UT Permian Basin volleyball is pleased to announce the signing of seven student-athletes ahead of the 2018 season; Yasmine Ataee, Jenna Hampton, Cadey Jones, Elizabeth Kuhn, Analise Lucio, Savanna Schwab and Aquincia Strambler.

"All of these young women are proven winners on the court, strong students in the classroom, and great teammates," said UTPB head coach Tim Loesch. "They will fit in well with our returning squad, which made tremendous improvements this spring season." 

Yasmine Ataee is a 6'0" junior Middle Hitter/Right Side from San Antonio, Texas that will transfer to UTPB after graduating from Hill College.  She started her career there in 2016 earning All-Tournament team, 1^st Team All-Conference, All-Region Team, Region 5 Newcomer of the Year, and capped it off with Honorable Mention All-American.  Yasmine led Hill to 7^th in NJCAA National tournament this 2017 season while collecting All-Conference, Region MVP, and 2nd Team All-American.  She excelled in several NJCAA statistical categories including 6^th in blocks per set, 10^th in total blocks, 12^th in hitting percentage, and 15^th in points per set.  

Loesch on Ataee - "Yasmine is a player I identified early as a key recruit for us.  Two seasons ago, I observed her ability to kill and block against anyone, which put her at the top of our list.  She has continued to develop this season and I anticipate her being making a big impact as a scorer for us" 



Jenna Hampton is a junior 6'0" Outside Hitter/Middle Hitter from Longview, TX that is graduating from North Central Texas College. While at NCTC she lead her team to an appearance in the 2017 Regional Championship match.  Jenna improved steadily throughout her junior college career and posted double digit kills in her last 7 matches to lead her teams playoff run.  During the 2017 season she earned conference Volleyball Player of the Week along with First Team All-Conference and NJCAA All-Region.

Loesch on Hampton - "When I scouted Jenna, she displayed a wide variety of volleyball skills.  She attacked effectively from all 3 front row positions, was an intimidating blocker, and a consistent passer with a tricky serve.  Most importantly, she was a fierce competitor and a team leader.  I look forward to her doing the same for us."

Cadey Jones is a 6'0" freshman Outside Hitter/Right Side from Cypress Creek HS in Houston, TX.  She earned multiple awards over her high school career both academically and on the court. She is a three time Academic All-District 1^st Team for her high school team where we also was awarded 6A All-District Honorable mention this past season. In the classroom Cadey has been honored with the Art Award of Excellence and a member of the National Honors society for three years.  Jones plays on one of the top clubs in Texas in Asics Willowbrook where she has served as a Captain. Her current team qualified for Junior National Championship in the 18 Open division this season.  

Loesch on Jones - "Cadey got on my radar while playing at Willowbrook club in 2017 where she benefited from tough competition that led to her early signing in November.  Her performance at our summer camp, where she improved dramatically and was extremely coachable makes me believe she will compete for playing time immediately".

Elizabeth Kuhn is a freshman from Midland, TX that is a Defensive Specialist. She comes to UTPB after finishing her school career at nearby Midland Lee where she was a two time letterman and twice an All-District selection, as well as, All-District Academic. Elizabeth helped lead her team to the school's first playoffs appearance in eight years.  Her club volleyball team, West Texas Fusion, ranks 7th in the region and she has played in multiple positions for them.  Elizabeth is an All-District selection for UIL Choir and has been invited to sing the National Anthem on several occasions.

Loesch on Kuhn - "Elizabeth has the consistent serve-reception and digging skills to contribute at this level.  What sets her apart is her determination and competitiveness.  I look forward to having her attitude, work ethic, and will to win as a part of our team."



Analise Lucio in a freshman setter from Justin, TX and Northwest HS.  During her high school career she became the school record holder for career assists, assists per set, assists in a match, and career aces.  Analise was named as Academic All-District four times, 2^nd Team All-District and twice 1^st Team All-District. She won tournament MVP and regular season MVP awards, then finished her career as the 5-6A Setter of the Year and All-Wise Volleyball Team member. During club volleyball she plays with Texas Advantage Volleyball Club where she has received Gold and Silver medals at Junior Nationals in the USA Division. This season she has helped her team to the top ranking in the North Texas Region and has qualified to play in the Open division at the Girls Junior National Championship tournament.

Loesch on Lucio - "I enjoyed watching Analise play this club season, she smartly sets fast and smooth so that her hitters really get a big swing at the ball.  After seeing her play in a couple of events, then talking with her and her coaches, I was quickly convinced that she was the right setter for our team.  Glad that she loved her visit to campus as much as our hitters will love hitting off of her."

Savanna Schwab is an incoming freshman Libero from Plano High in Plano, TX.  She is a three year letterman that helped her team advance to the Texas state playoffs in each of those years. Savanna was named to the All-Academic team for her district and was the 6A Freshman of the Year. In club volleyball she earned six trips to Junior National Championship tournament in the Open and National divisions.  

Loesch on Schwab - "Savanna is another early commit that signed in November.  I identified her as a top recruit in 2017 when she helped her Excel team advance to the national championship match and she continued her development this season at Dallas Premier.  She makes this difficult sport look easy. Whether passing a tough jump serve or digging a hard cross-court spike - she is always calm, relaxed, in the right place and using the right techniques.  I expect her to earn playing time right away."

Aquincia Strambler is a 5'8" freshman Outside Hitter/ Middle Blocker from Midland Lee HS in Midland, TX. She is a Texas scholar along with a three sport Letterman. In volleyball she was elected First Team All-District twice and Honorable Mention twice, as well as, being voted MVP once where she primarily played middle blocker. In club volleyball with Midland Extreme, she made the transition to playing mostly outside hitter while collecting the team MVP award this past season. Quinci was voted Miss Talented by her high school student body.

Loesch on Strambler - "Aquincia is a talented attacker with a high jump touch and fast arm swing.  Her sound foundation of skills from high school and club will allow her to compete for a spot immediately.  She has the potential to improve even more given her athleticism and responsiveness to coaching."