VCU REVEALS 2014 VOLLEYBALL RECRUITING CLASS

Apr 29, 2014

RICHMOND, Va. – VCU's Jody Rogers revealed the Rams' 2014 recruiting class Monday, the product of the coach's first full recruiting cycle for the Black and Gold. The result is a nine-player haul that includes student-athletes from not only Virginia, but California, the Midwest and Europe.

In Rogers' first season at the helm of the VCU program, the Rams finished 26-8 and reached the Atlantic 10 Championship Match. She believes this group of newcomers will cement an even brighter future.

All nine players will join the Rams in time for the 2014 season, which kicks off Aug. 29-30 at the Colorado State Invitational in Fort Collins, Colo.

"In 2014, VCU Volleyball is looking forward to the returning players and newcomers coming together as we push toward daily improvement in the pursuit of contending for the A-10 Championship," Rogers said. "We are excited about this year's class of student-athletes and how their hard-working character will enhance the current culture of the program as we move forward."

Here is a breakdown of VCU's 2014 recruits:

Mary Kilbane, Libero, Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard A four-year letter-winner, Kilbane was named All-City and All-City Tournament three times and earned a pair of Second Team All-State honors. Following her junior year she was selected AAU All-America and to the AVCA's Phenom list. The 5-foot-4 Kilbane collected more than 1,100 digs during her final two prep seasons and averaged 5.7 digs per set as a senior. Kilbane helped lead the Trojans to a state championship as a junior. Bishop Chatard was also state runner-up during Kilbane's sophomore campaign, as well as regional and sectional champions last year. Coach Rogers on Kilbane: Mary is a very skilled libero with great ball control. She will provide our fast-paced offense the important first touch for years to come. Mary has tremendous reading capabilities that will make for an easy transition to VCU. She will bring a lot of positive energy and the "hate-to-lose" mentality that will help those around her get better.
Indigo Thompson, Setter, Plymouth, Minn./Armstrong A 5-6 setter, Thompson owns the Armstrong High School career record for assists. She is also a veteran of the highly-regarded Mizuno M1 Volleyball club program, which will send five players to Division I volleyball programs this season alone. An outstanding athlete, Thompson's father (football), mother (volleyball) both played at the Division I level, while older sister Dominique is a rising senior middle blocker at Wisconsin. Coach Rogers on Thompson: Indigo is an extremely dynamic, athletic setter. Her ability to run down balls and still run quick tempo, out-of-system sets is exactly what we need in 2014. Indigo comes from a very athletic family and we are looking for her to contribute early.
Naomi Overstreet, Middle Blocker, Oakland, Calif./Berkeley A three-year starter, the 5-11 Overstreet was named Berkeley MVP, as well as First Team All-Conference following her senior season. A member of the Xceleration Volleyball AAU program, Overstreet is expected to bolster VCU's strong blocking corps. Coach Rogers on Overstreet: Naomi's athleticism will really give her a strong shot to excel at a high level, and she could become a dominant player for us early. Her quickness to both pins will give us more depth in the middle position as she competes for playing time.
Jessica Young, Outside Hitter, Mesa, Ariz./Desert Ridge The 5-11 Young is a two-sport star at Desert Ridge High School and helped the Jaguars to a 17-win campaign as a senior. A dynamic athlete, Young is also a standout sprinter on the Desert Ridge track & field squad. Coach Rogers on Young: Jessica is an explosive, athletic player who has the ability and the versatility to terminate balls from both pins. We see Jessica as someone who can possibly be a six-rotation player and, with her athleticism, end plays from the backcourt as well.
Lucie Herbockova, Middle Blocker, Czech Republic Herbockova is a talented middle blocker who captained the Czech Republic U20 squad. Herbockova helped lead the Czech Republic to a 4-4 record at the 2013 U20 World Championships, and the 6-footer also starred for club team VK Královo Pole in recent years. Coach Rogers on Herbockova: Lucie is a lengthy, powerful player with the ability to terminate the ball on the outside, middle, or right side. She also possesses a very high volleyball IQ, understanding how to score and hit at an elite level. Lucie's versatility will enable her to hit from multiple positions, which helps her fit in with the offense at VCU.
Rebekah Strange, Outside hitter/libero, Avon, Ind./Avon A four-year starter, the versatile Strange helped lift Avon High School to back-to-back State 4A Championships in 2012 and 2013. For her efforts, Strange was named First Team All-State in 2013 and Second Team as a junior in 2012. She holds school records for career aces (272) and aces in a single match (11). Last season, she racked up 405 digs and 113 kills. Strange has also been a standout with the Circle City Nike Elite club program. Coach Rogers on Strange: Rebekah is an amazing athlete with a fantastic understanding of the game. Her ability to play multiple positions makes her a huge asset to our team. Rebekah will challenge at the outside hitter and libero positions. Her competitive nature and determination to get better every day will no doubt lead to success at the next level.
Jane Feddersen, Middle Blocker, Sterling, Va./Loudoun County A 6-2 middle, Feddersen heads to VCU after leading Loudoun County High School to a pair of state championships, including a 4A title and perfect 31-0 mark in 2013. Loudoun County won the final 49 matches of Feddersen's prep career. Feddersen is a two-time All-State selection and was named Under Armour All-American Honorable Mention as a senior. Fedderson provided seven kills and six blocks for Loudoun County in November to help lift the Raiders to a State Championship win over Jamestown at the Verizon Wireless Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, her future home court. Coach Rogers on Feddersen: Jane has played at a very high level and won several championships. She's a multi-purpose hitter, able to hit from anywhere along the net. We look forward to discovering where she makes her impact. Her mental toughness and work ethic will make for an easy transition to VCU.
Libby Haslett, Outside hitter, Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge Haslett was a driving force behind Stone Bridge's 26-3 record in 2013 and its run to the 5A State Championship Match, where it fell to powerhouse Atlee. She averaged nearly three kills per set last season and hit .320. For her efforts, the 6-0 outside hitter earned a Second Team All-Conference 14 citation. Haslett has also played for the VA Power club program. Coach Rogers on Haslett: Libby is another explosive outside hitter who can play from both pins. Her ability to defend and attack from the back row will provide her the tools to contend for playing time in her first season.
Tori Pearce, Libero, Durham, N.C./Riverside A two-sport standout, Pearce earned four letters in volleyball and a pair in lacrosse. Last season, the 5-4 libero led Riverside to a 26-2 mark and a conference championship as a senior. Overall, the Pirates won three conference titles and reached the fourth round of the state tournament twice during Pearce's career. She received three Defensive Player of the Year awards and recorded more than 900 digs and 100 aces during her prep career. Coach Rogers on Pearce: Tori another highly skilled defensive player who can make great reads and adjustments quickly. She will provide our offense with a great first touch and superior defense, which will help her as she is challenged to make immediate impact.