
During her high school career, Fitzgerald racked up more than 900 digs. As a junior, she earned Second-Team All-GGCL and was named all-city as well as to the Cincinnati Enquirer Fall All-Star Team. Fitzgerald was named team MVP and all-district as a senior. She helped the Saint Bernards to the district titles as a sophomore, junior and senior. She plays for the Tri-State club program. Fitzgerald helped her club program earn three consecutive top-3 finishes at the Triple Crown NIT
"I chose Morehead State because the minute I walked on to campus, it was obvious how much everyone loved being there. The amazing coaching staff and teammates were so welcoming, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this family and competitive volleyball program," she said. "I knew I made the right decision after suffering a shoulder injury this spring. The support I received from the coaching staff meant so much to me. I am excited to represent Morehead State as a student-athlete and grow as a person on and off the court. I am looking forward to make lifelong friendships."
Ray is a 5-foot-10 outside hitter from Chattanooga (Tenn.) Christian School, where she plays for head coach Brittney Berube.
As a senior, Ray has accomplished 164 kills, 21 blocks and 28 aces. She has twice earned TSSAA Division II All-Region. She plays for the K2 club program. She also qualified for beach volleyball nationals in the summer of 2022.
"I chose Morehead State because I loved the environment that I was in when I went on my visit. The coaching staff and the team were so welcoming and kind to my family, and I felt so wanted here," she said. "I liked that the education program gets its students involved in the classroom during freshman year. The campus is also beautiful. I'm looking forward to making new friends and growing not only in my volleyball skills but preparing for the real world as well."
Everett is from Norris City, Illinois and Norris City-Omaha-Enfield Community High School where she plays for head coach Jaclyn Melton.
The 6-foot-3 middle blocker has helped her high school team win 69 matches in the last two seasons. Everett has accumulated more than 1,000 career kills and is a three-time First-Team All-Conference honoree and was First-Team All-State as a junior. She earned Second-Team All-State as a senior. She has also helped her team win four consecutive conference titles.
Everett plays for the Evansville (Ind.) United club program, where she has been honored as a JVA ultra-ankle All-National team member in 2020 and on the AVCA Watch List in 2019-21.
"I chose Morehead State because I love the culture of the coaching staff and the team. They made me feel important not only as a player but as a person, and I wanted to be part of a successful program," she said. "I am excited to meet new friends and develop as a person and as a player. I am most excited to have the opportunity to do what I love while getting an education."
Sennett is a 6-foot setter whose hometown is Normal, Ill. She attends Normal Community West High School where her head coach is Kelsey Muller.
Sennett holds the NCWHS career record with more than 2,000 career assists. She has been honored as all-conference three times and has been Honorable Mention All-State twice. She was named Second-Team All-State as a senior. Her team finished third at the state tournament as a junior.
Sennett plays for the Illini Elite club program. She helped her team to an eighth place finish at nationals in 2022.
"I chose Morehead State because of the family environment and the welcoming coaching staff. I also am super excited to compete at the Division I level playing indoor as well as beach volleyball," she said. "I am looking forward to forming new relationships with my future teammates and getting to compete at such a high level everyday playing the sport I love."
