NORMAL, Ill. – Head volleyball coach Leah Johnson announced that the program has added three players as a part of the 2021 recruiting class.
"This 2021 recruiting class continues to build our tradition of service and growth," Johnson expressed. "Aliyah (Moore) is a pin attacker that can score from anywhere on the court. Katelyn (Lefler) is a setter that can locate the offense at a high level. Maggi (Weller) is a quick libero that makes passing and defense look effortless. This is a dynamic recruiting class that will challenge in each position and carry on the pride of Redbird volleyball off the court and in competition. These student-athletes are driven, committed and passionate, and we are extremely proud of them and couldn't be more excited to have them join the Redbird family."
The recruiting class is listed alphabetically:Â
Katelyn Lefler | Setter | Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin | Hamilton HS
Background: Three-year member of Hamilton High School's volleyball team, earning a starting spot in 2019 … On track to graduate high school early in January … Named to the 2020 Under Armour All-America Watch List … Earned an AVCA High School All-Region nod … Won a state championship with her high school this past weekend … Helped her team finish first in its conference last season … Two-time WVCA All-Academic Award recipient for her success in the classroom … Aided in her team's efforts to win three-straight regional titles, while securing the program's first sectional win last year.
Johnson on Lefler: "Katelyn brings size, strength and consistency to the Redbird setting group. Her abilities go beyond her skills. Katelyn is a great teammate, has a consistent work ethic and her joy for the sport will be the traits that build trust for the necessary leadership that comes with the setter position."
Aliyah Moore | Outside Hitter | Surprise, Arizona | Valley Vista HS
Background: Three-sport athlete at Valley Vista High School, starting all four years for her indoor volleyball team while playing three seasons of sand volleyball and was a two-year member of the track team … Named to the Prep Volleyball Class of 2021 Watch List … Helped her team earn a conference title in 2019 … Two-time all-conference, all-district and all-region performer … Earned the 6A Southwest Region Player of the Year distinction last season … Three-time All-Academic First Team honoree … Set the long jump school record as a junior.
Johnson on Moore: "Aliyah will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting Redbirds to watch. Aliyah's combination of explosive athleticism and a dynamic scoring ability will help the Redbirds continue to be a force offensively. We have seen Aliyah's dedication and hard work better her game in the last few seasons and are looking forward to her growth mindset competing in Redbird Arena."
Maggi Weller | Libero / Defensive Specialist | Geneseo, Illinois | Geneseo HS
Background: Played softball her freshman season at Geneseo High School, before focusing solely on volleyball and earning a starting spot all four years … Named an AVCA High School All-Region selection … Broke the school's single season digs record as a freshman, before replacing it her sophomore season … Jumped to the leaderboard in career digs and career service aces as a sophomore, before surpassing those numbers again last year … Named a team captain as a junior, while also earning three-straight all-conference and all-metro honors … Helped her team break the school record for most wins in a season in back-to-back seasons … As a sophomore, aided in her team's efforts to win a regional title for the first time in 15 years.
Johnson on Weller: "Maggi brings a calm technical aspect to the libero position. Her ability to manipulate her passing angles is at an extremely high level. As she has expanded her range in serve receive and defense, her touch on the ball keeps her extremely accurate. Maggi is the kind of libero that makes everyone around her better with endless support and positivity. She's the kind of teammate everyone wants to compete with."
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