Archive for Athletics

COLLEGE TO SPEND SOMEWHERE AROUND $900,000 FOR ATHLETIC BUS AND TO IMPROVE BASEBALL FIELD

By R. Oliphant
Friday, May 2nd, 2025

Says it will save money by purchasing a bus for its teams as recent charges have increased tremendously. | Claims flooding has made soil so challenging at baseball field that it must move toward laying down artificial turf

At its April 2025 meeting, Yavapai Community College (YCC) leadership informed the District Governing Board that the College expects to spend $900,000 or more  on athletic department improvements. The improvements include the purchase of a new bus and the repurposing of the baseball field—potentially with the installation of artificial turf.

Rodney Jenkins, Vice President of Community Relations and Student Development, told the Board that the soil conditions at the baseball park have deteriorated to the point that maintaining field quality is now “difficult to impossible.” As a result, the field apparently no longer meets the standards required for continued athletic use.

Dr. Clint Ewell, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, noted that funding for improvements to the baseball field were found in the College’s draft budget for Planned and Unplanned maintenance. Although the precise cost of installing artificial turf remains unclear, the project appears under a $580,000 line item within that maintenance budget, and grouped with other, more routine facility projects. The baseball field was not discussed at the March meeting where the Planned and Unplanned maintenance budget was presented.

There was initial confusion at the April meeting over whether a separate $400,000 allocation in the draft Capital Equipment Budget was intended for the baseball field. However, Dr. Ewell clarified that the $400,000 in that budget is designated for the purchase of a new athletic bus. He explained that the College has faced “tremendous increases” in costs from its current bus service provider and believes that purchasing its own vehicle will help “control costs” and improve long-term budget stability.

It is anticipated that these proposals will be given final approval at the May meeting of the Board.

You may view the discussion about these two projects in the video clip below by clicking on the following link.

Categories : Athletics, Baseball team

ANOTHER SHAKE-UP IN YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP?

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

New AD Tim Kneip replaces Michael Tenette, who succeeded long-time director Brad Clifford in September 2023

Yavapai Community College announced that effective April 21 Mr. Tim Kneip will become its new Athletic Director.  Kneip replaces Michael Tenette, who was hired in September 2023.  Tenette replaced Brad Clifford. Clifford  who announced his resignation in June 2023 after dedicating over 35 years to the institution. Tenette was hired in September of that year.

Outgoing Athletic Director Tenette had served as the department’s assistant director for two years before he was hired.  He was described at the time of his hiring as bringing decades of experience in coaching and leadership. He was involved in working closely with school districts and community programs to increase engagement and participation in athletics across all levels in Yavapai County.

The Community College says that Kneip will oversee the College’s seven NJCAA Division I programs. These programs include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

Kneip is a native of central Texas and competed in varsity football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and tennis. He is a 3-time BMX (Bicycle Motocross) national champion and competed as a sponsored professional athlete for almost two decades. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. He also has a Master of Science in Sports Business Management from Columbia University in New York.

Kneip is currently the Director of Operations for Volo Sports in New York City, managing 15 adult sports programs and over 3,000 athletic events in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Before joining Volo Sports, Kneip worked for 17 years in global supply chain logistics and project management. He held senior leadership positions at several Fortune 500 companies in the fitness, high-tech, manufacturing, and automotive sectors.

Categories : Athletics

GIORGI MANZULA NAMED THE NEW HEAD MEN’S SOCCER COACH AT YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, April 5th, 2025

Fourth head coach in program history when he begins his new job on  April 7. Replaces Christoper Houser who resigned December 13, 2024, after three seasons

Coach Giorgi Manzula

Giorgi Manzula has been named the new head men’s soccer coach at Yavapai Community College. He will become the fourth head coach in program history when he begins his duties on April 7.

Manzula replaces Christopher Houser, who resigned on December 13, 2024. Houser was hired in March 2022 and coached the men’s team for three seasons. In his most recent season, Houser’s team posted a 6-6-2 record and reached the conference championship game, where they lost 0-1 to the Arizona Western Matadors.

Upon the public announcement of his hiring, Manzula stated, “I am truly honored to step into the role of Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Yavapai College and beyond excited for the opportunity to lead this historic program. Yavapai College has a rich soccer tradition, and I am eager to build upon its legacy of excellence both on and off the field.”

Manzula is a native of the Republic of Georgia and currently serves as the head coach and technical director of OJB FC, a Prescott-area youth soccer and men’s semi-professional club. He previously served as head coach at Monroe College in New York, where he led the team to a regional championship and a top-4 national ranking.

In college, Manzula played for Monroe College and Central Connecticut State University. He also played professionally and semi-professionally in Georgia, Brazil, Poland, and the United States.

“I can’t wait to get started, connect with the team and community, and prepare for the season ahead,” Manzula said. “I look forward to working with the players, staff, and the Yavapai College community, as well as engaging with the entire Quad Cities region to continue the proud tradition of Roughrider soccer. More than anything, I’m thrilled to bring the community together through this incredible sport, and I couldn’t be more excited to get started!”

Categories : Athletics, Soccer team

DOES YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S DEVOTION TO SPORTS ACTIVELY DETRACT FROM ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE ALL YAVAPAI COUNTY RESIDENTS—NOT JUST THOSE IN PRESCOTT?

By R. Oliphant
Friday, October 25th, 2024

Equity nonexistent, rural/semi rural educational needs and cultural investments outside Prescott go  unmet while millions poured into developing  athletic programs on Prescott Campus

OPINION

Bloated Athletic Program

Editor: Robert Oliphant

Yavapai Community College’s athletic department has grown into a costly enterprise, with head coaches and their assistants overseeing women’s softball, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer, men’s soccer, baseball, and E-sports. This program consumes millions of dollars annually and involves over 160 athletes, 20 coaches and assistants, and three athletic trainers. Most of these athletes are housed in residence halls on the Prescott campus, with many receiving scholarships funded either by the College’s Foundation or directly from the General Fund. The Foundation has even dedicated at least one staff member to focus almost exclusively on raising funds for athlete scholarships. There are large travel budgets along with maintenance costs for  upkeep of offices, training facilities, and related matters. It is a bloated program for a Community College! 

Concentration of Resources on or near Prescott Campus

All athletic facilities are located on or near the Prescott side of Yavapai County, and with few exceptions, nearly every game and match take place there. This concentration effectively alienates residents from the east side of the County, who rarely attend these events. The east side’s local newspapers offer little to no coverage for the teams, and there is no public or private transportation available for those east side residents who might want to attend an event. This setup not only isolates a significant portion of the County but also demonstrates how the small Community College caters almost exclusively to the Prescott area.

Ignored Recruitment Mandate

In a Verde Independent commentary published September 7, 2022, Yavapai Community College District Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland revealed that the athletic department was directed five years earlier to prioritize recruiting local talent. A mandate was imposed requiring that 25% of athletes be recruited from local high schools. Coaches were also told that the College would reduce support for out-of-state and international athletes while increasing scholarships for local students. McCasland noted that three coaches left the College, apparently  blatantly ignoring this directive.

The problem is that even now, the Community College continues to defy its own mandate. Out of about 160 athletes on the most current rosters, a mere 20 are from Yavapai County—just 13%. Shockingly, only one of these local athletes is from the east side of the County (1-160). Meanwhile, the number of foreign athletes has increased. The mandate has been all but abandoned, with little accountability for those now responsible.

Staggering costs and Misplaced Priorities

The costs of maintaining Yavapai Community College’s athletic programs are staggering. Millions of dollars are funneled into facilities, equipment, coaching salaries, scholarships, and travel, all while vital academic programs on the east side of the County are underfunded or never developed. This reckless expenditure diverts essential resources away from the College’s core mission: education. In an institution with a constrained budget, athletics should not consume such a disproportionate share of funds. More money must be funneled toward academic programs, student services, and workforce training—particularly in rural and economically struggling areas of the county.

Betrayal of the Educational Mission

Yavapai Community College was founded to provide affordable education and vocational training, offering students a stepping stone to four-year institutions. Yet the inflated focus on athletics undermines this purpose. Rather than striving for academic and vocational excellence, the College has opted to imitate large universities’ commercialized athletic programs. This approach is a blatant misalignment of priorities. As a community college, Yavapai should focus on programs and capital development that directly benefit students’ educational and career goals, not on a bloated athletic department that serves only a fraction of the student body.

Minimal Impact on Student Success

While a small group of student-athletes may benefit from the College’s athletic programs, the vast majority of students see no direct return. Yavapai Community College is not a residential university; many of its students are part-time, commuting, and balancing work and family responsibilities. For these students, athletics are largely irrelevant. The enormous financial investment in athletics does little to improve their educational experience or future career prospects, raising serious questions about the program’s overall value. Simply put, the return on investment for the broader student population is negligible.

Equity and Accessibility Issues

Yavapai Community College’s athletics program disproportionately benefits a privileged few—student-athletes—while the majority of the student population County-wide is neglected. This creates glaring equity and accessibility issues. In a time of limited resources, the College should be focusing on inclusive programs that serve a broader cross-section of students, such as expanding tutoring, career counseling,  job placement services, and vocational training.  Instead, resources are being squandered on athletics, which cater to only a small, select group of students.

Neglect of Rural and Semi-Urban Communities

The College’s fixation on athletics has led to the neglect of the rural and semi-urban areas of the County, particularly the east side. Yavapai has failed to invest meaningfully in the Sedona Center, which was once poised to become a thriving film institute before being gutted by the College’s leadership. Only two cooking courses a semester are being offered at the Sedona culinary school. The Sedona Center is now a shadow of what it could have been. Most recently, the administration has diverted crucial funds to build a student residence facility on the Verde Valley campus, listed by its own experts as a priority, while scrapping other projects that could have made a real impact in the Sedona and Verde Valley areas. Simultaneously, it has been pumping millions into further development on the west side of the County. Among abandoned east side initiatives are the development of a major distillery training program and a commercial truck driving school—both of which were identified as critical needs by experts hired by the College. The leadership’s disregard for the needs of rural/semi-urban  communities is nothing short of a betrayal.

Conclusion

While supporters claim that athletics promote student engagement, provide scholarships, build life skills, foster community, and enhance student health, these supposed benefits are confined to the Prescott side of the County. The overwhelming focus on athletics on the Prescott Campus not only strains the College’s already-limited budget but also misaligns with its core mission of providing affordable, high-quality education to the entire County. Most disturbingly, the College’s devotion to sports actively detracts from its responsibility to serve all Yavapai County residents—not just those in Prescott. It is time for Yavapai Community College to realign its priorities and focus on what truly matters: education, opportunity, serious capital development outside the Prescott area, and equity for every student, not just a select few.

Categories : Athletics, Editorials/Essays, Yavapai Community College

MYSTERIOUS TECHNICAL ISSUE APPARENTLY BLOCKS POSTING OF 2024 MEN’S SOCCER TEAM LINE-UP ON COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ATHLETIC WEBSITE

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

Since site attacked earlier in summer with fake roster, Community College chose to put up 2023 roster, record, etc. but not 2024 team roster

It is noteworthy that the 2024 men’s soccer team roster has not yet been posted on the Community College’s athletics website (https://goroughriders.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster). The only explanation provided so far is a note on Instagram stating, “Due to technical issues, the 2024 roster update has not been completed.”

This is unusual because the team is already playing matches on a regular basis.  The Blog has been unable to find an official explanation to the public about the problem. The following is the Instagram post found by the Blog.

Categories : Athletics

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY 2024 COLLEGE BASEBALL TEAM HAS DISCOURAGING SEASON: FORFEITS 24 GAMES AND DESPITE LARGE ROSTER, FALLS FAR SHORT OF GOAL SET IN 2020 OF RECRUITING 25% OF ITS PLAYERS FROM YAVAPAI COUNTY

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, July 11th, 2024

Punished for having ineligible player on roster; less than 10% of 38 players from Yavapai County; none from Sedona/Verde Valley

The Yavapai Community College 2024 baseball team had a discouraging season, and was forced to forfeit 24 games due to an ineligible player on its roster. Additionally, the team fell far short of its goal to recruit 25% of its players from Yavapai County, a target set in 2020.

The 38-man roster includes only three players from Yavapai County, along with four players from Canada and one from Japan. The remaining players come from various states, including Texas, California, Minnesota, Hawaii, Maryland, and other parts of Arizona.

You may recall that in April 2020, Vice President Clint Ewell informed the Governing Board of the College’s goal to increase County student athletic involvement by at least 25%. At the time, District Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland confirmed Mr. Ewell’s statement.

In February 2021, the athletic department stated its “recruiting policy is to recruit within the county.” However, the department also noted that “historically, the best student-athletes in Yavapai County want to leave the county to pursue their athletic endeavors. Due to sheer numbers, most recruiting is done outside of Yavapai County.”

Categories : Athletics

ARE PRESCOTT HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS COURTS TAKING OVER AFTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FIRED LONG-TIME TENNIS PROFESSIONAL ICON CHRIS HOWARD IN MARCH?

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

Major physical improvements, five certified professionals ready to teach, and a reservation system that guarantees a court will be available to residents at a nominal price now make the high school courts a first choice for many in the tennis community.  In addition, there appears to have been a migration of tennis professionals away from the College’s tennis complex to the high school facility following Mr. Howard’s firing

The firing of Dennis Howard in March deeply disturbed the local tennis community. Howard, a revered coach at Yavapai Community College, was dismissed for reportedly breaching a College policy. He had gone to the College’s tennis complex on snow days to check its condition while the Campus was officially closed. As a result of this infraction, the dedicated coach was fired and also prohibited from accessing the College’s tennis courts for several months

Despite pleas in April by most, if not all, of the local tennis community asking the College and District Governing Board to reconsider the firing, the College remained as unyielding as a block wall in its decision. Now, the College and the Governing Board might be reaping the consequences and paying a price for stubbornness and in the minds of many a lack of judgment.

One significant outcome appears to be the professional tennis community’s migration away from the College’s tennis complex. Their attention has turned to the freshly upgraded six-court complex at Prescott High School. This shift in focus serves as a stark indicator of the firing’s stain on the College’s reputation and its ripple effect through the local tennis scene.

Moreover, the Phoenix High School facility has been recently renovated, updated, and modernized.  The old asphalt six-court tennis facility was rebuilt with post-tensioned concrete, new LED lights, side fencing between courts, benches and chairs, wheelchair access, clean restrooms, a daily junior tennis academy, weekly lessons, and five open clinics. The facility has five certified tennis professionals available to work with local residents seven days a week.

The transformation process was driven by Prescott High School coach and USPTA Tennis Professional, Sterling Fetty, and Athletic Director Missy Townsend. They created a program that allows everyday use for students and the general public. They also created a unique reservation system that guarantees a court will be available for residents at a nominal price. Additionally, tennis professionals in the community volunteer at the High School tennis center to maintain it, lock and unlock gates as needed, keep the courts cleaned off and ready, and help with any needs that take place there.

Kudos to Fetty, Townsend, and the many local volunteers for their efforts in rebuilding and renovating the Prescott High School tennis courts. The facility is now open for public use day and night, and offers an opportunity for first-class instruction to tennis enthusiasts. Prescott’s tennis fans can now look forward to a bright future with this new and improved facility.  Meanwhile, those same fans may well have turned their backs on Yavapai Community College because of its treatment of Mr. Howard and the refusal to simply consider the tennis community’s request for a careful review of the circumstances involving the decision.

Categories : Athletics, Sports in General, Tennis Court

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT RECEIVED $1.2 MILLION ENDOWMENT GIFT IN 2022

By R. Oliphant
Friday, October 27th, 2023

Gift Revealed at the October 16th Board Meeting, No Additional Details Provided

During the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board meeting held on October 16, 2023, it was revealed that a substantial gift was made  to the Athletic Department a year earlier. In 2022, a  benefactor generously established an endowment  of $1.2 million to support the Department.

The revelation came during a presentation to the Board about the Athletic Department’s fundraising efforts by Rodney Jenkins, the College’s Vice  President of Community Relations & Student Development. Mr. Jenkins did not divulge the identity of the donor or provide any other details, adding an element of mystery to this philanthropic gesture.

While the precise intention behind this sizable donation remains undisclosed, there is speculation that the endowment may have been earmarked to start up a  women’s basketball team. Notably, 2022 marked the launch of the women’s basketball program, making this donation instrumental in its emergence.

Categories : Athletics

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP FOR ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT SELECTING MICHAEL TENETTE AND CHELSEY LUCAS AS ITS NEW DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS RESPECTIVELY

By R. Oliphant
Friday, September 8th, 2023

Tenette says he will work closely with County school districts and community programs to increase engagement and participation in athletic programs; Lucas to combine new position with head volleyball coaching responsibilities

In a news release issued on September 1, Yavapai Community College announced the appointment of its new Director and Assistant Director of Athletics. Mr. Michael Tenette will take the helm as Director of Athletics, succeeding Hall of Fame Director, Mr. Brad Clifford, who retired on June 15, 2023, after a dedicated 35-year tenure at the College. Meanwhile, Ms. Chelsey Lucas will assume the role of Assistant Director of Athletics, succeeding Mr. Tenette.

Michael Tenette joined Yavapai Community College in August 2021 as the Assistant Athletic Director. Prior to joining the College, he spent 14 years establishing a record of success by leading championship programs throughout the greater Sacramento area in Northern California. Additionally, Mr. Tenette has a history of leadership, serving as the Founder and President of highly effective AAU basketball and sports camp programs. He has also contributed as the Head Coach for various competitive high school basketball and football teams.

Tenette has indicated he intends to work closely with County school districts and community programs to increase engagement and participation in athletics.

In her new role as Assistant Director of Athletics, Ms. Chelsey Lucas will transition into her responsibilities while retaining her position as the head coach of the Volleyball team. In this expanded role, she will also take charge of overseeing Yavapai Community College’s athletic camps and clinics, enhancing our commitment to fostering athletic talent within our community.

Yavapai Community College hired Lucas as the 11th head volleyball in August 2022.  She came  from Grambling State University where she was the head coach of the Tigers.   Prior to coaching the Tigers, Lucas spent three years as the head volleyball coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from 2019-22. From 2016-19, Lucas was the head coach at Alcorn State University. While at Alcorn State, Lucas guided the program to the SWAC Tournament in 2018, its first appearance since the 2015 season. In 2018, Lucas’s squad ranked second in the nation in aces per set with 1.98.  While at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Lucas led her team to the SWAC Tournament during all three of her seasons as head coach in 2019, 2020-21 and 2021.

 

Categories : Athletics

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S 2023 VOLLEYBALL TEAM WELCOMES 18 NEW ATHLETES; NO ONE RETURNING FROM LAST YEAR’S TEAM; FIVE RECRUITS FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES (THREE FROM YAVAPAI COUNTY)

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

Adds three students from Poland, one from Turkey, and one from Montenegro; Recruits also come from Montana, Florida and Utah

Yavapai Community College has set the stage for an exciting season as it welcomes 18 talented student-athletes to its 2023 Volleyball team. This is the second year for head coach Chelsey Lucas and assistant coach Zaquae Downtown.

One remarkable aspect of this year’s recruiting effort is the exceptional diversity within the team. Hailing from various corners of the globe, five gifted student-athletes have made Yavapai their new home, arriving from countries as far-reaching as Poland, Turkey, and Montenegro. Additionally, the team has tapped into talent pools in different states, successfully recruiting standouts from Florida, Utah, and Montana. This melting pot of talent promises to bring a fascinating mix of playing styles and cultural influences to the volleyball court.

Three outstanding student-athletes have been selected from Yavapai County itself, constituting approximately 17% of the team. While the number from the County  fell short of the 25% target set by the athletic department, the dedication and passion of these homegrown players should add a special flair to the team’s composition.

As the 2023 Volleyball season approaches, anticipation and excitement build around this diverse and talented group of athletes.

The following is a list of the members of the 2023 Volleyball team:

Bella Reach | Outside Hitter | Freshman | Cave Creek, Arizona. High School: Reach graduated from Cactus Shadows High School in May of 2023. Personal: Reach was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, on November 13, 2004.

Jezebel Rivas | Libero | Freshman | Goodyear, Arizona. High School: Rivas graduated from Millennium High School in May of 2023; Personal: Rivas was born in Maricopa, Arizona, on January 23, 2005. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, and going to the lake. In the future, Rivas plans to earn a major in veterinary medicine.

Jaydyn Rayburn | Libero/Defensive Specialist | Freshman | Camp Verde, Arizona: High School: Rayburn graduated from Camp Verde High School in May of 2023. During her high school career, she tallied over 1,200 digs and 98 aces while earning North Central Region Defensive Player of the Year honors twice in addition to All-State Honorable-Mention honors. *Personal: Rayburn was born in Prescott, Arizona, on February 18, 2005. Her hobbies include lifting and being outdoors and, in the future, she plans to study nursing.

Rylee Carnes | Setter/Defensive Specialist | Freshman | Payson, Arizona. High School: Carnes graduated from Payson High School in May of 2023. During her junior and senior seasons, she earned Second-Team All-Region honors in addition to being ranked third in assists in 3A East as a senior. During her sophomore season, she helped lead her team to the state tournament while earning Honorable Mention honors. Personal: Carnes was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, on April 14, 2005. Her hobbies include hunting, hiking, playing beach volleyball, and being around her friends and family. While at YC, she plans to study radiology.

Michalina Oles | Right Side Hitter | Freshman | Krakow, Poland: High School: Oles graduated from SMS Wieliczka in May of 2023. While there, she earned a bronze and silver medal at the Polish Nationals. Personal: Oles was born in Krakow, Malopolska, Poland, on March 20, 2004. Her hobbies include literature, manga and anime, and traveling.

Zofia Ciejka | Libero | Freshman | Chotomow, Poland. High School: Ciejka graduated from Liceum ogólnoksztalcace imienia Marii Konopnickiej in May of 2023 where she earned a championship. Personal: Ciejka was born in Warsaw, Poland, on June 1, 2004.

Kadyn Dahlke | Right Side Hitter | Freshman | Phoenix, Arizona: High School: Dahlke graduated from Cactus Shadows High School in May of 2023. She earned First-Team All-Region honors during her freshman and sophomore seasons and was one of prep volleyball’s players to watch in 2023.  Personal: Dahlke was born in Bonsall, California, on July 20, 2005. Her hobbies include shopping, reading, and dancing and, in the future, she plans to earn a major in psychology.

Efsun Semerci | Setter | Sophomore | Ankara, Turkey: High School: Semerci graduated from Hazirlik High School in May of 2022. Before Yavapai: Before becoming a Roughrider, Semerci previously attended Lamar Community College. Personal: Semerci was born in Ankara, Turkey, on February 13, 2004. Her hobbies include listening to music, playing piano, hanging out with her friends, and working out.

Teylor Leauanae | Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist | Sophomore | Provo, Utah. High School: Leauanae graduated from Timpview High School in May of 2022. She played three years of varsity volleyball, earned All-Region honors twice, and helped lead her team to a 5A state title in 2020. Before Yavapai: Before becoming a Roughrider, Leauanae previously attended Casper College. Personal: Leauanae was born in Glendale, Arizona, on March 29, 2004. Her hobbies include hiking, running, and hanging out with her friends and family. While at YC, she plans to earn her associate’s degree.

Inga Turner | Middle Blocker | Freshman | Bigfork, Montana. High School: Turner graduated from Bigfork High School in June of 2023. While at Bigfork, she earned First-Team All-Conference and First-Team All-State honors twice. Personal: Turner was born in Portland, Oregon, on June 6, 2005. Her hobbies include track, wake surfing, and snowboarding. While at YC, she plans to study business.

Sophia Smith | Libero | Freshman | Phoenix, Arizona. High School: Smith graduated from Shadow Mountain High School in May of 2023. As a senior, she earned First-Team All-Region and MVP honors. Personal: Smith was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 20, 2004. Her hobbies include snowboarding, hanging out with her friends, and going to the gym. In the future, she plans to study dental hygiene.

Teodora Bulatovic | Setter | Freshman | Tivat, Montenegro. High School: Bulatovic graduated from High School Mladost in June of 2023. As a senior, she helped lead her team to a bronze medal at the junior championship while knocking off the league champion from the previous six years. She also helped lead her team to a second-place finish in a 20-team tournament. Personal: Bulatovic was born in Kotor, Montenegro, on October 24, 2004. Her hobbies include reading, listening to music, biking, and going to the gym.

Emily Hogg | Right Side Hitter | Freshman | Scottsdale, Arizona. High School: Hogg graduated from Horizon High School in May of 2023. Hogg helped lead her team to state championships during her junior and senior seasons. Personal: Hogg was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and her hobbies include shopping and watching movies.

Erica Graves | Middle Blocker | Freshman | Camp Verde, Arizona. High School: Graves graduated from Camp Verde High School in May of 2023. She earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2021 and First-Team All-Region honors in 2022. Personal: Graves was born in Bullhead City, Arizona, on July 25, 2005. Her hobbies include being outside and hanging out with her friends.

Hannah West | Outside Hitter | Freshman | Prescott, Arizona. High School: West graduated from Trinity Christian High School in May of 2023. As a senior, West led her team to a state championship with a .390 hitting percentage, All-State honors and Player of the Game honors in the state title match. Personal: West was born in Mesa, Arizona, on September 10, 2004. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, backpacking and photography. In the future, she has career aspirations of becoming a child life specialist.

Danica Mcdonald | Middle Blocker | Freshman | Chino Valley, Arizona. High School: Mcdonald graduated from Chino Valley High School in May of 2023. As a senior, she earned First-Team All-Region honors while leading D3 in blocks with 73. Personal: Mcdonald was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 14, 2005. Her hobbies include babysitting, hiking, and swimming. She plans to major in education and attain a master’s in special education.

Eva Payne | Setter | Freshman | Riverton, Utah. High School: Payne graduated from American Preparatory Academy Draper 3 in June of 2023. As a senior, she earned All-Star honors while leading her team to an undefeated record in region play, winning the region for the first time in school history. She also earned Offensive Player of the Year honors. Personal: Payne was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 23, 2005. In the future, she wants to study early childhood education.

Antigone Colon | Right Side/Middle Hitter | Freshman | Ocala, Florida. High School: Colon graduated from La Cueva High School in May of 2021. Personal: Colon was born in Glendale, Arizona, on July 2, 2003. She enjoys watching movies and plans to major in kinesiology.

Categories : Athletics, Volleyball team
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