Since signing on as the new head coach, Peyton McDaniel and the Cleveland State volleyball program have been busy signing players to the 2024 team the last couple months.
The Cougars signed eight players to add to their team this upcoming season.
Isabella Messer signed May 1. She is a Libero/Defensive Specialist from Boyd-Buchanan High School.
"I've had the privilege to see Izzy play in high school and club gyms this past year and I'm excited to add her to our team," head coach Peyton McDaniel said.
"I'm eager to work with the type of athlete that Izzy is."
Kadence Crowell is a hitter that signed from Lincoln County High School. Another hitter, Lanee Cotter, is from Ivy Academy, but played school ball for Sale Creek winning a state championship.
"I am excited at the opportunity to get to work with Kadence," McDaniel said. "And with Lanee coming off of a state championship, I am excited to see the work ethic that comes along with her."
Zowee Dillard is another hitter, and she is from Coffee County.
"I am very excited for Zowee to join our program, she is eager to get to campus and get to work," McDaniel said. "She is a dynamic hitter and I look forward to getting in the gym with her."
The Cougars also signed Kennedy Caudill, middle position, and Marissa Ray, a defensive specialist, each signed from Rhea County. "I am very excited to see these two continue to grow in our program," McDaniel said. "It's exciting to get athletes with prior court chemistry and we plan to grow on that."
Avianna Williams is the latest signee, she is from East High School in Memphis, TN. "Avianna was definitely our missing piece for this incoming class," McDaniel said. "After we hosted her and her mom here on campus, I knew we were getting a dedicated athlete with a great support system and I am very excited to get Avianna on campus and get to work!"
Ziara Thompson is from LFO and just agreed to be a walk-on yesterday. "I am excited to add Ziara to our roster to round out this freshman class," McDaniel said. "She adds a lot of athleticism to our roster and I am excited to grow the talent she already has. We will be sharing her with basketball, so I know our team will be thrilled to go support her after our season."
McDaniel is entering her first season as head coach with the Cougars. Cleveland State begins their season August 13 at Union College. Their first home game will be August 29 at 6 p.m. hosting Wallace State Community College-Hanceville.