Volleyball Announces New Additions for 2021 Recruiting Class

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall volleyball head coach Ari Aganus announced the signing of seven new members to the Marshall Thundering Herd family for the 2021 recruiting class on Friday.

The Herd's newest additions are Alayna Corwin, Brynn Brown, Brynn Whitehair, Eden McElhaney, Essence Clerkley, Lydia Montague and Reagan McLean.

"The 2021 recruiting class is exciting to say the least," coach Aganus said. "We are bringing in a wide range of dynamic players who all compliment those returning for our 2021 season. The buy in from each player individually and pure talent make us better instantly. I am so proud of my staff for the endless hard work at recruiting such awesome young women to represent Marshall University both on and off the court."

Alayna Corwin comes to the Herd from Morgantown, W.Va., and Morgantown High School. The four-year letterwinner has had success on the court as well as the classroom. Corwin helped lead her team to OVAC Championships in 2018 and 2020. She was named an OVAC All-Conference member and was honored as Second Team All-State her junior year. Off the court, Corwin was named a four-time member of the OVAC All-Academic Team. Corwin chose Marshall because, "of the campus and of course state pride."

"Alayna is one of the hardest working and most competitive kids we will have in our program," coach Aganus said. "We strive to keep West Virginia kids, in West Virginia, and we got lucky that she's one of the best! Her love for the game, and hustle to be the best version of herself in every aspect of the game will push our program forward instantly.

Brynn Brown comes to Marshall from Toledo, Ohio and Maumee High School. Brown has compiled numerous awards during her prep career including most recently being named an AVCA High School All-Region honoree for Region 5. Along the way she has been honored as the NLL Player of the Year and District 7 Player of the Year in 2020. Brown, who totaled over 1,000 kills, assists and digs for Maumee was also named First Team NLL in 2018-20 and First Team All-District 7 2016-20. She helped lead her team to the district championship in 2019 and 2020. Brown chose Marshall because, "I love how it is a college town and Marshall is the heart of the town. It is a beautiful campus and Marshall has all of the majors that I am interested in.

"Brynn is going to instantly raise the level of play in our gym," coach Aganus said. "She is one of the most dynamic setter's I've recruited having the full package of setting, defense, and attacking. Her work ethic on top of her talent will be an instant impact for our 2021 season."

Brynn Whitehair comes to the Herd from Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Wando High School. Whitehair was also just recently named an AVCA High School All-Region honoree (Region 3) as an AVCA 2020 Under Armour All-America Honorable Mention. She had been to the state championship numerous times but came through with the victory as a senior. Whitehair comes from an athletic family, but also one that includes many Marshall graduates and athletes. Most recently her cousins Kristine and Kelly Culicerto starred for the women's soccer team. Whitehair chose Marshall because, "of the coaching staff, players, and my family. I fell in love with Marshall when I was young. Both of my parents graduated from Marshall along with at 15 other family members, it makes me happy that I get to follow the family legacy and become a part of such a great program with great coaches and players."

"Brynn brings Legacy on top of being an amazing outside hitter to Marshall," coach Aganus said. The aggressive offense as well as her ball control and high volleyball IQ will push the level of play in our gym as soon as Brynn steps on the floor. Having so many family members attend Marshall, she is a special player who has and always will beam with Marshall Pride. Brynn is one of the toughest recruits we've had and will be a huge force for our program."

Eden McElhaney comes to Marshall from Beaver, Pa., and Beaver Area High School. She joins her sister, Macy, who transferred to Marshall in the spring of 2020. The four-year letterwinner has tallied over 1,000 kills in her prep career. McElhaney has been honored as three-time All-Section, two-time All-WPIAL and two-time All-State. She was a member of three section championships and one WPIAL title. McElhaney also garnered attention as the Beaver County Times Female Athlete of the Week. She chose Marshall because, "the beautiful campus along with the academic opportunities and team culture that it provides."

"Eden is a dynamic Outside Hitter who brings a high volleyball IQ and will be a force on the court both offensively and defensively on and off the net," coach Aganus said. "I am humbled she gets the opportunity to play alongside her sister, Macy. Eden is focused and driven and will bring a level of intensity of buy in both on and off the court."

Essence Clerkley comes to the Herd from Palestine, Texas and is transferring from Blinn College. Clerkley helped lead the Buccaneers to a 29-8 record in 2019 and ranked No. 19 in the nation in NJCAA. Last season she led the team with 107 total blocks and was second with 373 kills. Clerkley was the Region XIV Freshman of the Year and garnered First Team All-Conference honors as well while helping to lead her team to the 2019 NJCAA Region XIV Championship Tournament. Clerkley was also named NJCAA Division I Offensive Player of the Week and the Sports Imports AVCA Two-Year College Player of the Week after coming through with 43 kills and a .606 hitting percentage. She chose Marshall because, "they (Marshall) chose me. I had an unbelievable click with the coaches. I've always wanted to go far and play at a big school and it was just an all-around meet of my every need."

"Essence is a one of a kind player," coach Aganus said. "She has been around elite volleyball at Blinn for the past two years and will bring an intense piece of competition we haven't had yet before. With her court presence and all around talent, Essence will immediately step into a large role for our 2021 season."

Lydia Montague comes to Marshall from Lehi, Utah and Snow College. After starring for Lehi High School, where she was named First Team All-State in 2018 and helped lead her team to a third place finish in the state finals twice, Montague has been a force for the Badgers. In 2019 she led the team with 327 kills and 123 total blocks. Montague helped lead Snow College to a 32-4 overall record, the Rocky Mountain District Championship, the Region XVIII Championship and a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament. She was named the 2019 Region XVIII Player of the Year and a NJCAA First Team All-American. Montague chose Marshall, "for the family culture as well as the amazing coaching staff. I definitely feel that it will be the best place for me to grow and progress."

"Lydia brings a wealth of experience and has been playing at an elite junior college level with the accolades to show for it," coach Aganus said. "She will immediately impact our gym with her experience winning and competing at the highest level. I cannot wait to see what a force she will be offensively with her speed and dynamic arm. On the defensive side she's disciplined and puts up a consistent and solid block every single time. Lydia will be a great addition to help take us to the next level."

Reagan McLean comes to the Herd from Georgetown, Ky., and Great Crossing High School. McLean is the third member of the incoming class that earned AVCA High School All-Region honors (Region 5) this season. She helped lead her team to the 2019 District Championship. McLean has been honored with the 2019 Great Crossing HS Leadership Award, the 2019 preseason all-state watch list, the 2019 Ultra Ankle JVA Watchlist, the 2020 Ultra Ankle JVA Watchlist and the 2019 AVCA Phenom List. McLean chose Marshall because, "I love the coaching staff, beautiful campus, popular history, it is a well-known school with a competitive and amazing team."

"Reagan brings a level of strength and power to our gym that I expect to impact right away for the 2021 season," coach Aganus said. "Reagan has a powerful and fast arm that will be hard to defend as well as putting up a large block consistently. She works hard and will only continue to grow. Regan will be a huge strength for our program in 2021."

For all the latest information about Marshall volleyball, follow @HerdVolleyball on Twitter and Marshall University Volleyball on Facebook.

To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules, and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS or Android!

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Volleyball Announces New Additions for 2021 Recruiting Class

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