University of Connecticut Athletics
Volleyball welcomes two early signees for the 2019 campaign
11/17/2018 10:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
New additions are a setter and middle blocker
STORRS, Conn.—The UConn women's volleyball team has inked a pair of newcomers who have recently signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI), to officially join the University of Connecticut Athletics family beginning in 2019, announced by Head Coach Kris Grunwald on Wednesday.
Alexandria Garland and Madison Whitmire have committed to UConn during the early signing period this November.
"The UConn Volleyball program is extremely excited to announce two additions to the Husky family. Both of these young women hail from the state of Texas while representing two great high school programs as well as two of the nation's most prominent clubs. The recruiting process started early with both players so we have had time to establish a great rapport with them as well as their families and are excited about the quality of people joining our program in addition to the types of players they are. Both players were recently recognized with the announcement of the National Under Armour All-American teams. Madi was a First-Team selection as a setter and Ali was an Honorable mention as a Middle Blocker."
--Head Coach Kris Grunwald
Read more on our newest Huskies below!
NAME: Alexandria Garland
HOMETOWN: League City, Texas
HIGH SCHOOL: Clear Creek
POSITION: Middle Blocker
HEIGHT: 6-1
MAJOR: General Studies
High School career: Four-year varsity volleyball letter winner under Head Coach Scott Simonds at Clear Creek. Her other accolades include; First Team All-District, Second Team All-County, named to Frosh Freshman 59, Vype Fab 50 (two-years), Under Armour All-American Top-50, Under Armor AVCA Volleyball Honorable Mention, District 24-6A MVP, and was the captain for the CCHS Volleyball Team. She was also featured by the Houston Chronical and Galveston Daily News.
Coach Grunwald on Alexandria: "Ali is a quick and athletic middle blocker who will bring added depth to our defensive systems with her blocking ability. She has great lateral mobility and length which allows her to touch and defend a lot of balls. Due to an injury during her junior campaign, Ali underwent shoulder surgery and while her offensive repertoire is still returning to form she has made immense progress at the end of summer and during her high school season. We are excited for her athletic presence at the net."
NAME: Madi Whitmire
HOMETOWN: Prosper, Texas
HIGH SCHOOL: Prosper High School
POSITION: Setter
HEIGHT: 5-10
MAJOR: Biology
High School career: Three-year varsity letter winner in volleyball under the direction of Head Coach Erin Kauffman. Whitmire's high school honors; 2018 First-Team Under Armour All-American, 2017 TAVC Setter of the Year, 2017 Dallas Morning News Setter of the Year, 2017 District 14-5A Setter of the Year, 2017-2018 Court Captain Prosper HS, 2018 Captain Prosper HS, 2017 TSWA First Team All-State, 2017 TGCA All-State Team, Prep Volleyball National Junior of the Year Finalist, Prosper HS All-Time Assist Leader (1769 single season), Prosper HS All-Time Ace Leader, 2017 Max Preps Junior All-American Team, 2017 Texas 5A State Champion, 2018 Texas 6A Region II Finalist (top-8), 2018 John Turner Classic MVP, and 2018 Max Preps Player of the Week on Oct. 15-21.
Coach Grunwald on Madi: "Madi is a mature even keeled setter who will bring depth and stability to our setting position. Madi has been playing volleyball for quite some time, picking it up during her years growing up in northern California. She leads her teams with an air of confidence and has a creative offensive mindset. She is a feisty defender and her work ethic will allow her to compete at a very high level."
