MOUNT CARMEL, IL. Wabash Valley College volleyball head coach Rachel Refenes announced the signing of four standout players to National Letter of Intents on Monday; Abby Deal (Owensville, IN), Ayiana Nieves (Bayomon, Puerto Rico), Sophia Spanier (Independence, KY) and Cristina Felts (Louisville, KY).
"These young ladies saw my vision for the program and I'm excited to welcome them to the Bash," Refenes said. "They are talented and competitive players that will instantly add experience and depth in their positions."
Abby Deal, MB, Owensville, IN (Metro Volleyball Club)
Abby joins WVC from Gibson Southern High School. Coming in as a middle blocker, Deal was one of the top players for the Knights, earning All-Conference and team MVP honors. She accumulated 222 kills this season, hitting .340 and averaging 1.8 blocks per set.
"As soon as I got the job, Abby was recommended to me by a friend and she did not disappoint," Refenes said. "She's able to find a way to score no matter the defense is in front of her. She doesn't make excuses and has a great attitude and determination that will translate well at the next level. Her personality will fit in with the team and she will make others around her better."
Ayiana Nieves, S/OH, Bayamon, PR, (Pirates ADN)
Ayiana is a setter/outside and the first volleyball player from Puerto Rico since 2018. She's been playing club for several years and has competed in tournaments in the Caribbean as well as in the US. She's been at the Windy City Qualifier in Chicago, as well as AAU Nationals in Orlando. This club season she will be playing for the Pirates ADN, coached by Felix Reyes.
"Ayiana instantly adds depth and experience in two positions," Refenes said. "She's a seasoned player that has competed National and Internationally. Her knowledge of the game, athleticism and enthusiasm will impact the program right away. She enjoys the satisfaction of setting and connecting with her middle and I like that in a setter. She's not afraid of challenges and has a great personality that I instantly sensed during the recruiting process. I'm excited for her to arrive in Mount Carmel this August."
Sophie Spanier, DS/L, Independence KY (NKYVC)
Sophie finished her senior season at Simon Kenton High School where they finished runners up in the 8th region semifinals. Sophie had nine kills, three aces and 18 digs to help the Pioneers knock off North Oldham. In 2022 she received District MVP for her team and was on the All-Tournament for her region. She made 2nd Team for Division I All Opponents Awards.
"Sophie has a winning background and is used to going deep into the post-season which is what I'm looking for in recruits," Refenes said. "She's not used to losing and comes from a successful high school and club program. Her mindset is to look ahead and see what she can do better to help the team. I like her passing form and believe she will compete for a starting spot right away in the back row. Athletically and academically, she will be challenged at Wabash and I'm excited to see her grow as a person and player."
Cristina Felts, OH, Louisville, KY (LKY Homeschool Athletics)
Cristina recently finished up her prep career at LKY Homeschool team. At Christian homeschool Nationals in Kansas City they finished 5th overall in the 18U division. This season she made the all-tournament team at Ft. Wayne Midwest Classic. She finished the season with 338 kills, hitting .257. She accumulated 120 services aces that is good enough to finish 2nd in the state of Kentucky.
"Cristina will be a lot of fun to watch this season," Refenes said. "She's a competitor and enjoys playing with her teammates. She's transitioning from the middle to outside and I can't wait to see her development as a player and person. She has a lot of potential to be a dominate outside in our region and I'm looking forward to working with her."