SIUE volleyball signs trio for 2024

January 2, 2024 13

EDWARDSVILLE — SIUE volleyball has inked a trio of signees for the 2024 season, welcoming Claire Jones (Overland Park, Kan.), Taya Nordmann (DeWitt, Mich.), and Sophie Robinson (Chippewa Falls, Wis.), announced Head Coach Kendall Paulus.

“Our favorite quality of this group is their competitiveness,” said Paulus. “They want to win. They will push themselves and do whatever it takes for the team to be successful. Their selflessness and team-first mindset will make them great teammates and add value to our culture right away. We can’t wait to see what they will accomplish over their careers.”

Jones, a 5’8″ defensive specialist/libero joins the Cougars from Blue Valley High School where she served as a three-year captain for the Tigers. In 2021, she won an open national championship with Pohaku Volleyball Club before placing second in state competition with Blue Valley. As a senior, she earned a 2.3 passing score.

“Claire brings so many things to our team,” said Paulus. “She has such a strong foundation in her passing and defensive abilities. She is an individual who values her connections with teammates and staff. Those around her are encouraged by her consistency, love of the sport, and demeanor.”

Nordmann, a 6’2″ middle blocker, comes to Edwardsville from DeWitt High School where she earned All-Region and All-Conference honors. As a senior with the Panthers, she averaged 3.2 kills and 1.0 blocks per set, ranking top 10 in the state for total blocks. Nordmann wrapped her senior season with 371 kills.

“Taya values her relationships with teammates and is always striving to learn,” said Paulus. “She is an incredible blocker with the mentality to shut down opposing attackers. We are delighted to have Taya on our side of the net. Taya makes you laugh and also pushes those around her to find success.”

Robinson, a 5’11” outside hitter, comes to SIUE from Chippewa Falls High School where she helped lead the Cardinals to a 33-10 record as a senior. With Chippewa Falls, she was a three-time First Team All-Conference selection, Conference Player of the Year, and a Country Player of the Year. She recorded 364 kills, 49 service aces, 31 blocks, 330 digs, and 336 assists as a senior.

“Sophie loves volleyball,” said Paulus. “Her court and game IQ will add tremendous value to our team. She is an energetic player who finds ways to contribute to her team. Her court vision and passing depth allow her to find ways to score.”

Jones, Nordmann, and Robinson mark the first three additions to Paulus’s 2024 roster.