"As we enter our third year of Division I competition, we are thrilled to bring in such outstanding student-athletes," Ellis said. "This class adds needed depth in multiple positions, and I look forward to seeing our team rise to higher levels of play."
Lani Beadle (Seattle, Wash.) is a 5'6" defensive specialist who was a three-time All-Metro selection at Seattle Prep. The captain and MVP of the 2009 squad, she helped her team to a fourth-place finish in the 3A state tournament in 2007 and earned the state tournament sportsmanship award in 2009, the same season in which she earned conference MVP honors.
"Lani is an excellent passer - the most important skill in the game - and we can't wait to see how this will help our offense," said Ellis.
Allison Farley (Happy Valley, Ore.) led the Central Catholic High School varsity squad to a 6A state championship this past season after consecutive third-place finishes in the previous two years. The 6'1" middle blocker is a two-time first team all-conference selection as well as a second team all-state performer last year. She has also been a competitive show jumper for 13 years.
"Allison is an extremely talented middle who we expect will compete early on. She brings height and quickness between the pins," Ellis said.
Allie Hoskins (Colorado Springs, Colo.) is a two-time first team all-conference honoree for Pine Creek High School. The 5'5" libero earned 446 digs and 48 service aces during her senior season, one in which she earned second team all-area and honorable mention all-state recognition as well as her second honorable mention academic all-state award.
"Allie is probably the quickest player I will have ever coached, plus she is a firecracker," Ellis said. "We expect her contributions to be huge in the coming years."
Gabrielle Moritz (Vancouver, Wash.) is a 5'11" outside hitter who earned all-league honors three straight years, including first team recognition in 2009. She helped Skyview High School go undefeated in both league and district play in three straight seasons, reaching the state tournament in each of those years. Moritz earned the most inspirational award after the 2009 season.
"When Gabby attended our camp last year, we knew we wanted her in our gym. She is not afraid or hard work and she finds ways to elevate the play of everyone around her," said Ellis.
These four, along with November signees Jacquie Brice, Sarah Jaeckel, and Karli Pedone, will join an experienced squad that loses only one player to graduation. Although the schedule has yet to be finalized, it is expected that the volleyball team will welcome Oregon, Oregon State, and Portland to the Connolly Center as well as host the Independent Championship Tournament.