Cleveland State Volleyball is excited to welcome five freshmen to their 2020 roster. Head Volleyball Coach Alizabeth Atnip looks forward to seeing what this recruiting class can contribute in her second season at the helm.

"Our recruiting class of 2020 promises to be dynamic on all levels," said Atnip. "We have a well-rounded group of players incoming and I expect them to make a big impact. The talent level equals the motivation. Every athlete shows such passion for the sport of volleyball. Each girl has the desire and fire that we look for in our program. I'm thrilled to see these players develop as this team flourishes."

Now, let's meet the incoming class of freshmen.

Claire Beasley is a 5'8" right side hitter and setter from Athens, Tenn. and a graduate of McMinn County High School. Beasley played four years for the Lady Cherokees and also played three years of travel volleyball for Victory Volleyball Academy. She was the recipient of the 2020 FCA Christian Athlete of the Year award for the Ocoee Region. A fun fact about Beasley is that she currently works as a Pharmacy Tech at Walgreens.

"I'm super excited about this opportunity not only to expand on my volleyball career and learn more about the sport I love, but I'm also excited about having a new family with this team," said Beasley. "Already, Coach A and her girls have been so welcoming and nice from just the little time we've had to interact. This opportunity means so much to me because I always knew I didn't want to leave volleyball behind in high school. But, playing at a school with a new program meant that playing at the next level in college was an opportunity I never really thought I would have. I'm very thankful for my coaches who worked extremely hard getting in contact with college coaches so our team had the best opportunities possible."

Diemond Simpson is a 5'5" defensive specialist and outside hitter from Dalton, Ga. and a graduate of Dalton High School. Simpson played five years of varsity volleyball for the Lady Catamounts and also played five years of travel volleyball. Simpson was named a Coaches' Pick and also was a member of the National Honor Society. A couple of fun facts about Simpson is that she is the youngest of seven children, is a pro  at Just Dance, and also loves to go mudding in her free time.

Grace Wiggins is a 5'8" outside hitter from Madisonville, Tenn. and a graduate of Sequoyah High School. In her time playing for the Lady Chiefs, she was named All-District all four years of high school and also won multiple Most Valuable Player awards. A fun fact about Wiggins is that she coached her county's first ever middle school volleyball team.

"I am very excited to play at Cleveland State, because it gives me the chance to not only continue my academics, but to play a sport that I love," said Wiggins.

5'4" Kacie Hughes is from Tullahoma, Tenn. and was homeschooled. While in high school, she also graduated from a Dental Assistant program and was named the salutatorian of her class there. 

Hughes' high school coach Donnie Kinser looks forward to seeing how she will contribute to the Lady Cougars and be an uplifting teammate. "Kacie brought hustle to the game as a true team player that inspired those around her to play their best," Kinser said. "So many times during her career she seemed to come out of nowhere to keep the ball in play. Playing at the next level for Cleveland State, Kacie's hustle and unselfish attitude will again encourage those around her to bring their A game! I look forward to seeing her play this fall."

Madison Miner is a 5'5" defensive specialist and libero from Madisonville, Tenn. and she is a Sequoyah High School graduate. In her time playing for the Lady Chiefs, she earned First Team All-District and All-County honors and was also named Defensive Player of the Year. Miner will also play Softball for Cleveland State in the spring.

"I am excited about playing volleyball at Cleveland State and to experience the feel of college athletics," said Miner. "I will gain so many friendships and lessons to help me in life. Signing with Cleveland State means I have the opportunity to continue to play the sport I love and get an education that most people cannot receive. I cannot wait to give it my all for Cleveland State!" 

You can catch all of these exciting new Lady Cougars this fall as Volleyball takes the court. Stay tuned to cscougars.com for more information on the 2020 Volleyball season.