By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – After a season that trended upward for the Tennessee Tech volleyball team, the Golden Eagles look to make an even bigger splash in 2018-19 season with the signing of six players on Wednesday.
Head coach Jeannette Waldo's signing class included:
Skylar Boom | MB, Louisville, Ky. (Eastern HS)
Boom was named an All-State honorable mention in 2017 and was recently named to the All-State second-team roster. She earned the team's Eastern Eagle Award and Offensive MVP award.
"Skylar has meant so much to our volleyball program," said Eastern head coach Laura Bowling. "She is a force on the court with her blocking and ability to score, but, more importantly, she is a leader. We rally behind her leadership and that is obvious when her peers selected her Team Captain this year. Coaching Skylar for the last four years has been a highlight of my career. Her presence on the court is unparalleled and we will miss her immensely."
This past season, Boom ended the season with 381 kills, 96 solo blocks and 136 total blocks, as well as 22 aces.
"We're going to have a lot of fun with 'Boom' as an attacker for us," said Waldo, "and so will our announcer. She will be a great addition to our front line due to her size defensively and the fact that one of her great strengths is coming off of one foot will allow us to open up our offense a bit more than in the past."
Boom played for the Kiva club team.
Raya George | L, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Jefferson HS)
George had a fantastic season has a junior, earning all-conference and Metro Area honorable mention selections. Through her sophomore and junior seasons, she collected 402 digs and 69 total aces. However, an ACL and meniscus tear in the opening match ended her senior campaign, but Jefferson head coach Amy Norton sees plenty of upside in George.
"Raya is a phenomenal leader on the court with a very high volleyball IQ," Norton said. "She brings knowledge, energy and passion to the gym. Even though she was injured this past season, she found ways to contribute to her team in valuable ways, despite not being able to actually be on the floor with them. We look forward to following her success in the future!"
In club play, she was most recently with the Adrenaline program.
"Raya is a spitfire that will bring a spark to our program that is definitely needed," Waldo said. "She is very competitive and her energy transfers on and off of the court. Others seem to be drawn to her due to her infectious personality. She is a great teammate and we are excited to see her contribute."
Morgan Gish | RS, Blue Springs, Mo. (Blue Springs South HS)
Gish was named second-team all-conference and second-team all-district. She also competed in the 22nd annual MOKAN all-star game, which pits the top 12 Kansas City, Mo., area players against the top 12 Kansas City, Kan., area players.
"Morgan is a very coachable player," said Blue Springs South head coach Mallori Perry. "She is always wanting to learn more and improve every practice and every game. You tell Morgan a critique and she fixes it right away. Morgan's positive attitude, kind heart, contagious smile, discipline and teamwork make her a player that every coach wants on their floor."
Gish finished 2018 with 171 kills, 28 solo blocks and 52 total blocks, as well as 13 aces.
"It is so great to bring someone into our program from my home turf," Waldo said. "She has played in great volleyball environments her entire career so she will be no stranger to our level of play. Morgan wants to be on the court immediately and I know she will work hard to make that a reality."
She competed in club play with KC Power.
Dallas Oatis | MB, Detroit, Mich. (Cass Tech HS)
Oatis finished her senior campaign with the Technicians, earning a spot on the 2018 Under Armour All-American watch list. She was named all-city all three seasons on the varsity roster and was named all-region as a junior. While on the team, Cass Tech won three city championships and one district title.
While with Cass Tech as a senior, she recorded 291 kills, 53 solo blocks and 75 aces.
"Dallas could be classified easily as 'unassuming,' but those that have seen her perform before know that to underestimate her athletic ability would be a mistake," Waldo said. "She seems to lift off of the ground so effortlessly. It will be fun to see what she will bring to our court in the Fall and see the heads turn as she takes flight."
She competed with the High Streets club program.
Carly Skrabak | L, Frankin, Tenn. (Centennial HS)
Skrabak recently wrapped up her final season, earning a spot on the District 12-AAA all-district squad for and the team's MVP award for the second consecutive year.
"We anticipate Carly coming in and contributing to our back court in a positive way immediately," Waldo said. "Her grit and competitive nature is a great fit within our program and the quality of her first touch will allow our offense to reach a new level."
On the club level, she competed with Tennessee Performance Volleyball.
"Carly is one of the hardest working athletes I've had the privilege of coaching," said Centennial head coach Adrienne Core. "She not only works hard to improve her own skill, but is a leader on and off the court, always encouraging her teammates to be the best they can be."
Julia Wheeler | OH, Murfreesboro, Tenn. (Siegel HS)
Wheeler put together impressive numbers for the Lady Stars with three first-team All-District 7-AAA nods, two district all-tournament team selections, a pick as a MaxPreps AVCA Under Armour Phenom in 2017, then an appearance on the 2018 Under Armour All-American watch list.
She ended her prep career with 1,199 kills, 107 blocks and 102 aces.
"Julia thrives on pressure situations since her high school team was always playing for something important," Waldo said. "She is a very passionate player and it will be fun to see her transfer that drive to the collegiate ranks. She has a heavy arm and she will provide some much-needed depth to the outside."
Behind her swings, Siegel reached the TSSAA Class AAA state championship game and appeared in the state tournament all four seasons.
"Julia was the epitome of dedication and hard work in the game of volleyball," said Siegel head coach Shawn Robinson. "Her relentless efforts for not only self-improvement, but team improvement were second to none. Her successes throughout her career at Siegel High School were a direct result of the time and effort she put into the game of volleyball on a daily basis each and every year.
"Her commitment to excellence and her ability to be the best teammate she could be was a huge asset to this program and for many of the successes our program has had. She will be greatly missed, but we are excited to see what's in store for her in her college career. Tennessee Tech is lucky to have her!"
In club play, Wheeler competed with MidTN Volleyball Club.
