The Chattanooga Mocs volleyball team's head coach Travis Filar announced the addition of two incoming freshmen and one transfer to the team in the fall. Two are expected to increase the competition at the libero and defensive specialist positions, while one adds depth as a right-side attacker and middle blocker.
"It's exciting to bring in a big class that's similar to the one that's finishing," head coach Travis Filar stated. "They will have a very big impact on our program, not just next fall but also in years to come."
A transfer from Montana State, Kasey Altman has two years of eligibility left.
She was a defensive specialist her freshman year and the starting libero in her sophomore season. In 2015, she led the Cats with 352 digs, averaging 4.14 per set, and 18 service aces.
"It's really great that Kasey's coming in with Division I starting libero experience, which is obviously one thing we're losing with Catherine Chason graduating," Filar commented.
Prior to that, Altman was a three-year letter winner at Scripps Ranch High School and played for Epic Volleyball in Southern California.
"Kasey's going to bring great maturity to our program," said Filar. "She competes at that libero position with speed, ferocity, athleticism and high positive energy. She is a spark plug in the back row."
Nashville, Tennessee-native Bailey Clemons was the starting setter for Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School her freshman and sophomore years. Then, she played for Goodpasture Christian School for her final two seasons.
"Bailey is a great in-state talent," Filar added. "She has championship experience. We want to continue to add that pedigree of winning and competing at the highest level to our program."
Clemons was the starting libero her senior year, posting 483 digs and 64 aces. She led her squad to a state championship in 2015. Additionally, Clemons was voted the squad's best defensive player, while playing for Alliance Volleyball Club.
"She's a really solid serve receiver," explained Filar. "She's definitely going to up the competition in our libero and defensive specialist positions."
As a middle blocker and right-side attacker, Sarah Root comes from Waterford, Virginia and is a soon-to-be graduate of Woodgrove High School. She led her high school squad to win the 2015 conference regular season and tournament championships.
"Sarah was a very high level basketball player and really fell in love with volleyball," Filar shared. "Naturally, basketball athletes often transition smoothly to the game of volleyball. The sports have a lot of similar skills."
In 2015, Root was team captain and boasted a squad-best hitting percentage (.319), kills (195) and blocks (96). She played for Dulles Volleyball Club with rising sophomore Ally Ford. Additionally, Root earned four player of the match awards and was named to two all-tournament teams.
"She's going to bring a lot of explosiveness and athleticism to our front court as a blocker and as an attacker," said Filar. "She's extremely dynamic off one foot, going behind the setter."
The Mocs signed three in the fall as well. Brianna Anderson, Mikaela Gauthreaux and Dani Szczepanski are looking to improve UTC's attacking.