BEREA, KY-
The first recruiting class of the Harris era in Berea College volleyball history is complete, and coach Ashley Harris could not be happier. "I am very excited with the players that will be joining our family here this fall. Our priorities recruiting wise for this first class was to go out and get girls with extremely high character and work ethic, that were not afraid to work hard and be the building blocks for this program. We found a number of special girls from all across the country that fit what we are looking for and what we will demand from our players both in the classroom, on the court, and in the community. We signed girls from big cities like Houston, Austin, El Paso, and Chicago. Girls from Hawaii to New Mexico to Arkansas, and of course Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. I can't wait to get these girls here in August and blend them in with our returners."
Recruiting coordinator Ian Harris was not shy in expressing his feelings on the incoming class. "We went out and signed some very talented players from all across the US that had a number of offers and could of went to their choice of schools. We know what we have here at Berea, which is a truly elite academic school with D1 level facilities, one of the most beautiful campus's in the country, and a community that is second to none. We told everyone from day 1 that we will be extremely aggressive in our recruiting, and we will sign players from all across the country unlike any this campus has ever seen. We will have girls from 10 or 11 different states next season. We will have one of the most diverse rosters in the country, and that is something coach Ashley and I take pride in. This 2019 class is the start of something special here at BC."
Some of the incoming players shared their reasons for why they chose to attend Berea College:
"I decided to come to Berea College for a couple reasons, one being the affordable high-quality education that Berea offers. Another reason I decided to go to Berea was the opportunity to be coached by amazing volleyball coaches. Coach Ashley and Ian Harris are the best, and I am so blessed to be able to play for them again. Coach Ashley and Ian create a family environment and want nothing but the best for you. They will push you to be successful in school and be the best you can be on the court." Allana Knowles, Austin, Texas
"When selecting a college, Berea really stood out to me from the rest. I believe that people get rewarded for the hard work they put in and that is exactly what they are trying to achieve. Within the volleyball program, I am beyond excited to form part of a place where character matters, and working hard matters. My teammates and I have the chance to make a change and I'd love to be a part of that." Jana Villa, El Paso, Texas
"I chose Berea College because of it's extreme diversity and culture coach Ashley is building. There are endless opportunities for the students to grow and become the best versions of themselves." Vanessa Ramic, Bowling Green, Kentucky
"I chose Berea because it felt like home to me. I felt that God was leading me to go there and to be a part of this team. I strongly believe there are great things in the future for this team." Abigail Layne, Manchester, Tennessee
"I feel Berea College has everything I want in a college experience where I can meet new people, make lifelong friends, and earn my undergraduate degree without getting buried in student loans." Adrienne Roberts, Kapolei, Hawaii