MHS grad Gallon part of WJU’s stacked volleyball line-up

Returning head coach Shasta Millhollin had a busy off-season preparing for her second year with the William Jessup University Warriors determined to build a program that student-athletes seek to be a part of.

“I am tremendously excited about the 2016 recruiting class,” said Millhollin. “Recruiting 12 new players has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced as a college coach, but it is also proving to be the most rewarding experience thus far.”

Traveling from Arizona to Rocklin, California, is a freshman Elizabeth Gallon from Maricopa High School. Gallon chose to come to William Jessup not just for the volleyball program, but for the environment.

“Jessup makes you a part of their family no matter what,” said Gallon, “and I love the idea of always being a part of something.”

Gallon will be studying biology while focusing on building a stronger connection to the Lord. “I am really looking forward to what Jessup can truly offer me,” Gallon said.

Millhollin has confidence the 12 recruits for the 2016-17 season will set the bar for the future of volleyball at William Jessup.

“Each of the incoming 2016 recruits brings unconditional intensity and versatility to our program,” Millhollin said.

One of two transfers, Audrey Vaughn comes to Jessup after playing for the Renegades at Ohlone College in Newark, California. The Livermore, California, native dominates the court with her versatility and experience in each attacking position; outside hitter, middle blocker and opposite.

“I chose to come to William Jessup because having a sense of community is extremely important to me,” said transfer Vaughn. “I love that everyone at Jessup is so welcoming.” Vaughn will  be studying be studying business marketing in hopes to pursue her dream of being a sports team marketing coordinator.

Transfer Claudia Diaz heads to Jessup from Solano Community College having experience as an outside hitter and defensive specialist. Diaz is coming off a huge season for the Falcons serving as co-captain while bringing her experience as a full rotational player.

The Fairfield, California, local appreciates the sense of community Jessup brings, as well as the ability to be not too far from home. “At Jessup I would like to earn a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies,” Diaz said. “As well as obtain a multiple subject teaching credential to prepare me to become an elementary school teacher.”

Coach Millhollin recruited a batch right in Jessup’s backyard in these four recruits.

West Campus graduate and Sacramento raised, Vendela Williams joins the Warriors as a duel contributed.  While Williams came to Jessup for the volleyball program, she is grateful to have the opportunity to continue her five-year career in track and field as well.

“I chose Jessup for several reasons,” Williams stated.  “The first was the coaching staff. Coach Shasta is very kind and enthusiastic. She gives 100 percent and expects that from her players in return. Plus knowing that I can continue my track career at the next level is a major bonus!”

Williams has yet to decided what she will be majoring in but is excited to make new memories, gain experience in athletics and further her education.

Just a short trip down the freeway coach found Vacaville Christian standout Alicia Borges from Vacaville, California.  Borges comes to the Warriors with years of high school and club experience with Absolute Volleyball Club, as well as the title of Sierra Delta League’s most valuable player in her final season.

Borges looks forward to studying Psychology while improving the volleyball program in any way possible.

West Sacramento native Taylor Jacky graduated from River City High School as an outside hitter with nearly 400 kills in her senior year. Jacky was voted team MVP as well as league MVP in her standout final high school season.

“After visiting the campus, I fell in love with the same optimism, motivated and caring atmosphere at Jessup,” said Jacky.  “You can tell the people there want to see you succeed. They want to help you reach your goals.”

Jacky will be studying environmental science with the goal to earn her Masters in Marine Biology and hopefully pursue her PH.D. following.

Coming down from Sparks, Nevada, is recruit Jensen Paris, a Reed High graduate and middle blocker. Jensen helped contribute to the Raiders’ winning 23-6 season her junior year with 139 kills on the net.

The 6-foot-2 freshman chose to come to Jessup for the beautiful campus and a great community.

“I loved the volleyball team and Coach Shasta pushed me more than any coach has ever pushed me,” said Jensen. “I can see that she will push me to become a better player and a better human being all around.”

Jensen is pursuing a degree in psychology, minoring in kinesiology in hopes to further her career with a master’s degree in criminal justice.

Liberty High School alumna from Peoria, Arizona, Kacey Berger will join the Warriors squad. Berger will impact the line-up defensively in the libero position. The 5-foot-8 freshman led her team with 402 digs, averaging 4.3 digs per set.

“I chose William Jessup University because as soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home,” said Berger. “The girls were so genuine and welcoming, as well as all the students and staff.”

While at Jessup she hopes to grow spiritually and athletically while earning her degree in Education. “I want to create relationships and memories that will last forever,” Berger concluded.

Also from Arizona is Madyson Rahn from Gilbert. The Leading Edge Academy Gilbert Early College graduate has experience in the outside position just shy of 6 feet at 5-foot-11  Rahn has high expectations for her time at Jessup to carry her beyond her four-year career.

“I decided to come to Jessup because I fell in love with the community like atmosphere,” Rahn said. She will be studying human biology and pre-med. “Post-graduation I would like to take my MCATs and go to a great medical school hopefully in Arizona.”

Incoming freshman from Chandler, Arizona, Michaela Zapata has the right mindset in achieving all she needs to in her four years at Jessup. “I would like to do the best in all that I can, including academics and volleyball,” said Zapata. “I want to accomplish setting up the best future for myself.”

Zapata was a competitor at Hamilton High School where she competed in back-to-back Division 1 State Championship title matches. The right side attacker looks to continue her successful career here at Jessup while pursuing a degree in biology.

High School teammate Jessica Williams will join Zapata at Jessup. Williams also resides in Chandler, where she was a three-year varsity setter and played for Spiral Volleyball Club. In her varsity career, Williams averaged 7.9 assists per set with a total of over 1,400 assists.

Williams will be studying kinesiology with hopes to give back to the community in future endeavors.

“After Jessup I would like to pursue my passion to become a personal trainer or physical therapist. Another interest is to become a nutritionist,” said Williams. “I also want to coach a volleyball team and help kids learn more about volleyball!”

Texas native, Laurie Stephan will be joining the team in the spring from South Grand Prairie High School. Stephan looks forward to joining her Warrior teammates to help in building a successful program.

“I chose Jessup because it’s a totally different experience,” said Stephan.  “I fell in love with the campus and the people, then add playing volleyball with a bunch of amazing girls and a brilliant coach was just a plus!”

Stephan will be studying kinesiology to fulfill her dream in becoming a sports physical therapist for a Major League Baseball team.

Coach Millhollin prayed for God’s direction with recruiting for the 2016 class, to bring players to lift the team to another level.

“I am thrilled to report that God has delivered,” Millhollin concluded.  “I can’t wait to see how this season unfolds. We have a team full of dedicated and motivated athletes with a heart for Christ. There is no limit to what we can accomplish.”