NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion volleyball and head coach Fred Chao announced five future Monarchs as part of its 2024 recruiting class.
"This recruiting class continues the momentum of growth and performance for our program," said head coach Fred Chao. "Each of them brings athleticism and skill that will make an immediate impact in the gym and will raise our competitive level quickly. They are highly accomplished in other aspects of their lives, they give back to their community, and they have a drive to work hard and achieve more. They share an enthusiasm, positivity, and humor that will make the journey enjoyable. More importantly, they bring a passion for TEAM that is contagious and will instantly connect them with our returners."
Emma Schelah | Middle Blocker/Right Side Hitter | Fuquay-Varina, N.C. | Fuquay-Varina High School
Emma Schelah is a middle blocker and right side hitter who attends Fuquay-Varina High School in North Carolina. She was selected to the JVA Watch List for the Class of 2024, is on the AVCA Phenom Watch List, and vballrecruiter.com has Schelah on its Ranked National Players and 2024 Players to Watch lists. Additionally, Prep Digs included her in its "High Flying Pins" from the Mid-East Qualifiers and she landed on the Big South Qualifier's "Others who shined" list.
An Honor Roll student, she also coaches at NC Volleyball Academy and volunteers at her local animal shelter. She will graduate early and join the Monarchs this spring semester.
"Emma brings a team mentality that is matched by her drive to be her best. She has worked hard academically and received the volleyball training that prepared her to become a Monarch a semester early. She is a versatile player, moves well laterally, has a great block presence, and we look forward to using the spring semester to see where she can make the biggest contributions," continued Chao.
Why ODU?
"I was immediately drawn to ODU because of the strong connections I felt with the coaching staff and their ambitious goals for the future of the program."
Taylynn Biggs | Middle Blocker | Fort Worth, Texas | Paschal High School
A middle blocker from Fort Worth, Texas, Taylynn Biggs has played three years of varsity at Paschal High School. An AVCA All-American and an AVCA Best and Brightest Third Team selection, she tallied 158 total blocks with 577 kills and 319 digs through 176 sets played.
Biggs also tutors fourth graders, takes multiple AP and Honors classes, is a member of her high school's film club and jokes and puzzles club, and works at a country club. Her father played football in college before joining the military and her mother played volleyball in college.
"Taylynn will add physicality to our group, along with experience playing against strong competition out of the state of Texas," Chao said of Biggs. "She understands the work needed to succeed as a middle. On top of that, she has a vibrant personality that makes being around her fun."
Why ODU?
"I chose ODU for the very welcoming and 'homey' feeling I got when I stepped onto the campus. The coaching staff and players were extremely open to me about everything and had made it seem like I was already a part of the team. Not only because of the coaches and players, but the academic side of it was also very appealing. ODU offers a marine biology major while also having a business major, let alone the location of ODU is very appealing!"
Elisabeth Levick | Setter | Hillsboro, Ore. | Glencoe High School
A setter from Hillsboro, Oregon, Elisabeth Levick attends Glencoe High School and is a three-time First Team All-League selection with a Second Team All-League nod as a freshman in 2020. This fall, she led her league with 56 service aces, led her team with 150 kills and a .263 hitting percentage, and added 120 digs to her season totals.
A member of the National Honors Society, she volunteers with Everybody Athletics, working out with adults with disabilities. She also helps conduct hearing screening at local elementary schools. Her mother played Division I volleyball at Santa Clara and her grandfather was a First Team All-American lacrosse player at Princeton.
"Elisabeth brings an athleticism and skillset that will push everyone around her to play their highest level. She plays with control and confidence and has a well-rounded game. She can set and hit and will add options to our offense. She has a compassion that will create bonds with her teammates and will strengthen our ability to overcome the toughest challenges," said Chao.
Why ODU?
"I chose ODU because of the family culture between the athletes and coaches as well as the resources they provide for athletes' academic, physical and mental health."
Grace Slovensky | Setter | Chesapeake, Va. | Great Bridge High School
A setter at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Grace Slovensky helped the Wildcats capture a Southeastern District Championship and finish 19-5 this fall. She was named to the 2022 All-Region Second Team and also earned her team's Leadership Award.
Off the court, she is a member of the National Honor Society, the National World Language Honor Society, received the Principal's Award for Academic Excellence and was named the Sports Medicine Student of the Year. She has also been active in Girl Scouts for 12 years.
On what Slovensky brings to the Monarchs, Chao said, "I have been fortunate to see Grace grow as a volleyball player over the last few years. She jumped levels year after year and as good as she is now, I'm looking forward to her continued evolution. She has a rhythm to her setting that gives her hitters success. Working with her at camps showed me how coachable she is, and she will respond well to the transition to collegiate volleyball."
Why ODU?
"ODU was a no-brainer for me. The coaching staff, campus, and academics made my choice for Old Dominion very easy. I am very excited to attend a school that is close to home, so I will be able to reach my family effortlessly."
Tiana Stubbs | Middle Blocker | Fredericksburg, Va. | Chancellor High School
A middle blocker from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Tiana Stubbs tallied 283 kills with 31 assists, 56 blocks (25 solo) and 34 digs this past fall at Chancellor High School as she was named to the All-Region and All-District First Teams. Last year saw her named Best Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year as she made the Free Lance Star All-Area Team and the All-District Team.
An Honor Roll student, Stubbs attends 540 Volleyball Academy, has a job working fast food, feeds the homeless and volunteers as a camp counselor.
"Tiana brings so much potential to our program," said Chao. "She is a dynamic athlete and has a high ceiling. She has a solid start to her volleyball development and understands how to work hard in the gym. These are all qualities that will allow Tiana to become an excellent volleyball player. She will develop quickly, and I'm looking forward to going on this journey with her."
Why ODU?
"I loved how clean and neat the environment was. Everyone was very nice and positive. I felt very safe and comfortable, and most importantly I could see myself having a life at ODU."
ODU Volleyball Adds Five to 2024 Recruiting Class
