POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – The Marist volleyball program announced the addition of five more players ahead of the 2020 season. This group joins the previously announced duo of Sasha van der Merwe and Jordan Newblatt, making up an incoming class consisting of seven student-athletes.
"I'm so excited about this incoming class as they fill many roles in our program," Head Coach
Sean Byron said. "When you add this group with (already committed)Â Jordan Newblatt and Sasha van der Merwe, fans will see a ton of new faces this year for the Red Foxes."
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HERE for more info on Newblatt and van der Merwe, who previously announced their commitment back in November.Â
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Rush joins the Red Foxes as a sophomore, after transferring from Palm Beach Atlantic following the conclusion of her freshman season. The outside hitter appeared in 25 games during her rookie campaign, totaling 108 kills with a .138 hitting percentage. On defense, she added 17 total blocks and 25 digs.
Byron on Rush: "Jordan comes from Walton High School, and knows how to win (they went undefeated one year while she was there and finished #1 in the nation). She is adapting to our system and style of play quickly because she is a hard worker that is blessed with physical talent."
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O'Brien is a 5'7 libero and defensive specialist who joins the Red Foxes out of Georgia. She attended Walton High School, which was a top-25 high school in the nation in 2019. While there, she played with now teammate again, Jordan Rush. Outside of school, she played for the TK Volleyball club. She is interested in studying science or psychology at Marist.
Byron on O'Brien: "Kendall played for OTVB, A5, and TK Volleyball clubs throughout her high school career, as well as one of the nation's perennial best high schools in Walton, and brings great energy and a tradition of hard work to Poughkeepsie."
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Zolg is a 5'11 middle blocker from California. She joins Marist out of Mater Dei High School, which was the #1 high school following the conclusion of the 2018 season. She played for the Seal Beach Volleyball Club outside of school. Zolg is interested in studying biomed or psychology at Marist.
Byron on Zolg: "I am so excited for Vanessa to get to campus! She is a dominant attacker and blocker and before the COVID-19 shut down, was having one of the best club seasons in the country. I'm excited to see how coming from Mater Dei High School, another of the nation's most competitive schools, has helped her prepare for the collegiate level."
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Mahler is a 5'10 setter, who also plays the right side, out of Hunderton, NJ. She attended Hunderton High School, where she was a state champion in both 2019 and 2020. Outside of high school, she played for the Princeton Volleyball Club, where she had a very successful career. She plans on studying pre-law at Marist in the fall.
Byron on Mahler: "I loved watching Anne compete the first time I saw her. She has a fire that drives her teammates to be the best they can be, and at the same time keeps things light. She has the ability to play any position, and her diversity in skills is important, but I look for her to partner with
McKinley Fox at running our offense as early as this fall."
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Heimbauer is a 6'3 outside hitter, who joins the program from Long Island. She grew up in Massapequa, and attended Massapequa High School. Her most exciting accomplishment was that she was selected for the USA High Performance Training Team. Outside of high school, Heimbauer played for the Academy Volleyball Club. She plans on studying either biology or chemistry at Marist.
Byron on Heimbauer: "Gabriella is one of the most physically gifted athletes we have recruited at Marist. She has great size and movement. She has been involved with a great club in Long Island and should make an immediate impact this fall!"
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