Saint Louis head volleyball coach Kent Miller has announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to attend the University and play for the Billikens beginning next fall.
The four new Billikens are 5-foot-9 outside hitter Giovanna Charles (Grand Prairie, Texas/Life High School Waxahachie), 5-5 libero/setter Cayce Chaykowsky (Henderson, Ky./Henderson County H.S.), 6-2 middle blocker Sara Daniels (Pooler, Ga./Calvary Day School) and 5-11 outside/middle hitter Isabelle Walsh (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper Saint Clair H.S.).
“We are excited to add a group of such high-level student-athletes to our program,” Miller said. “As we continue to raise our volleyball program to new heights, each of these recruits will have a significant impact on our success throughout their careers. They also exemplify the strategic objectives of education, competition and building community that are the cornerstones of our athletics department.”
Charles twice earned first-team All-District honors, team Most Valuable Player accolades, district “Best Hitter” recognition and Academic All-District plaudits. She was named to the 2017 Edgewood Invitational All-Tournament team and once recorded 33 kills in a match. Charles is a National Honor Society member and has made Life’s A and AB honor rolls.
“Giovanna combines extraordinary athletic ability with a great feel for the game,” Miller said. “She is a dedicated team player, and that will be an important factor in helping our team compete at the highest level.”
Chaykowsky played in a successful Henderson County program that captured three region titles and reached the 2015 state semifinals, where she earned All-Tournament honors. Also active in club volleyball, she has competed for AVA, Alliance Volleyball and USAV High Performance. Chaykowsky, who also lettered in swimming, is class salutatorian and a National Honor Society member who carries a 4.54 grade point average.
“Cayce is a fantastic defensive player who will bring a ton of energy to the gym every day,” Miller said. “She expects to get every ball and will stop at nothing else.”
Daniels has garnered All-State and region Player of the Year laurels. She had helped Calvary Day capture three state championships – including this season, when the Cavaliers went 32-5 – and two region titles. Daniels also has played for Club Savannah and USAV High Performance. Daniels, who also lettered in swimming, is a four-year Principal’s List student and a National Honor Society member who owns a 4.5 GPA.
“Sara brings an impressive presence to the net, both as an attacker and as a blocker,” Miller said. “She has high-level experience that will help her impact our program early in her career. Sara brings a fun and competitive attitude to the gym every day.”
Walsh has collected first-team All-State, first-team All-Section and first-team All-Conference honors, as well as a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Player of the Week nod. She has played club volleyball with Pittsburgh Elite, which claimed a national third-place finish, and with Pittsburgh Juniors. Walsh is a National Honor Society member.
“Isabelle is a dynamic athlete who has tremendous potential to be a force in the Atlantic 10 Conference,” Miller said. “She has a great outlook and works extraordinarily hard to build her game. Isabelle has proven that she can carry a team, and that will help her at the next level.”
