SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Head Coach Jennifer Montoya and the University of the Incarnate Word volleyball program announced Monday the completion of the team's 2017 recruiting class, with three players signed to a National Letters of Intent and four additional walk-ons.
 
Included in the NLI singing class are Alyssa Carlin, Julia Monday and Imani Stewart, while Gemma Cantone, Kayla Homeyer, Madelynn Miller and Madison Trawick will also join the program for the upcoming season.
 
"We're really excited about the student-athletes we have coming in next year," Montoya said. "With this class comes a ton of athleticism and depth. We've added players who will positively impact our program in every aspect upon their arrival."
 
A 5'4'' defensive specialist and libero from Pflugerville, Carlin signed with the Cardinals out of Hendrickson High School.
 
"Alyssa makes the game look easy," Montoya said. "She plays with such composure and confidence. She will push for a primary defensive role as soon as she arrives."
 
A 6'0'' outside hitter from McAllen, Monday signed with UIW out of McAllen High School.
 
"Julia has a powerful attack, and will challenge for immediate playing time," Montoya said. "She has the potential to leave a big mark on our program in the near future."
 
A 6'0'' middle blocker from Mansfield, Stewart signed with the Cardinals out of Mansfield High School.
 
"Imani is extremely athletic and brings a fun vibrant personality to the court," Montoya said. "I am excited to get her on campus and start training her to be our next big middle presence."
 
A 5'11'' setter from Lemont, Ill., Cantone came to UIW out of Lemont Township High School.
 
"Gemma is a talented setter and attacker," Montoya said. "She will come in and give us depth, as well as options. We are extremely thrilled she chose to be a Cardinal, and are looking forward to developing her."
 
A 5'5'' defensive specialist and libero from La Vernia, Homeyer joined the Cardinals out of La Vernia High School.
 
"Kayla brings a spunky personality and a lot of heart to the court," Montoya said. "She will challenge every defender we have on the roster, and will force our attackers to raise their level of play."
 
A 5'3'' defensive specialist and libero from Lorena, Miller came to UIW out of Lorena High School.
 
"Maddie is a very talented defender and serve receiver," Montoya said. "She not only enjoys stepping into the fire, she excels at it. She will have an impact in our gym immediately."
 
A 5'8'' outside hitter and defensive specialist from San Antonio, Trawick joined the Cardinals out of MacArthur High School.
 
"Maddie is a very versatile athlete that could be utilized in the front or back row for us," Montoya said. "She brings an intense competitive spirit to the court as well as a fiery personality."
 
UP NEXT
 
Next season UIW will be eligible for postseason play and the volleyball coaching staff is determined to have the program ready to compete for a Southland Conference Championship immediately.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The squad will open its 2017 campaign with the I-10 Cardinals Classic (August 25-26).
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.