CONWAY, Ark. - The University of Central Arkansas fortified their rotations as head coach John Newberry and the Sugar Bears announce their 2021 recruiting class. UCA snagged seven new additions to their roster as they focused on athletism in every position. 

The Sugar Bears compiled a list of seven recruits with a specific focus on recruiting heavily in Texas. Four of the seven recruits come from Texas, with three specifically coming from the San Antonio area. These recruits have a wide variety of talents, but Newberry's most crucial aspect in recruiting was finding athletes with natural athleticism. 

"I'm extremely excited to announce this class. It is overall from top to bottom the most athletic class UCA volleyball has had. Every one of these young ladies has had impeccable careers at their high school and travel teams and will continue to do so at UCA," Newberry said. "They have all played within a highly competitive program throughout their careers. Not only does this class bring a high level of athleticism to the program, but they also bring a very strong amount of depth to our lineups."

"Our staff feels like this could be a class that helps elevate our competitive practice environment, help us continue to win championships, and continue to go to the NCAA Tournament. All of them have big aspirations with their academics and what they want to study. This class will be great ambassadors of UCA and the volleyball program."

Allison Holloway - MB

Louisville, KY | Mercy Academy

Accolades

• 6th Region All-Tournament Team (2019)
• All-District Team (2020)
• Presidents' Day Classic All-Tournament Team

Newberry on Holloway

"Allison is a very high IQ volleyball player that can hit from any position. She's perfect for the middle blocker position because of her disciple and quick reading ability. She plays with an incredible amount of intensity and is always engaged." 

Hannah Watkins - MB

Greenwood, AR | Greenwood High School

Accolades

• 5A All-State (2019, 2020)
• 5A All-Conference (2019, 2020)
• NWADG All-Area Second Team (2019)
• Best of River Valley Preps Honoree (2020)
• UA All-American Honoree (2020)
• 5A All-State Tournament Team (2020)
• 3x Varsity Letter

Newberry on Watkins

"You'll most likely see Hannah because of her height. Over the last two years, she's gotten stronger and more agile. She's become more consistent with attacking the volleyball. Hannah will definitely be difficult for other teams to defend."

Jamiryana Hall - OH

San Antonio, TX | Taft High School

Accolades

• Captain
• All Echo Team
• 1st Team All-District
• 1000+ kills in two years
• 2x Game Ball
• 2nd Team All-Vype
• San Antonio 6A Player Must-Watch List
• All-Vype San Antonio Preseason Volleyball Team (2020)

Newberry on Hall

"Jamiryana is a high flying outside attacker with a very wide hitting range and has been a highly recruited athlete among many universities. She's incredibly passionate and has a ton of charisma." 

Mackenzie Vernon - RS

San Antonio, TX | Harlan High School

Accolades

• 2x Defensive Player of the Year 
• Athlete of the Year
• Perseverance Award
• 3x 1st Team All-District
• 1st Team All-State
• National All-Tournament Team

Newberry on Vernon

"Mackenzie is a powerful volleyball player. She has an incredible amount of power with her attacks, and she's very strong with her blocking. You definitely don't want to be on the receiving end of one of her attacks." 

Lilly Taylor - OH

Aledo, TX | Aledo High School

Accolades

• Second Team All-District (2018)
• Academic All-District
• Co-Offensive Player of the Year (2019)
• Academic All-District
• 3rd at 5A State Tournament (2017)
• National Honors Society

Newberry on Taylor

"Lilly is a very solid six rotation athlete. She's an outside hitter with a smooth approach and hits the ball at a high contact point. She has played in a very competitive travel team and has a ton of experience at a high level."

Esther Du'Glas - OH

San Antonio, TX | Smithson Valley High School

Newberry on Du'Glas

"Esther is a six rotation outside hitter and will also be a part of our beach program as well. She's a very hard worker with a reserved disposition. She will be able to bring her beach techniques to the indoor gym and add a wide range of skill sets."

Shelbi Owens - DS/L

Memphis, TN | Briarcrest Christian School

Accolades

• Phenom Watch List (2018, 2019 and 2020)
• JVA Watch List
• Under-Armour All-American Athlete (2020)
• Max Prep Player of the Match (9/1/20)
• 3x Tennessee State Champion

Newberry on Owens

"Shelbi is a fiery back-row player. She's extremely fearless and plays with great energy. She adds great depth to our back row position."