University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Volleyball Announces 2015 Recruiting Class
11/17/2014 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
PITTSBURGH – University of Pittsburgh volleyball head coach Dan Fisher announced the signing of a four-player freshman recruiting class. Set to join the Panthers for the 2015 season are Ellie Watkins, Madeline Maisel, Stephanie Williams and Kamalani Akeo.
“With the signing of these young ladies, Pitt Volleyball fans can expect the whole package,” said Fisher. “We have recruited good athletes, and solid students who will represent the University well.”
Ellie Watkins | Weldon Spring, Mo.
Ellie Watkins will come to Pitt from Lutheran High School in Weldon Spring, Mo. Watkins was first team All-Conference, All -District, and All-Region three out of her four years of high school and was voted the St. Louis AAA Conference Player of the Year for two consecutive years. In her final year of play, Watkins was honored as First Team All-State following being named as Second Team All-State her junior year. Her team was both District and Section champions for three consecutive years and she was voted MVP by her team during her sophomore and senior year.
“Ellie is one of the first players we recruited when we got here two years ago,” said Fisher. “We fell in love with the way she competes and how strong her hands are. She has the tools and personality to be a great leader at the setter position.”
In the classroom, Watkins received a 4.0 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was recognized as an AAU Academic All-American.
“From the first phone call with the coaches to my first visit, I knew the University of Pittsburgh was for me, said Watkins. “Pitt’s strong academic reputation paired well with its successful volleyball program. I knew I wanted to be a part of the Pitt family and call Pittsburgh my second home.”
Madeline Maisel | Cincinnati, Ohio
Madeline Maisel will also be joining the Panthers in 2015. She attended Wyoming High School where she was a four-year varsity letter winner. Masiel’s team was Cincinnati Hill League Champions and Sectional Champions for four consecutive years, and district Champions for three consecutive years. During her senior campaign, Maisel was voted to the All-Star Team and named First Team Cincinnati Hill League, First Team All-District, and Third Team All-State.
“Madi brings a physical presence at the net both in block and attack,” said Fisher. “She has the versatility to play both in the middle and on the right side. We are really excited to get her in the gym and see how quickly she adapts to this level.”
Off the court, Maisel was a member of the National Honor Society, named to the honor roll all four years, and participated in multiple non-profit organizations.
“I chose Pitt because I felt it was the perfect fit for me,” said Maisel. “I loved the coaches, players, conference, school and campus. I want to be both a serious student and athlete which Pitt gives me that opportunity to do so. Pitt is the perfect fit.”
Stephanie Williams | Eastlake, Ohio
Stephanie Williams will be the fourth recruit to join the Panthers for the 2015 season. Hailing from Ohio, Williams attended Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School. She was voted to the North Coast League First Team and District First Team for three consecutive years. She ended her senior year campaign on a high note, being voted First Team all-Ohio, North Coast League Player of the Year, District Player of the Year, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School most valuable player. Her high school team was the Division Two Ohio State Champion.
“Steph is an explosive player who we can’t wait to get in a Pitt uniform. She is a 6 rotation OH who will battle for playing time immediately. She has a chance to be a dominant player in the ACC. Her future is bright.”
Apart from her high school career, Williams participated in the USA Volleyball Championships each year at the National level with her club team. In the classroom, Williams was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, an honors math club, and received first honors academics.
I am so excited to be attending the University of Pittsburgh,” said Williams. “I loved the urban campus plus the team has a great coaching staff and we get to play in the ACC. I’m really looking forward to playing with these girls and trying to make an impact as quick as possible.”
Kamalani Akeo | Kapolei, Hawaii
Kamalani Akeo makes the journey to Pitt from Kamehameha High School in Hawaii. During her high school career, Akeo’s team accolades included claiming the Division 1 State Title in 2013 and being named Interscholastic League Champions of Honolulu the past two years.
“Kama is one of the most skilled athletes we will bring in,” said Fisher. “She is accomplished at both the setter and libero position and will compete immediately at both spots. Kama also brings a very calming influence on the court. We are thrilled to have her volleyball savvy in our gym.”
On top of her high school success, she has competed at Junior Nationals for the past four years with her club team, Team Piko, placing first in 2011. In the same year, Akeo was named to the AAU All-Tournament Team.
“I chose Pitt because of its academic excellence and the common philosophy the volleyball program shares with my high school, Kamehameha Schools - 'Be of One Spirit, One Mind, and One Body,’” Said Akeo.
Keep up with everything Pitt volleyball by checking out PittsburghPanthers.com or following the team on Twitter at @PittVolleyball.
