University of Connecticut Athletics
Volleyball Adds Two Newcomers for 2020
4/24/2020 12:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
STORRS, Conn. – The UConn volleyball team and Head Coach Ellen Herman-Kimball have announced the addition of two newcomers officially joining the UConn Athletics family and the volleyball program in the fall of 2020.
Audrey Jones and Taylor Pannell will join the Huskies as they return to the Big East.
"We are excited to have Audrey and Taylor joining the UConn Volleyball family," said head coach Ellen Herman-Kimball. "They both bring an eager mindset, contagious personalities and a dynamic skill set that will add to our team culture and chemistry! There is no doubt these two will fit right in."
"Joining the Big East is an exciting time for everyone, the league is very competitive and represented on a national level. We will continue to work day in and day out to make our mark in a well-represented conference!"
Find out more about our newest Huskies below!
NAME: Audrey Jones
HOMETOWN: Downingtown, Penn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Downingtown West
POSITION: Outside Hitter/Right Side Hitter
HEIGHT: 6-1
High School: Audrey is a four year letterwinner at Downingtown West High, playing under head coach Dave Parrish. She earned several honors such as All-District, All Catholic Team, Player of Week, and Most Improved. Jones was also named Offensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, as well as Chest-Mont National League 1st and 2nd Team All-Star honors. Off the court, she was named to the Academic All-State team and honor roll.
Club: She played three years of club volleyball with East Coast Power.
Coach Herman-Kimball on Audrey:
"We are excited to have Audrey join the program! Her dad, Brian Jones, was a football player for UConn in 1979 and she is thrilled to continue the Husky legacy in their family. Audrey is a strong dynamic player who has a handful of tools and potential to be successful. We are excited to see how she adjusts to the college game!"
NAME: Taylor Pannell
HOMETOWN: Middletown, N.Y.
HIGH SCHOOL: Pine Bush
POSITION: Middle Blocker
HEIGHT: 6-1
High School: Taylor is a four year letterwinner at Pine Bush High, playing under head coach Melissa Amelio. She won two division championships and two section championships. Her junior year, her team placed fourth in the New York State tournament. Also in her junior year, Pannell was named her high school team's MVP, section MVP, and 1st team All-State and All-Tournament. As a senior, she was named team MVP, section MVP and section Player of the Year, AVCA All-Region 1st Team, and an Under Armour All-American Honorable Mention. She received a nomination for Prep VB Player of the Year in New York State as well as Gatorade Player of the Year for New York State.
Club: She played one year with the Downstate Juniors volleyball club under head coach Dan Altro. In 2019, her team won four championships, including the Boston Volleyball Fest and Beast of the East tournaments.
Coach Herman-Kimball on Taylor:
"Taylor has an eagerness to learn, competitive nature and athleticism which are good pieces of the puzzle to have coming into a very talented and competitive group. Being a multi-sport athlete during her entire high school career has its intangible benefits. We are excited to have her commit to the sport of volleyball and see how fast she grows!"
