University of Houston Athletics
Rehr Inks three on National Signing Day
11/11/2020 3:04:00 PM | Volleyball
Cougars add height and athleticism to roster
HOUSTON – With the departure of three seniors following the upcoming season, the University of Houston Volleyball program has added three student-athletes to its 2021 roster, Houston Head Coach David Rehr announced Wednesday.
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The class features a pair of outside hitters in Grace Wiley and Ryleigh Whitekettle, along with a middle blocker in Barakat Rahmon.
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Below is an in-depth look of the three additions, as well as how Rehr believes each one will contribute to the program.
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GRACE WILEY
Outside Hitter / 6-2
The Woodlands, Texas
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REHR ON WILEY
Grace Wiley is a someone we believe has the potential to be an All-Conference selection during her time at the University of Houston. She's a six-rotation player who has all the tools in the front row and is just as solid in the backrow. She is someone who has played the game at an elite level and has a very high volleyball IQ. Grace is very family oriented and we are proud she decided to stay home and represent her hometown.
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HIGH SCHOOL
Led the CHSM Knights to a National Championship in 2018 and the FBCHA Eagles to a National Championship in 2020 … Awarded the 2017 Home School Volleyball All-American Team and the Home School Volleyball National Overall Player of the Year in 2020.
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PERSONAL
Daughter of Sam and Jenny Wiley … Has four siblings; Seth, Anna, Ben, and Max … Volunteers with her local church … Lists her mom as her biggest inspiration … Enjoys camping and playing games.
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BARAKAT RAHMON
Middle Blocker / 6-1
Oakdale, Minn.
Tartan HS
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REHR ON RAHMON
Barakat Rahmon is one of the most physical volleyball players I have seen. She is a natural athlete and a tremendous jumper. She will raise the level of play in our gym and has the potential to be a great blocker at the collegiate level. Barakat is someone who we believe is going to develop into an outstanding player for our volleyball program.Â
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HIGH SCHOOL
Earned three letters in her high school career, having also lettered in track and basketball her freshman year … Guided her club team to a Winter Classic Championship in Milwaukee during the 2019 season … Landed a spot on the North Pacific Juniors national team, after beginning her volleyball career her freshman year of high school.
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PERSONAL
Daughter of Kudirat Rahmon … Comes from an athletic family, with siblings that have played football and competed for wrestling, and track and field teams … Plans to major in psychology … Involved with the National Honor Society and student government in high school … Enjoys hiking and drawing in her free time.
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RYLEIGH WHITEKETTLE
Outside Hitter / 6-5
Sneads Ferry, N.C.
Dixson HS
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REHR ON WHITEKETTLE
Ryleigh Whitekettle is someone we are really excited to get in our gym. She is a gifted athlete with incredible size and has the versatility to play different positions across the front row. We believe with her willingness to learn and her determined work ethic, she is going to have an incredible career here at the University of Houston.
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HIGH SCHOOL
Landed a spot on the All-Area first team in 2019 … Earned All-Conference honors in back-to-back years from 2018-19 … Named her team's Offensive MVP from 2017-19 … Awarded thee 2020 preseason Player of the year … Finished her 2019 season with 327 kills, 193 digs, 89 blocks and 51 aces … Also competed on the basketball and softball team for two years, having earned an all-conference honor in basketball.
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PERSONAL
Daughter of Brett and Stephanie Whitekettle … Has a brother, Noah, who plays football at UNC Pembroke … Lists her mom as her biggest inspiration … Aspires to become a criminal psychologist or lawyer … Volunteers at annual beach cleanups and kids volleyball camps … Enjoys playing sports, learning statistics, baking and art in her free time.
 STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarVB, and "Like" UHCougarVB on Facebook.Â
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.
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– UHCougars.com –
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The class features a pair of outside hitters in Grace Wiley and Ryleigh Whitekettle, along with a middle blocker in Barakat Rahmon.
Â
Below is an in-depth look of the three additions, as well as how Rehr believes each one will contribute to the program.
Â
GRACE WILEY
Outside Hitter / 6-2
The Woodlands, Texas
Â
REHR ON WILEY
Grace Wiley is a someone we believe has the potential to be an All-Conference selection during her time at the University of Houston. She's a six-rotation player who has all the tools in the front row and is just as solid in the backrow. She is someone who has played the game at an elite level and has a very high volleyball IQ. Grace is very family oriented and we are proud she decided to stay home and represent her hometown.
Â
HIGH SCHOOL
Led the CHSM Knights to a National Championship in 2018 and the FBCHA Eagles to a National Championship in 2020 … Awarded the 2017 Home School Volleyball All-American Team and the Home School Volleyball National Overall Player of the Year in 2020.
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PERSONAL
Daughter of Sam and Jenny Wiley … Has four siblings; Seth, Anna, Ben, and Max … Volunteers with her local church … Lists her mom as her biggest inspiration … Enjoys camping and playing games.
Â
BARAKAT RAHMON
Middle Blocker / 6-1
Oakdale, Minn.
Tartan HS
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REHR ON RAHMON
Barakat Rahmon is one of the most physical volleyball players I have seen. She is a natural athlete and a tremendous jumper. She will raise the level of play in our gym and has the potential to be a great blocker at the collegiate level. Barakat is someone who we believe is going to develop into an outstanding player for our volleyball program.Â
Â
HIGH SCHOOL
Earned three letters in her high school career, having also lettered in track and basketball her freshman year … Guided her club team to a Winter Classic Championship in Milwaukee during the 2019 season … Landed a spot on the North Pacific Juniors national team, after beginning her volleyball career her freshman year of high school.
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PERSONAL
Daughter of Kudirat Rahmon … Comes from an athletic family, with siblings that have played football and competed for wrestling, and track and field teams … Plans to major in psychology … Involved with the National Honor Society and student government in high school … Enjoys hiking and drawing in her free time.
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RYLEIGH WHITEKETTLE
Outside Hitter / 6-5
Sneads Ferry, N.C.
Dixson HS
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REHR ON WHITEKETTLE
Ryleigh Whitekettle is someone we are really excited to get in our gym. She is a gifted athlete with incredible size and has the versatility to play different positions across the front row. We believe with her willingness to learn and her determined work ethic, she is going to have an incredible career here at the University of Houston.
Â
HIGH SCHOOL
Landed a spot on the All-Area first team in 2019 … Earned All-Conference honors in back-to-back years from 2018-19 … Named her team's Offensive MVP from 2017-19 … Awarded thee 2020 preseason Player of the year … Finished her 2019 season with 327 kills, 193 digs, 89 blocks and 51 aces … Also competed on the basketball and softball team for two years, having earned an all-conference honor in basketball.
Â
PERSONAL
Daughter of Brett and Stephanie Whitekettle … Has a brother, Noah, who plays football at UNC Pembroke … Lists her mom as her biggest inspiration … Aspires to become a criminal psychologist or lawyer … Volunteers at annual beach cleanups and kids volleyball camps … Enjoys playing sports, learning statistics, baking and art in her free time.
 STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Volleyball on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarVB, and "Like" UHCougarVB on Facebook.Â
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.
Â
– UHCougars.com –
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