NORMAL, Ill. – Head volleyball coach Leah Johnson announced that the program will welcome three more players to its roster for the 2019 season. With these additions, the Redbirds will have a total of eight newcomers on the 2019 squad.
"These three student-athletes add to an already talented and athletic group," Johnson commented. "The young women joining our program fit the Redbird Standard – they are women of high character, gritty work ethics and have strong personal ambitions. We look forward to the 2019 season with this strong group, along with our returning veterans who have been putting in tremendous work this offseason."
Paige Hilliard | OH | Ka'a'awa, Hawaii | Punahou HS | LSU
Background: Redshirted in the fall of 2018 at LSU … Led Punahou High School to a third-place finish three years in a row in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu … She was a 2016 Honorable Mention selection by the Star Advertiser … Played club for the Rainbow Volleyball Club Hawaii (RVCH) … Also played on the 18's team for RVCH since her sophomore year … Was recognized as a player to watch by Prepvolleyball.com … Earned the Presidential Award in her academic career.
Johnson on Hilliard: "Good arms score points and Paige has a great arm. As a transfer, Paige has experience in a college gym and will bring experience and competition to our pin attacking group. She has the all-around game to be steady as a six-rotation athlete and a scoring threat from both the front and back row. Paige is an intense competitor and her mentality fits well in our gym."
Katelyn Keefe | L/OH | Rockford, Illinois | Guilford HS
Background: Two-year starter at Keith County Day School, before finishing her high school career at Guilford … Helped her team to a conference and regional championship during her freshman and sophomore seasons, before aiding her team's second-place conference finish her junior year … Earned a second-team all-conference selection her sophomore year, before garnering first-team all-conference laurels last season.
Johnson on Keefe: "Katelyn brings length and size to the libero position, which she uses to show her range as a defender. As a former attacker turned libero, she can read the hitters at a high level and positions herself to make plays defensively. Her platform is simple; she has the ability to pass and dig to target and keep our offense in-system."
Emmy Ogogor | MB | San Antonio, Texas | Sandra Day O'Connor HS
Background: Four-year member of the volleyball team at Sandra Day O'Connor High School … Also a three-year member of her high school's track team … Helped her volleyball team to a 6A Regional Championship title … Guided her team to a 6A UIL Semi-Final appearance in the state tournament … Earned academic all-district honors for her success in the classroom … Earned a first-team all-district recognition.
Johnson on Ogogor: "Emmy's athleticism immediately catches the eye. She's dynamic, explosive and quick, all the makings of a high level, game-changing middle. She can run the full route as a middle and is a scoring threat from anywhere on the net. Her quickness gives her the ability to impact the game on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball."
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