Baylor VB Inks Highest-Ranked Class on National Signing Day

[Allen, Madelon]

BAYLOR ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS – November 10, 2021



VB Inks Highest-Ranked Class on National Signing Day
Bears bring in four to the class of 2022 for the No. 4 class overall
For more information contact: Madelon Allen, 254-252-7168, Madelon_Allen at Baylor.edu<mailto:Madelon_Allen at Baylor.edu>


WACO, Texas – No. 6 Baylor volleyball head coach Ryan McGuyre has announced the signing of four to the 2022 class; the highest-ranked class ever for the program at No. 4.

The Bears signed the No. 4 and No. 5 player of the 2022 class, the highest-ranked signees for the Bears since Kara McGhee signed as a No. 6 recruit from Clark High School.

All four signees are from Texas, and two are over 6-feet tall. BU brings in the top-ranked setter of the 2022 class as well as two outside hitters and an opposite.

“I am exceptionally thrilled and excited about our 22 class,” said McGuyre. “Not only will these young student-athletes bless Baylor with incredible gifts and physical talent, they also bring an already strong friendship, bond, and character that will shine brightly for years to come. They are a great fit for our volleyball family and I am confident their addition will multiply the joy. This class addresses every skill in our sport: great setting, serving, blocking, digging, passing, and attacking. These athletes are all competitive winners on the court and understand the value of servant-leadership off the court.”

Averi Carlson | S | 5’11” | Lucas, Texas | Lovejoy HS
Baylor’s highest-ranked recruit in program history at No. 4 by PrepVolleyball.com … The top setter in the 2022 class … Plays club for Skyline Juniors Dallas … Amassed over 4,000 assists, 200 aces, 1,000 digs and 450 kills in her career … She and her team were 2018 State Runners-Up, then 2019 and 2020 State Champions … She also was a part of the USA Volleyball U20 National Training Team where they placed fifth in the U20 Women’s World Championship … A four-time All-American … An AVCA 2020 All-America First Team member … Invited to the 2022 Under Armour All-American Match.

McGuyre on Carlson: “Averi is an elite level experienced setter who knows how to win championships.  She competes and plays with competitive composure.  Her hands, her touch, her leadership as a setter is exceptional.  She is mature beyond her years and sees the bigger picture.  Her character and conduct exemplify the core values of Baylor and her determination develops growth in herself and others.  Baylor Volleyball is most certainly in good hands.”

Alexis Dacosta | OH | 5’11” | Katy, Texas | Fulshear HS
The No. 5 recruit in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com … Plays club for Houston Skyline … A 2021 Under Armour All-American, Offensive Player of the Year, MVP for her club, AVCA Phenom, US Girls National Team Development Program player, First Team All-District and All-American … In 2020 she was an All-American, First Team All-District, All-State Team, 5A State Finalist, All-Tournament Team, Postseason Team for GHVCA, AVCA Phenom, Houston Chronicle Player of the Year, and MVP for her club … As a sophomore she was named an AVCA Phenom, All-American, First Team All-District, GHVCA Player of the Year, Houston Chronicle Player of the Week, MVP for her club, TGCA All-State Team, UIL State Tournament MVP, USAV Nationals MVP, All-Tournament Team, All-State Team, and Offensive Player of the Year in addition to being named a Soph 79 … As a freshman, she was Club MVP, Frosh 59 and Newcomer of the Year.

McGuyre on Dacosta: “Alexis competes and plays with a deeply instilled growl and grit. This athlete knows how to score and is fearless. Her instinct and volleyball IQ are very strong. She understands the little things that make big things happen and is relentless in her ability to pass and defend. She will bring elite level skills and strength to nearly all areas of our program.”

Allie Sczech | RS/OPP | 6’4” | Sugarland, Texas | George Ranch HS
2021 AVCA All-America First Team … Plays club for Houston Skyline Juniors … Invited to the USA VB Inaugural National Team Development Program summer training series … GHVCA Preseason Team for 2021 … A five-time Player of the Match for 2021 as well … Named District 20-6A Offensive Player of the Year for 2020, as well as TGCA All-State Volleyball, 20-6A District Co-Champs, GHVCA PostSeason Team, and District 20-6A First Team All-District, AVCA Phenom List, and PrepVolleyball 2022 Top 150 … GHVCA PreSeason Team, VYPE PreSeason Team, TAVC PreSeason Team, AVCA All-American Phenom, Battle of the Brazos All-Tournament Most Valuable, First Team All-District, First Team All-Area, GHVCA PostSeason Team, Houston All-VYPE Honorable Mention, TAVC All-Texas Team in 2019.

McGuyre on Sczech: “Allie is a strong and beautiful athlete with a love for others and love for competition. She is strong blocker with a heavy arm that can get on the ball quickly. She competes with a contagious enthusiasm and has exceptional vision for the court at such a young age. She will be an incredible weapon for us on both offense and defense.”

Sophia Keene | OH | 6’2” | The Woodlands, Texas | Concordia Lutheran HS
No. 93 ranked recruit in the nation … Plays club for Houston Skyline … First Team All-District, All-Tournament Team and First-Team All-State in 2019 … In 2020 she was named First Team All-District and Second-Team All-State … A First Team All-District, First Team All-State and All-Tournament Team member in 2021 … Was just named AVCA All-America Honorable Mention … Ended her career with 2,420 kills.

McGuyre on Keene: “Sophia brings a heavy arm and dynamic arm on offense and a passion and love for passing and defense. Her steadiness on serve-receive will be very useful and her ability to move the ball around and hit different locations offensively make her difficult to stop. Sophia brings a consistent and selfless loves to Baylor in addition to a strong and contagious work ethic.”



To stay up to date throughout the season on all things Baylor volleyball, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @BaylorVball.



-BaylorBears.com-



__________________________________

Madelon Allen | Associate Director of Athletics Communications (VB, MTEN, A&T)
Department of Athletics | Baylor University
C: 254-252-7168

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