Lions add six newcomers to volleyball team

• The Texas A&M-Commerce volleyball team has added six new players to their roster this spring. The newcomers are, from left to right, Kylie Bray, MJ Klaumann, Brooke Box, Semaj Cox, Savannah Jennings, and Neveah Smith. Lion Athletics Photo

COMMERCE — Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball program has added six newcomers this spring, as announced by coach Joe Morales.

Of the six newcomers added this spring, four are transfers and two are freshmen. The Lions go into the 2024 season with nine newcomers as three were signed prior to the spring semester.

Here is the full list of the Lion newcomers: 1. Ellie Baumert* 2. Brooke Box 3. Kylie Bray 4. Gracie Campbell* 5. Semaj Cox 6. Savannah Jennings 7. MJ Klaumann 8. Nevaeh Smith 9. Maselina Tumuli* * — Signed prior to Spring 2024

BROOKE BOX

MB • 6-2 Spring, Texas • Klein Collins High School • University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley

Arrives to A&M-Commerce with three years of eligibility remaining, and was a part of the 2022 WAC Championship at UTRGV. Played for coach Kasey Price at Klein Collins High School. Two-time district leader in blocks. Named to 2021 6A All-Tournament team. Academic All-District. Named Player of the Game once. Team captain. Received team Leadership Award. Played for Willowbrook, CAV Volleyball, and Texas Volleyball clubs

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Daughter of Heather Sanchez. Majoring in psychology

WHY A&M-COMMERCE?

'I chose A&M-Commerce because of the amazing coaching staff. Everyone is well respected here and the campus is beautiful.'

KYLIE BRAY

DS/L • 5-7 The Woodlands, Texas • Concordia Lutheran High School • Blinn College Three-time letter winner at Concordia Lutheran High School. Earned TAPPS 6A All-State honors twice, including first team once. Two-time First-Team All-District, Second-Team once. Houston Open MVP, named to Private School All-Tournament team. Three-time Academic All-State. Surpassed the 1,000 career digs mark. Placed third in the state playoffs twice. GJNC National Champion at Texas Legacy volleyball club

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Daughter of Lori and Brian Winders. Majoring in Kinesiology with a focus in Allied Health

WHY A&M-COMMERCE?

'I chose A&M-Commerce because of the fun and friendly team as well as the amazing coaching staff, friendly and welcoming community in Commerce!'

SEMAJ COX

DS/L • 5-2 Missouri City, Texas • Elkins High School Four-time letter winner for coach Lakyva Bason at Elkins High School. Recorded over 1,300 career digs. Named 2023 District 20-6A Defensive Player of the Year. Three-time First-Team All-District, Second-Team All-District once. 2023 Fort Bend ISD Defensive Player of the Year. Two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Fourtime Academic All-District. Three-time Fort Bend ISD Academic Excellence Award winner. Played for the Houston Juniors, Houston Skyline, and Chicago Elite Volleyball clubs

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Daughter of Biagi and Eddie Cox. Majoring in Business-Pre Law.

WHY A&M-COMMERCE?

'After visiting many schools, I chose A&M-Commerce because it felt like home. Walking around campus interacting with the staff, counselors, students and coaches it felt like home, and I feel safe here.'

SAVANNAH JENNINGS

S • 5-10 Tomball, Texas • Rosehill Christian High School • Lee University Arrives to A&M-Commerce with three years of eligibility remaining. Named to All-District team twice at Rosehill Christian High School. Earned District MVP honors. Academic All-District honoree. Four-time District, Area, and Regional champions. Played for the Woodlands Revolution and Texas Legacy volleyball clubs

PERSONAL INFORMATION Daughter of Leslie and Jeff Jennings. Mother, Leslie, played volleyball at Lamar. Majoring in communications

WHY A&M-COMMERCE?

'I chose A&M-Commerce because of the supportive volleyball staff. They had belief in me that I could have not only a great volleyball career, but that I could find a home within the Commerce community, and have the reality of being a true student-athlete.'

MJ KLAUMANN

RS • 6-4 Emerald Isle, N.C. • Croatan High School • University of Southern California Upstate Played two seasons at USC Upstate, has two years of eligibility remaining. Earned Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll – Gold Award Scholar three times at USC Upstate. Recording career-high eight blocks. Was ranked fourth in the country in hitting percentage (.571) in August 2022. Letter winner in volleyball, swimming, track & field, and beach volleyball at Croatan High School. Team MVP, All-Area, and All-District honoree in volleyball. Conference Swimmer of the Year and All-Conference honoree. Placed 12th in the 50 meter freestyle at the NCHSAA State Championships and third at the NCHSAA East Regional Championships. Holds school record in the 50 meter freestyle. Threetime conference champion in volleyball, two-time in swimming. 2022 NC Beach Volleyball State Champion

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Daughter of Amelia and Tim Klaumann. Majoring in business administration

WHY A&M-COMMERCE?

'I chose A&M-Commerce because of the friendly community and good coaching staff.'

NEVAEH SMITH

RS/MB • 6-1 San Antonio, Texas • O'Connor High School Played for coach Yami Garcia at O'Connor High School. Posted career hitting percentage of .316. Named to TGCA All-Star team. Received one San Antonio Express Game Ball Played for San Antonio Juniors and San Antonio Impact volleyball club

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Daughter of Cortney Gutierrez. Majoring in biology

WHY A&M-COMMERCE?

'I chose A&M-Commerce because it is not too far from home but also just far enough. I also loved the members of the team that I met, and I feel it is a perfect fit for me!'