Oates signs six for 2022 class

GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado Volleyball head coach Lyndsey Oates has announced six signees as part of the 2022 class. This year's class includes three top in-state talents and one apiece from Utah, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

"We are excited to announce our 2022 class," said Oates. "Primarily the recruiting of this class was done during the shutdown of COVID-19 so it was an interesting process…a lot of zoom calls to get to know them and show them our campus. All of them are good people first, great students second and on top of that, they are great volleyball players. We are thrilled that we are able to keep three Colorado athletes close to home. We always try to recruit Colorado first and then branch out from there. We feel like we have added a lot of depth to an already talented returning roster."

Bella Van Lannen

Bella Van Lannen makes her way to Greeley via Appleton, Wisconsin. A State Champion last year, Van Lannen brings both a variety of skill and experience to Northern Colorado. The 6'0" outside hitter is the No. 2 recruit in the state of Wisconsin according to MaxPreps.com.

As a junior, Bella hit an impressive .422 for Appleton North High School. This season, along with her offensive prowess, she also boasts more than 25 solo blocks.

Bella chose UNC over UNLV, Northern Arizona, DePaul and Wyoming

What Coach Oates is Saying
"Bella is a coach's kid and it shows in the way she plays the game. She has a high volleyball IQ and brings some good size. She will primarily be a right side for us. We like what she can bring with her length and fast arm. She also has a big upside and her best volleyball will be when she adds some strength and is training year-round with us."

Brynn Reines

Rogers High School product Brynn Reines has made a habit out of mowing down the competition in Minnesota. This season alone, Reines has racked up more than 250 kills on .305 hitting and is ranked as the No. 11 recruit in the state of Minnesota according to MaxPreps.com.

The 6'2" outside hitter was also part of Minnesota Select's 17 Open fifth-place finish at the USAV Nationals. She was also named to the USAV 17 Open All-Tournament teams for her efforts.

Brynn chose UNC over UNLV, UConn and Virginia Tech

What Coach Oates is Saying
"We really like Brynn's athleticism and demeanor. She has good size and will develop into another good left side hitter for very similar to the ones our fans are familiar with on our roster."

Isabel Bennett

A 5'11" middle hitter out of Aurora Colorado, Isabel Bennet has been busy making a name for herself at Grandview High School. Already a State runner-up, Benett was also awarded the 9 news athlete of the week back in September.

This season, Bennet has posted a .334 hitting percentage and has racked up 128 total blocks. She ranks as the No. 2 recruit in the State of Colorado.

Isabel chose UNC over Colorado State, DePaul and Colorado Mesa

What Coach Oates is Saying
"Izzy is a jumper. She is incredibly athletic, quick off the floor and moves very well laterally. She can play high above the net which is so important as we keep pushing to be a top 30 team."

Mia Liddiard

A dynamic setter out of Salt Lake City, Utah, Mia Liddiard will make her way to Greeley next fall. The No. 14 ranked recruit in Utah according to MaxPreps.com, Liddiard has amassed over 1,500 career assists, including 600 during her senior season for Skyline High School.

Liddiard is also a fierce server, boasting more than 130 aces over her career at Skyline. This season alone, Liddiard has racked up north of 30 from the service line.

Mia chose UNC over UC Davis, Saint Mary's, Montana, Idaho State, UCSB and CSU Bakersfield.

What Coach Oates is Saying
"Mia is a very talented and experienced setter. She has good hands and understands the game well. Mia's mom played for Pii at Colorado when he coached there. We feel like we had a nice gift fall in our laps when she was interested in us."

Rachel Greek

Another Colorado product, Rachel Greek has been a staple in Castle View High School's back row since her freshman season. Greek has tallied more than 900 digs in her career and has tallied an impressive 148 aces from the service line.

As a part of Colorado Juniors, Greek's squad won the Crossroads club volleyball tournament, the largest club volleyball tournament in the nation.

Greek chose UNC over South Dakota State, Denver, North Carolina A&T and Regis.

What Coach Oates is Saying
"Greek is a very experienced libero that is quick twitch and reads situations well. There are big shoes to fill with losing two seniors in this position and she will definitely give us more depth."

Zoe Gibbs

Zoe Gibbs didn't have to travel far to find a home in Northern Colorado. The Niwot, Colorado native will arrive on campus with numerous accolades.

A CHSAA All-State Honorable Mention Selection, Gibbs led Niwot High School to a 4A runner-up finish her freshman year and has continued to have success ever since. Gibbs has tallied more than 500 kills in her career, including over 200 this season.

Gibbs chose UNC over Colorado State, Kansas City, Arkansas and West Point.

What Coach Oates is Saying
"Zoe is a nice athlete that brings all of the intangibles you want in a teammate and competitor. What made Zoe stand out to us was that she makes other people around her better. She has a fast arm, a good understanding of how to score as a middle, and will be difficult to defend in our conference."

To stay up to date on all things UNC volleyball, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Oates signs six for 2022 class

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