Volleyball Lands Elite Class for 2018
11/08/17 | Women's Volleyball
Oregon volleyball has signed five players to National Letters of Intent to join the program in 2018, making up one of the most elite recruiting classes both in the nation and in program history
EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon volleyball head coach Matt Ulmer announced on Wednesday that five players have signed National Letters of Intent to join the program in 2018, making up one of the most elite recruiting classes both in the nation and in Oregon history.
The Ducks' 2018 class includes the highest-ranked recruit in program history, two players ranked in the top 15 on the Senior Aces list by prepvolleyball.com, four ranked in the top 100 and three Under Armour first-team all-Americans.
"This could not be a better class for us," Ulmer said. "We bring in skill, size and athleticism, but on top of that, we are getting leadership, toughness and problem solvers. I am so excited for this group to blend with our current roster. Greatness is ahead for Oregon volleyball and our fans are going to love it."
KARSON BACON
Middle Blocker | Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. | Rancho Cucamonga HS | Senior Aces: No. 11
About Karson: Standing at 6'4", Bacon is a dominant force in the middle as a terrific blocker with excellent vision and great body control. An Under Armour first-team all-American, Bacon was a four-year starter at Rancho Cucamonga High School and starred for the Tstreet Volleyball Club, and she has added versatility this year as a senior by moving to outside hitter out of need. Bacon hit better than .400 in each of her first three high school seasons, while being a dominant force on the block. Bacon's height, length and athleticism should be an ideal fit for the Ducks' quick-tempo offense. She signs with Oregon as one of two top-15 recruits for the Ducks.
Ulmer's Take: "Karson is the most physically gifted athlete this program has ever seen. She is extremely intimidating to the opposition with her blocking ability. Karson touches 10'7" and has the quickest lateral first step that I have seen from someone her height. She is a lethal scorer from anywhere on the floor and is capable of playing above most blocks. Karson expects to make great plays and is very cerebral. I am thrilled to see what she will accomplish as a Duck."
Karson's Take: "I chose the University of Oregon because of the campus, the facilities and the city of Eugene., All of the people I met while visiting the campus set Oregon apart from other schools. I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the University of Oregon."
CHANDLAR DUFF
Middle Blocker | Grosse Pointe South HS | Grosse Pointe, Mich. | Senior Aces: No. 92
About Chandlar: Along with Bacon, Duff provides the Ducks with another big, dynamic athlete coming in as a middle blocker. Long and lean at 6'2", Duff's speed and lateral movement enables her to be a tremendous blocker in the middle. Duff played for Grosse Pointe South High School and Legacy Volleyball Club, and she was a key member of the Legacy 16 Elite squad that finished top five nationally. A sprinter in high school, Duff's speed and athleticism should make for an exciting and explosive player for the Ducks.
Ulmer's Take: "Chandlar has the best smile in the gym. Her constant energy and passion is going to help her grow into a big-time middle blocker. Chandlar is quick and long limbed, she has a whip of an arm and effortless jump. She glides when she attacks and has great blocking instincts. Chandlar has all of the physical tools to be a dominating force at the net and I am so pumped to watch her game develop every day."
Chandlar's Take: "I toured many schools throughout my recruitment process and none of them hit home like Oregon! I chose Oregon because to me, besides playing college volleyball, I wanted the campus and the area that I would soon call home to be everything I ever imagined, like the education, being surrounded by other high-level recruits and, mainly, the coaching staff. Once I met Matt, I had an instant connection and knew I wanted to further my volleyball career with him as my coach at the University of Oregon."
BROOKE NUNEVILLER
Outside Hitter | Tempe, Ariz. | Corona del Sol HS | Senior Aces: No. 27
About Brooke: The lone outside hitter coming in for the Ducks, Nuneviller is regarded as one of the best pure volleyball players in the entire 2018 class. She is known for her passion and energy, and brings with her a lot of versatility for the Ducks. Nuneviller starred at outside hitter at Corona del Sol High School and for Aspire VBC, where she was named an all-American in the 17 Open division, but she also served as the libero for the USA Youth National Team the past two summers. Nunevilller was also named to the Under Armour first-team all-American team, and she has a history of winning after leading Corona del Sol to a state title. With great leaping ability, a huge arm and much improved passing in serve receive, Nuneviller should have plenty of opportunities to contribute with the Ducks.
Ulmer's Take: "When someone like Brooke decides to be a part of your program, you know you're doing things the right way. Brooke will be a leader the day she steps on campus. She has been playing volleyball since her parents would let her. Her volleyball IQ is off the charts as well as her passion for the game and her teammates. Brooke plays with an energy that I've never seen before and that will automatically enhance our culture. Brooke demands excellence from everyone around her, and she will get it."
Brooke's Take: "I chose Oregon because I feel like that is the school that I would be the best fit for. I know I will create so many life-long friendships and I know the staff will be like my family. Matt becoming the head coach and Dave (Butler) the assistant was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to become a Duck!"
KYLIE ROBINSON
Setter | Claremont, Calif. | Claremont High School | Senior Aces: No. 8
About Kylie: Robinson signs with the Ducks as the highest-ranked recruit in Oregon volleyball history at No. 8 on the Senior Aces list, two spots ahead of Ronika Stone (2016). Robinson provides needed depth at the setter position with senior Maggie Scott graduating this year, and brings with her an impressive pedigree and a tremendous volleyball IQ. Robinson switched from outside hitter to setter out of need as a freshman, and has become an elite talent at the setter position. Last summer, Robinson led her San Gabriel Elite club team to a national third-place finish, earning all-tournament honors. The daughter of a former Panamanian Olympic sprinter, Robinson brings with her tremendous athleticism to compliment excellent ball-handling skills.
Ulmer's Take: "Kylie is the highest-ranked recruit in program history and she is a complete game-changer from the setting position. The combination of her skill set and athleticism is rarely seen in our sport. There is nothing not to love about Kylie. She is a phenomenal student, teammate and friend. She competes and lives with such humility and desire. Duck fans will be amazed at how easy she makes running an offense look."
Kylie's Take: "I chose Oregon because I thought it was the total package in what I wanted my college experience to be. Oregon is a great school with a great volleyball program consisting of many talented athletes and coaches with which I wanted to surround myself with. Also, I thought Oregon as a whole has an amazing energy. From the fans to the students, there is an endless amount of support received from being a Duck. Overall, I chose the University of Oregon because I thought it was the perfect fit for me. Go Ducks!"
CAMRYN TASTAD
Libero | Solana Beach, Calif. | Santa Fe Christian HS
About Camryn: The Ducks' third Under Armour first-team all-American commit, Tastad is a pure floor defender who will come in and compete for the Ducks' libero job with Alex Hojnar set to graduate this season. Tastad has racked up more than 1,000 career digs at Sante Fe Christian High School, while also starring as the libero for the Wave Volleyball Club. Small in stature at 5'3", Tastad will be an exciting player for the Ducks with the ability to help stabilize Oregon's back-row defense.
Ulmer's Take: "Cam will be a fan favorite from day one. She is the best floor defender in the country and constantly makes plays that make you question, 'how did she do that?.' Cam is relentless, the ultimate go-getter, and will not be denied. She runs the show on defense and is a true floor general. Cam has attitude, swagger, and confidence for days and I can't wait to work with her."
Camryn's Take: "I chose Oregon because of the dedicated coaching staff, the high-level program and the girls on the team. After visiting for the first time, I knew instantly that I had found my future home. SCO DUCKS!"
The Ducks' 2018 class includes the highest-ranked recruit in program history, two players ranked in the top 15 on the Senior Aces list by prepvolleyball.com, four ranked in the top 100 and three Under Armour first-team all-Americans.
"This could not be a better class for us," Ulmer said. "We bring in skill, size and athleticism, but on top of that, we are getting leadership, toughness and problem solvers. I am so excited for this group to blend with our current roster. Greatness is ahead for Oregon volleyball and our fans are going to love it."
KARSON BACON
Middle Blocker | Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. | Rancho Cucamonga HS | Senior Aces: No. 11
About Karson: Standing at 6'4", Bacon is a dominant force in the middle as a terrific blocker with excellent vision and great body control. An Under Armour first-team all-American, Bacon was a four-year starter at Rancho Cucamonga High School and starred for the Tstreet Volleyball Club, and she has added versatility this year as a senior by moving to outside hitter out of need. Bacon hit better than .400 in each of her first three high school seasons, while being a dominant force on the block. Bacon's height, length and athleticism should be an ideal fit for the Ducks' quick-tempo offense. She signs with Oregon as one of two top-15 recruits for the Ducks.
Ulmer's Take: "Karson is the most physically gifted athlete this program has ever seen. She is extremely intimidating to the opposition with her blocking ability. Karson touches 10'7" and has the quickest lateral first step that I have seen from someone her height. She is a lethal scorer from anywhere on the floor and is capable of playing above most blocks. Karson expects to make great plays and is very cerebral. I am thrilled to see what she will accomplish as a Duck."
Karson's Take: "I chose the University of Oregon because of the campus, the facilities and the city of Eugene., All of the people I met while visiting the campus set Oregon apart from other schools. I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the University of Oregon."
CHANDLAR DUFF
Middle Blocker | Grosse Pointe South HS | Grosse Pointe, Mich. | Senior Aces: No. 92
About Chandlar: Along with Bacon, Duff provides the Ducks with another big, dynamic athlete coming in as a middle blocker. Long and lean at 6'2", Duff's speed and lateral movement enables her to be a tremendous blocker in the middle. Duff played for Grosse Pointe South High School and Legacy Volleyball Club, and she was a key member of the Legacy 16 Elite squad that finished top five nationally. A sprinter in high school, Duff's speed and athleticism should make for an exciting and explosive player for the Ducks.
Ulmer's Take: "Chandlar has the best smile in the gym. Her constant energy and passion is going to help her grow into a big-time middle blocker. Chandlar is quick and long limbed, she has a whip of an arm and effortless jump. She glides when she attacks and has great blocking instincts. Chandlar has all of the physical tools to be a dominating force at the net and I am so pumped to watch her game develop every day."
Chandlar's Take: "I toured many schools throughout my recruitment process and none of them hit home like Oregon! I chose Oregon because to me, besides playing college volleyball, I wanted the campus and the area that I would soon call home to be everything I ever imagined, like the education, being surrounded by other high-level recruits and, mainly, the coaching staff. Once I met Matt, I had an instant connection and knew I wanted to further my volleyball career with him as my coach at the University of Oregon."
BROOKE NUNEVILLER
Outside Hitter | Tempe, Ariz. | Corona del Sol HS | Senior Aces: No. 27
About Brooke: The lone outside hitter coming in for the Ducks, Nuneviller is regarded as one of the best pure volleyball players in the entire 2018 class. She is known for her passion and energy, and brings with her a lot of versatility for the Ducks. Nuneviller starred at outside hitter at Corona del Sol High School and for Aspire VBC, where she was named an all-American in the 17 Open division, but she also served as the libero for the USA Youth National Team the past two summers. Nunevilller was also named to the Under Armour first-team all-American team, and she has a history of winning after leading Corona del Sol to a state title. With great leaping ability, a huge arm and much improved passing in serve receive, Nuneviller should have plenty of opportunities to contribute with the Ducks.
Ulmer's Take: "When someone like Brooke decides to be a part of your program, you know you're doing things the right way. Brooke will be a leader the day she steps on campus. She has been playing volleyball since her parents would let her. Her volleyball IQ is off the charts as well as her passion for the game and her teammates. Brooke plays with an energy that I've never seen before and that will automatically enhance our culture. Brooke demands excellence from everyone around her, and she will get it."
Brooke's Take: "I chose Oregon because I feel like that is the school that I would be the best fit for. I know I will create so many life-long friendships and I know the staff will be like my family. Matt becoming the head coach and Dave (Butler) the assistant was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to become a Duck!"
KYLIE ROBINSON
Setter | Claremont, Calif. | Claremont High School | Senior Aces: No. 8
About Kylie: Robinson signs with the Ducks as the highest-ranked recruit in Oregon volleyball history at No. 8 on the Senior Aces list, two spots ahead of Ronika Stone (2016). Robinson provides needed depth at the setter position with senior Maggie Scott graduating this year, and brings with her an impressive pedigree and a tremendous volleyball IQ. Robinson switched from outside hitter to setter out of need as a freshman, and has become an elite talent at the setter position. Last summer, Robinson led her San Gabriel Elite club team to a national third-place finish, earning all-tournament honors. The daughter of a former Panamanian Olympic sprinter, Robinson brings with her tremendous athleticism to compliment excellent ball-handling skills.
Ulmer's Take: "Kylie is the highest-ranked recruit in program history and she is a complete game-changer from the setting position. The combination of her skill set and athleticism is rarely seen in our sport. There is nothing not to love about Kylie. She is a phenomenal student, teammate and friend. She competes and lives with such humility and desire. Duck fans will be amazed at how easy she makes running an offense look."
Kylie's Take: "I chose Oregon because I thought it was the total package in what I wanted my college experience to be. Oregon is a great school with a great volleyball program consisting of many talented athletes and coaches with which I wanted to surround myself with. Also, I thought Oregon as a whole has an amazing energy. From the fans to the students, there is an endless amount of support received from being a Duck. Overall, I chose the University of Oregon because I thought it was the perfect fit for me. Go Ducks!"
CAMRYN TASTAD
Libero | Solana Beach, Calif. | Santa Fe Christian HS
About Camryn: The Ducks' third Under Armour first-team all-American commit, Tastad is a pure floor defender who will come in and compete for the Ducks' libero job with Alex Hojnar set to graduate this season. Tastad has racked up more than 1,000 career digs at Sante Fe Christian High School, while also starring as the libero for the Wave Volleyball Club. Small in stature at 5'3", Tastad will be an exciting player for the Ducks with the ability to help stabilize Oregon's back-row defense.
Ulmer's Take: "Cam will be a fan favorite from day one. She is the best floor defender in the country and constantly makes plays that make you question, 'how did she do that?.' Cam is relentless, the ultimate go-getter, and will not be denied. She runs the show on defense and is a true floor general. Cam has attitude, swagger, and confidence for days and I can't wait to work with her."
Camryn's Take: "I chose Oregon because of the dedicated coaching staff, the high-level program and the girls on the team. After visiting for the first time, I knew instantly that I had found my future home. SCO DUCKS!"
Players Mentioned
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