ALLENDALE, Mich. – Grand Valley State head volleyball coach Deanne Scanlon announced the signing of three student-athletes to the program during the signing period. The Lakers will bring in a pair of outside hitters and a libero/defensive specialist that will be added to the roster in the fall of 2021.
 
Coach Scanlon on the 2021 class:
 
"When you represent GVSU, you wear the uniform of a great school with great traditions in the volleyball program.  We sought players who we felt fit with us and were passionate about Grand Valley. I believe Julia, Henly and Sophie are fierce competitors who are motivated by the environment here at Grand Valley to be great."
 
Sophie Plate • Outside Hitter • 5-10 • Gowen, Mich. • Greenville High School
 
Plate was a four-year letter winner under head coach Amy Huisken at Greenville High School…Four-time All-Conference honoree….Earned All-Region laurels as a senior…Two-time team captain…Four-time Team MVP…Two of her brothers play football at GVSU (Eric and Sam)
 
Coach Scanlon on Sophie:
 
"We have watched Sophie develop as a player as she has attended our summer camps and played for a local club team here in Grand Rapids.  Although she had numerous offers and opportunities at other colleges, Sophie was very clear that she loved Grand Valley!  Sophie loves to compete and has proven that she is willing to do whatever is asked of her.  She has experience stepping up and playing all three front row attacking positions and can excel hitting and blocking anywhere along the net which will translate into having numerous opportunities to play.   She is long and athletic and comes with a desire to compete and improve every time she walks in the gym."  
 
Henly Sleight • Outside Hitter/DS • 5-10 • Jackson, Mich. • Jackson Northwest High School
 
Sleight was a four-year letter winner under head coach Amanda Anspaugh at Jackson Northwest High School…Four-time Academic All-State…Two-time All-Conference and All-Region laurels…2019 All-State honorable mention…Helped team to district titles in 2019 and 2020…Recorded 513 kills, 382 digs, and 126 services aces her junior season and 435 kills, 236 digs, and 44 aces in just 24 matches her senior season.
 
Coach Scanlon on Henly:
 
"Henly is blessed with great jumping abilities and an explosive arm that can knock defenders off their feet! She is a no nonsense, get down to business, get it done type of player who loves to take the big swing when her team needs it the most. Henly was also recruited heavily but when she spoke about Grand Valley we knew that she was a great fit and the quality person we were looking for."
 
Julia Blaney • Libero/DS • 5-7 • Saline, Mich. • Saline High School
 
Blaney was a four-year letter winner under head coach Emileen Palazzolo at Saline High School…Named Scholar Athlete all four seasons…Two-time team captain…2020 AVCA All-Region and 2019 AVCA Phenom…Earned the Dave Hughes Memorial Award…As a junior totaled 307 kills, 239 digs, and 473 assists, while recording 237 kills and 239 digs as a senior in just 29 matches
 
Coach Scanlon on Julia:
 
"Julia can do it all and has had to do it all for her high school and club teams.  She can set, she can hit and we have recruited her as a defensive player where all those skills are going to serve her well.  She has an infectious personality and an excitement to compete and I know our team will love being on the court with her!"
 
 The Lakers still await a schedule for the season that will occur during the spring. Stay tuned to gvsulakers.com and @gvsulakers on social media for updates.