GLENDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 17, 2020) –
Kelsie Schiefelbein and
Kyla Chavez, teammates on successful junior-college volleyball teams at Glendale (Ariz.), have signed to play for Oklahoma Christian's revived program, OC coach
Barry Wheeler said Monday.
Chavez, a 5-foot-7 opposite, and Schiefelbein, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker, helped Glendale post a 19-6 record in 2018 and a 23-7 mark in 2019.
"Both Kyla's and Kelsie's experiences at Glendale will prove to be extremely valuable to our first-time college players, especially with teaching them how to handle the academic load with a full-time season schedule," Wheeler said. "This program is blessed to have Kyla and Kelsie as part of the inaugural season for OC volleyball."
Chavez, from Surprise, Ariz., recorded 173 kills in 30 matches (1.73 per set) with a .142 hitting percentage, 15 aces, 104 digs and 33 blocks (solo or assist) as a sophomore last fall.
"Kyla is a very skilled hitter and passer," Wheeler said. "She fits our defensive position very well. We will need our passers to be a formidable force hitting from the back row and Kyla can do that. She has a dynamic personality that is very contagious."
Schiefelbein, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker from Peoria, Ariz., played in 30 matches last season, averaging 1.81 kills per set (196 overall) with a .328 hitting percentage, 19 aces, 47 digs and 84 blocks (solo or assist).
"Kelsie is quick at the net and runs a high-tempo offense that we need to compete in the Lone Star Conference," Wheeler said. "She has a very positive attitude and fits in very well with our team culture. Kelsie will be expected to lead by example and teach our young hitters how to attack in a high-tempo offense."
Chavez and Schiefelbein are the 13th and 14th players to sign with OC as part of the 2020 recruiting class, joining
Lily Saenz of Arlington, Texas;
KynLey Burton of Pea Ridge, Ark.;
Eden Dowell of Edmond, Okla.;
Brylie Berryman of Amarillo, Texas;
Anna Strother of Bridgeport, Texas;
Morgan Demuth of Mansfield, Texas;
Maddie Maile of Pleasant Hill, Calif.;
Talby Duerksen of Hesston, Kan.; Emily Ridley of Tecumseh, Okla.; and
Spencer Plato,
Shaina Westfall and
Oceana Lew of League City, Texas.
OC announced in July 2018 it would revive its volleyball program, after originally fielding a varsity program from 1976 to 1983. The Eagles will compete in NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference.
