Photo by: Columbia University Athletics/Mike McLaughlin
Volleyball Officially Welcomes Four Newcomers for 2023 Season
3/7/2023 5:00:00 PM | Volleyball
Four first-years set to join the Lions
NEW YORK — The Columbia volleyball program has announced the addition of four incoming first-year student-athletes that will be making up the class of '27. Head Coach Patric Santiago made these additions to the 2023 roster official Tuesday afternoon.
"We are so excited for the gains that our returning Lions are making in the gym this spring and overjoyed for the class of '27 to join them in the fall," Santiago said. "This recruiting class is packed with volleyball talent and as good as they are as players, they are even better human beings. Columbia will be brightened by their presence and our staff can't wait to work with them."
Two of the future Lions, Madison Hsieh and Evie Naumann, come from Austin, Texas, while the other two new faces, Kylee Eze and Avery Jones, are California natives. The group is a very versatile one, playing multiple positions and playing for some prestigious volleyball clubs. More on the entire class can be found below.
Madison Hsieh is a 5'4'' defensive specialist/libero from Austin, Texas. Out of Vandegrift High School, she plays for the Austin Skyline Volleyball Club. Hsieh was a member of the National Honor Society in 2021 and 2022, and was a member of Vandergrift Robotics.
"Madi is an incredibly driven student and volleyball player," Santiago said. "Her reading of the game, work ethic and passion for defending will elevate Columbia Volleyball. Madi is always focused on finding ways to improve and lifting those around her. We have enjoyed getting to know Madi through our camps and recruiting and are excited to see what the future holds for her as a Lion."
Kylee Eze is a 6'3'' opposite/right side hitter from Santa Cruz, California. Out of Soquel High School, she plays for the Vision Volleyball Club. Eze was the president of the Female Empowerment Club and a representative for cutback cleanups.
"Kylee Eze possesses a startling level of athleticism which few possess," Santiago said. "As high as she can touch, her leadership and potential to positively impact her environment is even higher. Kylee comes to Morningside with some lofty goals for herself on the court, academically, and in the community. With Kylee's attitude and work ethic, it is hard to imagine that she will not achieve her goals. Kylee's positivity and love for the game will be an impactful addition for Columbia Volleyball."
Evie Naumann is a 5'11'' outside hitter from Austin, Texas. Out of Westlake High School, she plays for the Roots Volleyball Club. Naumann is a leukemia and lymphoma society volunteer and received an English Academic Achievement Award in the classroom.
"Evie has a great all-around volleyball game and a passion for bringing her absolute best to all in which she endeavors," Santiago said. "She is an exceptional teammate and would enhance the culture of any training gym in America. Evie is a joy to work with and we look forward to seeing her compete against her sister who studies at Fordham. We are confident Evie will be a great addition to our CUVB family."
Avery Jones is a 6'1'' outside/opposite hitter from Studio City, California. Out of Harvard-Westlake High School, she plays for the Sunshine Volleyball Club. Jones was a member of the 2022 AVCA All-America Watch List. Her sister, Taylor Jones, graduated from Columbia in May of 2022.
"We are thrilled to have Avery join our program," Santiago said. "Coming from one of the best teams and clubs in the country, Avery understands what it means to compete and succeed. Avery boasts a dynamic and explosive offensive game and is able to terminate balls from all three front row positions. We look forward to a bright four years of Avery on Morningside Heights."
FOLLOWING THE LIONS: Stay up to date on all things Columbia Volleyball by following the Lions on Twitter (@CULionsVB), Instagram (@culionsvb) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).
"We are so excited for the gains that our returning Lions are making in the gym this spring and overjoyed for the class of '27 to join them in the fall," Santiago said. "This recruiting class is packed with volleyball talent and as good as they are as players, they are even better human beings. Columbia will be brightened by their presence and our staff can't wait to work with them."
Two of the future Lions, Madison Hsieh and Evie Naumann, come from Austin, Texas, while the other two new faces, Kylee Eze and Avery Jones, are California natives. The group is a very versatile one, playing multiple positions and playing for some prestigious volleyball clubs. More on the entire class can be found below.
Madison Hsieh is a 5'4'' defensive specialist/libero from Austin, Texas. Out of Vandegrift High School, she plays for the Austin Skyline Volleyball Club. Hsieh was a member of the National Honor Society in 2021 and 2022, and was a member of Vandergrift Robotics.
"Madi is an incredibly driven student and volleyball player," Santiago said. "Her reading of the game, work ethic and passion for defending will elevate Columbia Volleyball. Madi is always focused on finding ways to improve and lifting those around her. We have enjoyed getting to know Madi through our camps and recruiting and are excited to see what the future holds for her as a Lion."
Kylee Eze is a 6'3'' opposite/right side hitter from Santa Cruz, California. Out of Soquel High School, she plays for the Vision Volleyball Club. Eze was the president of the Female Empowerment Club and a representative for cutback cleanups.
"Kylee Eze possesses a startling level of athleticism which few possess," Santiago said. "As high as she can touch, her leadership and potential to positively impact her environment is even higher. Kylee comes to Morningside with some lofty goals for herself on the court, academically, and in the community. With Kylee's attitude and work ethic, it is hard to imagine that she will not achieve her goals. Kylee's positivity and love for the game will be an impactful addition for Columbia Volleyball."
Evie Naumann is a 5'11'' outside hitter from Austin, Texas. Out of Westlake High School, she plays for the Roots Volleyball Club. Naumann is a leukemia and lymphoma society volunteer and received an English Academic Achievement Award in the classroom.
"Evie has a great all-around volleyball game and a passion for bringing her absolute best to all in which she endeavors," Santiago said. "She is an exceptional teammate and would enhance the culture of any training gym in America. Evie is a joy to work with and we look forward to seeing her compete against her sister who studies at Fordham. We are confident Evie will be a great addition to our CUVB family."
Avery Jones is a 6'1'' outside/opposite hitter from Studio City, California. Out of Harvard-Westlake High School, she plays for the Sunshine Volleyball Club. Jones was a member of the 2022 AVCA All-America Watch List. Her sister, Taylor Jones, graduated from Columbia in May of 2022.
"We are thrilled to have Avery join our program," Santiago said. "Coming from one of the best teams and clubs in the country, Avery understands what it means to compete and succeed. Avery boasts a dynamic and explosive offensive game and is able to terminate balls from all three front row positions. We look forward to a bright four years of Avery on Morningside Heights."
FOLLOWING THE LIONS: Stay up to date on all things Columbia Volleyball by following the Lions on Twitter (@CULionsVB), Instagram (@culionsvb) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).
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