MOBILE, Ala. – Spring Hill College's
Peggy Martin, head volleyball coach, has released her six signees for the 2023 season.
"After losing six quality seniors to graduation, a talented incoming class was definitely a priority and we are thrilled with our incoming recruits for 2023," Martin said. "This class has the potential to be one of the best ever, which was the goal to replace the very talented graduating seniors. Not only a talented group on the court, but outstanding in the classroom. I'm looking forward to working with this group and can't wait to get in the gym with them."
Marley Charles - Libero/DS
Silverhill, Ala.
St. Michael's Catholic
Played volleyball at St. Michael's Catholic … Named High School Defensive Player of the year … Awarded Ignatian full scholarship for her senior year … An Honors AP student … Played club for Eastern Shore Volleyball Club
Why SHC?
"I chose Spring Hill College because it was the first campus I ever visited at age 11, and from then on I pictured myself going there. I have visited the campus many times since then and I just loved it from the start, even before I thought about playing there. My grandparents and other relatives went there and it feels very comfortable, just like home. I had a sense of calm on campus and for me that is a big deal. I felt grounded and comfortable, this was the obvious choice for me."
Martin on Charles: "Marley is thrilled to have the opportunity to play at her "dream school" and will be determined to help out this Badger team any way she can. We are thrilled to have her very positive and spunky personality join us. She's an athletic ball handler that has played the Libero position all through high school and club."
Camryn Halstead - MB/OH
Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
South Walton High
Played volleyball at South Walton High … 2022 Florida All State and Academic All State … Earned Northwest Florida Player of the Week … Helped team earn District Championship … Appeared in the Elite Eight … Led her team in blocks … Was four-year Honor Roll … Member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and Key Club … Awarded with AP Capstone Award and Science Coat Lab Award … Played club for Emerald Coast Volleyball and 850 Elite
Why SHC?
"I picked SHC because it felt like a second home when I visited; the girls on the team made me feel like I was already on the team before I even committed. Most importantly I fell in love with campus and the life I could have there. The major I would like to pursue is offered, the classes are the perfect size for me and everyone I talked to, both present and former Badgers, had only praise for everything about the college."
Martin on Halstead: "Camryn is an athletic front row player that will bring some versatility with the ability to play all three front court positions. Looking forward to working with her to find the best spot for her in the collegiate game. Her enthusiasm for her sport is a plus that we are very excited about."
Hayley Hillman - MB
Lafayette, La.
Teurlings Catholic
Played volleyball at Teurlings Catholic … 2022 All-State Team and First-Team All-District … Earned Academic 2A-State High School Runner Up in 2021 and 2022 … Awarded Principals Award in 2020, 2021 and 2022
Why SHC?
"I chose SHC because of the atmosphere and people. On my visit, it was very welcoming and everyone made me feel so at home that I knew I wanted to call SHC my home for the next four years. The campus is also extremely beautiful and I can not wait to walk around it everyday."
Martin on Hillman: "Hayley is a physical middle blocker who will add needed depth at that position. We are excited to have her join our family and see how quickly she can become a force at the net at this level. She is coming from an outstanding high school program. She has been well coached and brings a wealth of club experience also with Louisiana Volleyball Club."
Kiana LaBorde - OH/DS/S
Ocala, Fla.
Trinity Catholic
Played volleyball at Trinity Catholic … Earned All County First-Team Selection, All Florida Team Selection and 2021 Team MVP … Awarded 2020 ABU All-Award 16's Club … Was Marion County Player of the Year for Indoor and Beach … Maintained A/B Honor Roll … Was a Student Ambassador … Played club for Ocala Power United VBC
Why SHC?
"I was looking for quality academics, a competitive volleyball program and a small school setting. Spring Hill checked off all the boxes for me."
Martin on LaBorde: "Kiana can literally do it all both indoors and in the sand. Tremendous ball handler with explosive "ups" on the outside. She has also set and will give us added depth at that position. She comes from a volleyball family, "a coach's kid" bringing the very highest volleyball IQ. Both Mom and Dad involved in club volleyball in Ocala with Dad being Kiana's beach coach. We are thrilled to have her bring her talents to the Badger Family."
Mia Saavedra - Setter
Tampa, Fla.
Wharton High
Played volleyball for Wharton High School … High School MVP in 2021 and 2022 … Earned First Team for three years … Completed her AA degree … Competed for Florida Elite Volleyball Academy
Why SHC?
"I chose Spring Hill because of the campus atmosphere and environment. It is a place I will feel safe and comfortable at in the future."
Martin on Saavedra: "She is extremely well trained and athletic setter that can also hit with power. Mia is also a highly regarded beach athlete. Another "coaches' kid" whose Mom was a setter at the University of Tampa, and with Dad runs their own club in Tampa. Another high volleyball IQ addition at the very important quarterback position. I am extremely pleased to add a setter of Mia's caliber."
Ashlyn Whiteside - Defensive Specialist
Daphne, Ala.
Bayshore Christian Academy
Played volleyball for Bayshore Christian Academy … Was 2020 and 2021 All-Region … Earned All-State Honorable Mention and All-State Tournament Bayshore Defender of the Year … A part of 2022 AHSAA All Star Team and Supper All State Team … Awarded Bayshore MVP … Played club for Eastern Shore Volleyball Club and Mobile Storm VBC
Why SHC?
"I chose Spring Hill because I love the team energy and the campus. It helped to have someone I have already played with, but from my visit I absolutely loved the practice atmosphere and all of the players. The campus is absolutely beautiful and close to home."
Martin on Whiteside: "Ashlyn is a tremendously athletic outside hitter and defensive specialist, former teammate of current Badger
Cassidy Granger at Bayshore Christian. She is a very well trained all-around volleyball player with some experience in the sand. She will add depth in the backcourt immediately."
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