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University of New Orleans signs five athletes to scholarships

MCHS" Holly is among the signees

University of New Orleans head volleyball coach Millicent Van Norden announced the signing of Sh’Diamond Holly, Nia St. Cyr, Isabelle Fuell, Trinity Jackson and Hannah Volpi.
Volpi and Jackson also will join the beach volleyball program.
Jackson (Monument, Colorado / Lewis Palmer High) is a dual-sport athlete. An outside hitter, Jackson won 28 matches with Lewis Palmer High School this season along with a state championship. Lewis Palmer finished sixth nationally. She also was voted the team’s MVP. A three-time all-state honoree (twice in Colorado and once in Iowa), she was honored by a conference all four seasons (twice in Colorado and twice in Iowa) of her high school career.
Jackson also received all-academic recognition with a 3.5 GPA this season.
“Trinity is an explosive and dynamic athlete,” Van Norden said in a news release. “She’s a six-rotation outside that can attack from anywhere on the court and also has great ball handling skills. She will make an immediate impact on the court indoor and outdoor with her high-level playing experience.”
Volpi is also a dual-sport athlete for the Privateers. Volpi (Metairie / Archbishop Chapelle High) was part of the team that went 35-12.
Volpi was an honoree on the Louisiana High School Athletic Association All-Academic team and a member of the Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association/Louisiana High School Coaches Association East All-Star team.
“I would describe Hannah as a volleyball ninja,” Van Norden said in the release. “She has the skill to play every position on the court and has the court presence and volleyball IQ to truly lead a team. Her athleticism and court savvy will bring the edge that we need to balance our offensive and defensive attack. Her speed on the sand will contribute to the depth and quality of athlete we need to contend.”
Holly (Morgan City / Morgan City High) was an All-District 8-III first-team selection after finishing her senior season with 489 kills and 275 digs. Holly added 100 total blocks (including 74 solo), 58 aces and 49 assists.
A Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association/Louisiana High School Coaches Association West All-Star selection, she tallied 1,387 career kills.
“Diamond is a raw talent,” Van Norden said in the release. “She has an infectious personality and great court presence. Her speed and power will be a tremendous asset to our program.”
St. Cyr (Belle Chase / Belle Chase High) hit .330 with 418 kills and added 199 total blocks as a middle. St. Cyr was a member of the Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association/Louisiana High School Coaches Association East All-Star team and the 2018 4A Division II All-Academic team. She also played in the West Bank All-Star game.
“Nia will give us the size and depth that we need in the middle and right side of the court,” Van Norden said in the release. “She is tall and also has a very high vertical to make her point of contact even higher. Her strengths will be blocking and quick attacking to stabilize our system both offensively and defensively.”
A setter from Huntsville, Alabama, Fuell (Huntsville High) played club with NASA Volleyball.
An all-area recipient, Fuell led the Panthers to a No. 5 state ranking. She is a member of the national honors society and Mu Alpha Theta.
“Isabelle is a very calm and poised setter,” Van Norden said in the release. “She is a natural leader and stabilizer on the court. She can run a paced offense, defend and make good decisions in pressure situations. She will give us quality depth at her position and immediately elevate our level of play.”

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