.png&width=48&height=48&type=webp)
University of Houston Athletics
Volleyball Signs Three for 2017
11/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
HOUSTON -- Houston Volleyball Head Coach Kaddie Platt announced the signing of Ryan Emmert, Abby Irvine and Gabi Zelaya to National Letters of Intent on Friday afternoon.
"It's great that we continue to bring in Houston area athletes to our program while still attracting players at the national level," Platt said. "Abby and Gabi will have a big impact on the program enrolling in January. They are hard-working, committed student-athletes that have played high level volleyball. After recruiting these student-athletes for several years now, the time has finally arrived and we are excited to get them on campus."
| Name | Ht. | Pos. | High School / Club Team | Hometown |
| Ryan Emmert | 6-3 | MB | Norman HS / Oklahoma Peak Performance | Norman, Okla. |
| Abby Irvine | 5-7 | S/OH | Willis HS/ Woodlands Revolution | Willis, Texas |
| Gabi Zelaya | 5-10 | OH | Concordia Lutheran HS / Houston Juniors | Tomball,Texas |
Ryan Emmert
6-3 | MB | Norman, Okla. | Norman HS/Oklahoma Peak Performance
Emmert is a 6-3 middle blocker out of Norman, Okla. She was a four-year letterwinner at Norman High School and played club for Oklahoma Peak Performance. As a senior, Emmert was named first-team all- conference and was the leading blocker in the state of Oklahoma with 110 total blocks averaging four per set. As a junior, she helped NHS capture its first regional championship in 13 years, earning offensive player of the year, first team all-conference and second team all-city laurels.
Platt on Emmert
"Ryan is a big presence at the net who works extremely hard in defense and transition. Offensively, Ryan is a consistent option and has unlimited potential. With her work ethic, size and determination, she is going to be great. We are excited to get Ryan on campus. She will be a difference maker for Houston Volleyball."
Abby Irvine
5-7 | S/OH | Willis, Texas | Willis HS/Woodlands Wave
Irvine is a 5-7 setter/outside hitter out of Willis, Texas. She was a four-year letterwinner at Willis High School and played club for the Woodlands Revolution. A three-time MVP at WHS, Irvine totaled 2,002 assists, 1,505 kills, 1,349 digs and 198 aces across her prep career. As a senior, she was the District 18-5A Setter of the Year and named to the Under Armour All-American Watch List. As a junior, Irvine was named the District 18-5A MVP. As a sophomore, she was the District 18-5A Offensive Player of the Year. As a freshman, Irvine was the District 18-4A Setter of the Year. She garnered all-academic honors all four years.
Platt on Irvine
"Abby is a difference maker. As a setter, she has great location and vision. She does a great job reading defenses. She is an offensive setter who can put her hitters in great positions to score. Abby has experience playing multiple positions and plays great defensive. We are excited about her future as a Coog."
Gabi Zelaya
5-10 | OH | Concordia Lutheran HS/Houston Juniors | Tomball, Texas
Zelaya, (pronounced ZUH-lie-yuh) is a 5-10 outside hitter out of Tomball, Texas. She is a four-year letterwinner at Concordia Lutheran High School and played club for the Houston Juniors. At CLHS, Zelaya helped the Crusaders to two district championships and four runs to the Texas Class 6A State Tournament. She was a four-time all-district and all-state player, three-time team captain, twice named to the all-state all-tournament team and left as the school's all-time kill leader.
Platt on Zelaya
"We are excited about Gabi. She will have an immediate impact on the program. She has both power and finesse, and is a much-needed terminator with ball control. Gabi is competitive and has great poise during competition. She has a great work ethic and a relentless mentality. She is going to do great things for Houston Volleyball."
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter @UHCougarVB and "Like" /HoustonCougarVolleyball on Facebook. Houston Volleyball is now on Instagram as well at UHCougarVB.
SHASTA PASS
The Houston Athletics Ticket Office is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2016-17 athletic season. For only $80, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $5 for all four sports. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
JOIN POINT HOUSTON CLUB
Fans can help support the Houston Volleyball program by joining the Point HOUSTON Club. To find out more information about the Point HOUSTON Club, visit UHCougars.com or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GOUH.
