Emory Head Volleyball Coach Jenny McDowell has announced that the following student-athletes will be attending Emory in the fall of 2021 and be competing for the Eagles' program.

"We are extremely excited about this incoming freshman class," McDowell said.  "They have each played at the highest level of junior volleyball, and they bring a wealth of talent, experience and drive.   There is no doubt that they are going to make an immediate impact on our program and lead us to more championships.   This is a special group and I know they are committed to our culture of excellence both on and off the court."

The following are brief sketches of the 2025 class.

Madison Cail (MH, 6-0, Charlotte, NC/Providence Senior HS) – Four-year varsity competitor for the Providence Senior High School program where she played for head coach Margaret Malone … Served as team co-captain her senior year … Captured Class 4A All-State honors her final season as voted by the North Carolina Volleyball Coaches Association … Helped her squad to a record of 18-1 and a spot in the title match of the Class 4A state championships … Topped PSHS in kills … Captured SoMeck 7 All-Conference acclaim on two occasions … Plays for the Carolina Union Volleyball Club where she is coached by John Brannon.

(Coach McDowell on Cail) -  Madison is a special talent!  She was the #1 middle hitter on our recruiting list from day one.  She is dynamic, quick off the floor and has the heart of a champion.  She is a relentless competitor that expects to win every time she steps on the court.  She wants the ball when its 13-13 in the 5th set, she thrives in the pressure moments. 

Alana Dawson (RS, League City, TX/Clear Springs HS) – Four-year veteran of the Clear Springs High School Volleyball program … Was coached by Shannon McClellan … Team captain as a junior and senior … Three-time all-district performer with two berths on the first team … First Team All-Galveston County her final two seasons … Was chosen as the District 24-6A Offensive MVP her final campaign … Selected as her prep team's Offensive MVP as a junior and senior .. Earned three All-District Academic Awards … Greater Houston Volleyball Association All-Academic Team … National Honor Society member for three years … Mu Alpha Theta … Science Honor Society ... English Honor Society … AP Scholar with Honor.

(Coach McDowell on Dawson) - Alana Dawson can flat out put the ball on the floor.  I have seen very few hitters with Alana's strength and hitting ability.  She has great shots to go along with her unrivaled power.  Plus, her ability to get off the floor makes her a dynamic blocker.  She is truly a 6-rotation player that is as effective in the backrow as she is in the front row.  

Deborah Hong (L/DS, 5-5, La Canada Flintridge, CA/Polytechnic HS) – Competed four years on the Polytechnic High Volleyball Team … Was coached by former Emory standout Katrina Damasco-Dicipulo … Team captain as a senior … 2018 All-CIF Southern Section honoree … Prep League First Team on two occasions … Member of the AVCA Phenom Watchlist in 2020 …2017 Pasadena Sports All-Star Team … Plays club volleyball for Mizuno Long Beach where she is mentored by Joy Fuerbringer … Tabbed to Prep Volleyball's Defensive Dandies Team.

(Coach McDowell on Hong) - Deb was our top defensive priority for the past three years.  She is one of the quickest defenders I have ever seen.  She can cover more than half the court on her own.  She has the aggressive mindset of a hitter in the backrow.  She is the type of defender that every hitter wants to play with...the ball never hits the floor.  She is going to have a great career at Emory. 

Jessica Majka (OH, 5-11, Palos Verdes Estates, CA/Palos Verdes HS) – Three-year varsity member of the volleyball team at Palos Verdes High School … Was coached by Patrick Lynch … Served as team captain her senior season … All-Bay League First Team selection … 2019 recipient of her team's Most Improved Player Award … PVHS to a Division 2 title at the Dave Mohs Tournament and earned all-tourney kudos in the process … Played four campaigns of varsity beach volleyball ... Plays for the Sunshine Volleyball Club where she is coached by Cari Klein.

(Coach McDowell on Majka) - Jessica is a tremendous all-around great player with an unbelievable work ethic. She has the complete game for a 6 rotation Outside Hitter.  Jessica comes to Emory after an awesome club and high school career and will raise the level of our gym with her competitive spirit and passion for the game. The sky is the limit for Jessica!