NC State Volleyball Announces Talented 2017 Recruiting Class

RALEIGH, N.C. – Tabbed as one of the nation's top recruiting classes, NC State volleyball head coach Linda Hampton-Keith announced on Wednesday the addition of five players to the roster for the 2017 season.

Outside hitters Kristen Chatman, Nailah Gordon and Allison Marble, along with middle blocker Simone Jeffries and setter/defensive specialist Kaylee Frazier will suit up for the Wolfpack this fall.

These five student-athletes will join the program's fall signees and spring enrollees to bring the total number of new players to the squad for 2017 to nine, including a pair of transfers. Prep Volleyball has recognized the class as highest honorable mention, just outside of the nation's ranked classes.

"Since arriving on campus, we identified that one of our top priorities would be to continue to infuse depth into our already talented team," said Hampton-Keith. "This class does exactly that and then some. The level of competition in our gym has been raised and we embrace each new teammate and the strengths that they bring to make us better. Having talent, athleticism and depth is every coach's dream and this class will be an exciting one to work with!"

Chatman is the younger sister of Wolfpack senior Erin Chatman, as NC State will have another set of sisters on the squad to join Jasmine and Melissa Evans. The younger Chatman turned in a stellar senior campaign at Bishop Hartley High School, as she was named an Under Armour All-American and American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America Honorable Mention.

She broke the career record for kills at Bishop Hartley with 1,352 en route to claiming 2016 Agonis and Central District Player of the Year honors. Chatman was also a Prep Volleyball All-America Special Mention and led her team to the championship game where they finished as the runner-up.

"Kristen Chatman joining the Wolfpack is a great story. She came to camp last summer and by the time camp was over we knew she would be a great fit and that we wanted her to be a part of this program. Athletic, skilled and competitive she brings depth to the outside hitter position."

Hailing from The Woodlands, Texas, Frazier is a 5'9" setter/defensive specialist from The John Cooper School and the Houston Skyline volleyball club. She was a four-year starter with the program and was named the team's most valuable player (MVP) and captain as a senior.

Frazier was voted the preseason setter of the year by Vype Magazine and helped her team finished third at the Southwest Preparatory Conference (SPC) Championship, as she was named to the all-tournament team. As a sophomore and freshman, Frazier guided her squad to a second-place finish. She was tabbed to the 2015 AVCA Phenom List and was a Prep Volleyball honorable mention for the top freshman list in 2013.

Her father Matt played collegiate baseball at St. Louis University.

"I have watched Kaylee play since she was 14 years old and what we're getting in her is an extremely talented volleyball player who reads the game at a higher level than most freshmen. She is also multi-dimensional in that she can set, pass and play defense. While most of her career has been spent in the setting position, her ability to do many things on the court makes her a valuable asset to our program."

Gordon is a 5'8" outside hitter from Southlake Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas, the same high school as senior teammate Emily Harris. She's a two-time GJVA All-American at club nationals, garnering the award in 2016 and 2015.

Additionally, Gordon was tabbed the 2016 district blocker of the year and the 2015 district newcomer of the year. She was an academic all-state selection and graduated with honors, following two years in the National Honor Society. Her father Darrien played football at Stanford before playing 10 seasons in the NFL.

"Nailah is another athlete that I have watched develop over the course of her club and high school career. She's a competitive leader who brings out the best in others when she plays. Her athleticism and ability to play high above the net will be exciting to watch as she looks to challenge at the outside hitter position."

Jeffries was a multi-sport star at Chantilly High School in Centreville, Va., as she was a four-year all-conference and all-state performer in track and field in addition to starring in volleyball as an all-conference honoree. She was also a standout basketball player in high school, garnering the team MVP award and claiming MVP at the Pohanka tournament.

The 6'1" middle blocker played for the Virginia Elite volleyball club.

"Simone is another camp success story. She came to camp last summer which led us to pursue her as much needed depth in the middle. With her quickness and ability to jump, we envision Simone's future to be a bright one in which she contributes greatly. "

A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Marble is a 6'0" outside hitter from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and competed for the Tribe Volleyball Club. She enjoyed a very decorated career, as she was a 2016 Prep Volleyball All-America Highest Honorable Mention and was also an Under Armour/AVCA All-America Honorable Mention.

Marble garnered MaxPreps/AVCA State Player of the Week for Florida during her senior season en route to collecting Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel All-Broward First Team honors in 2016 and 2015. She earned St. Thomas' Offensive Player of the Year award after her senior season and was named to the 2015 AVCA Phenom List.

She helped lead her high school team to three consecutive state championships, two at the 7A level and one at 8A as a senior. Additionally, Marble won a gold medal as a member of the USA Volleyball High Performance Team in 2014.

Her father Steve swam collegiately at Florida State and her sister Kelly played collegiate volleyball at Cornell.

"Allison brings experience and depth to our roster. Another multi-dimensional athlete, Allison can play anywhere along the front row as well as challenge in the back row. We're excited to get her in our gym and see where she will thrive."

NC State volleyball recently announced the program's first-ever international trip to Italy, as the Wolfpack will leave on June 10 and return on June 21.

#STATEMENT

NC State Volleyball Announces Talented 2017 Recruiting Class

Players Mentioned

Erin Chatman

Emily Harris

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