BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Western Washington University volleyball program has officially announced the addition of five players that are set to join the program as freshman for the 2023 season.

 

The recruiting class features one setter, two middles and a pair of pin hitters that all hail from the state of Washington, continuing a tradition with the program featuring home-grown players from the Evergreen State throughout the 23-seasons under head coach Diane Flick-Williams.

 

"The 2023 recruiting class is yet another impressive group that we are adding to the WWU Volleyball family," said Flick-Williams. "They are a great blend in all that we look for in a student-athlete…great players, great students, and a wealth of personality to add to our melting pot culture. I know we will have to wait a bit longer, but I'm excited to get them in the gym and see how they grow."

 

Here is a look at the five program additions for the Vikings that will be freshman in 2023:

 

 

George is a Pin Hitter out of Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Washington. George was named to the All-Wesco Second Team in both 2021 and 2022. George recorded 43 blocks in the 2021 season, which was 3rd most in the 4A Wesco region. George's uncle, Devean George, is a former 3-time NBA Champion with the LA Lakers.

Flick-Williams on George:

"Nayella brings the heavy heat, and a passionate celebration on every kill! She is physical, fast and jumps really well. Her fire in her belly brings an intensity that drives her to get better with every outing. Her upside is huge as she has only scratched the surface of her potential."

George on joining the WWU program:

"I chose to join the WWU Volleyball Team due to the incredibly welcoming girls and coaches there, along with the strong family like and competitive atmosphere!"

 

Grant was an all-state setter at Snohomish High School, leading her team to a perfect conference record in 2022 and taking the team to state. During the 2022 season, Grant surpasses 1,000 assists in her career at Snohomish, setting a team record with 1,111 assists in four varsity seasons. Named to the 3A All-State First Team in 2022 as the team captain.

 

Flick-Williams on Grant:

"Ayla has some butter hands with a smooth delivery. Her calm charisma masks a deep drive and will to win. She will add great depth to our setters who are undoubtedly the hub of the wheel of our offense. I can't wait to get her in our gym to see where she takes us."

Grant on joining the WWU program:

"I choose WWU because I felt at home, I could see myself there for the next couple years and the coaches and team atmosphere is so inviting and welcoming, and the beautiful campus was just a bonus."

 

Johnson is a middle hitter that hails from Spokane's Mead Senior High School. Johnson finished the 2022-2023 season with a hitting percentage of .305 (328 attempts, 146 kills, 46 errors) which was the highest percentage in the 3A/4A Greater Spokane Region and 21st best in Washington. Johnson was also a 1-time 3A All-State First Team selection and All GSL First Team selection. 

 

Flick-Williams on Johnson:

"Dani is another physical middle that brings size and speed to the position. We prefer to run it quick, and that will not be an adjustment for her as she likes to go fast. She has a nose for the ball as a blocker to put up a formidable wall! Middles are the work horses and Dani's desire to get better epitomizing that mentality!"

Johnson on joining the WWU program:

"After visiting and going to their camp it was clear that they were like family. With a competitive program and a positive environment, it was something I really wanted to be a part of and was a huge factor to why I chose WWU!"

 

Moeller was a key player for Mead Senior High School, as the pin hitter helped lead the team to the 3A State Championship, finishing as the runners up. Moeller led the team in kills (176) ranking 3rd in the 3A/4A Greater Spokane region. Named to the All-State First Team and All-League First Team in 2022. Also named to the All-League First Team in 2021, while making the All-State Second team. JVA Watchlist for the Class of 2023.

 

Flick-Williams on Moeller:

"We were looking for a 6-rotation pin who can bring a presence to the net and heavy ball to the floor. Cassie is all of that! She brings a positivity and a joy to the game that's wrapped in a consistent demeanor, as well as a work ethic that will be the force behind her constant improvement when she gets here!"

Moeller on joining the WWU program:

"It immediately felt like a family with a welcoming atmosphere and it is amazing to see such a successful program that only recruits within the state."

 

Tri comes to WWU out of Lake Stevens High School as a standout Varsity athlete. Tri recorded 80 blocks in the 2022-23 season, ranking 15th in the state of Washington and 2nd in 4A Wesco. Tri comes to Western as a 2-time 4A All-State First Team selection, as well as receiving 4A All-Wesco First Team honors in 2021 and 4A All-Wesco Second Team honors in 2022. Helped lead Lake Stevens to the state championships, finishing as the runners up.

Flick-Williams on Tri:

"Hayli is a great athlete that comes with spring, speed and a whip of an arm. When you take those physical tools and combine them with her competitiveness, then there's not much that can stop her. She likes to get after it but does it with a joy that people gravitate to."

Tri on joining the WWU program:

" I chose WWU because of both its culture and its phenomenal athletes and coaches. I love that I can join the team certain that by the time I leave, my teammates will be like sisters to me, and my coaches like family. I picked Western because it's a place that I can look forward to being around uplifting and inspiring people each and every day. Most of all I look forward to joining the program's competitive environment and legacy of success! Go Viks!"

 

The WWU Volleyball program is in its 51st season as a varsity intercollegiate sport in 2022, rising to an elite level by advancing to the NCAA Division II Championships in each of the last 10 seasons and 16 of the last 21 dating back to the 2001 season. The program has recorded 1,012 all-time wins (1012-578-7/.635). The winner of 11 Great Northwest Athletic Conference, the Vikings have four of the last five GNAC titles with a perfect 19-1 record in 2017, perfect 20-0 mark in 2018, an 18-2 league record in 2019 and clinched the four-peat with a 17-1 record in 2021. Led by 23rd-year head coach Diane Flick-Williams (506-123/.805) the Vikings have posted a 257-53 record over the last 11 seasons (.831 winning percentage) and played in the NCAA II West Region championship match five out of the last seven seasons (2015-21), winning titles in 2015, 2018 and 2021 (also 2007). WWU played for the NCAA II national championship in 2007 and 2018, both national runner-up finishes, and have advanced to the NCAA Final Four in three of the past six seasons (2015, 2018, 2021).