University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Welcome Six Signees To The Volleyball Program
11/13/2025 10:03:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado Volleyball announces the signing of six new student-athletes to the Bears volleyball program. Head Coach Lyndsey Oates and the coaching staff welcome a talented group of front-row standouts and versatile defenders.
MEET THE SIGNEES:
Jenna Baller – DS/Libero – Parker, Colo. – Chaparral High School
Jenna Baller is the daughter of Michelle and Jon Baller, both of whom competed in Track and Field at Colorado State University. She has three siblings — Drew, Emily, and Nate.
A standout student-athlete, Jenna earned Second Team All-State, Academic First Team All-State, and Under Armour Prospect honors. She was also recognized with the Wolverine Award for being the team's most inspirational player.
At the club level, Jenna's team competed in the Gold Bracket at AAU Nationals, where she played a key role in helping her team upset the top-ranked A5 squad.
Jenna chose to attend UNC because of its amazing community and culture, as well as its beautiful campus. She is thrilled to join the UNC Volleyball program, eager to learn from the exceptional coaching staff and to build strong, lasting connections with her teammates.
"Jenna is smooth and consistent and very unassuming because she makes difficult plays look easy. She is ready for this level" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Outside of volleyball, Jenna enjoys baking, hiking in the mountains, and hanging out with her family.
Jalyn Lynch – DS – Sterling, Colo. – Merino High School
Jalyn Lynch is daughter of Kristin and Brian Lynch. She has two siblings – Grady and Harper.
An exceptional athlete with ties to the Northern Colorado region, Jalyn was a three-time varsity starter from 2022 to 2025 and earned three varsity letters during her high school career. She was recognized as First Team All-State in 2024 and Second Team All-State in both 2022–2023 and 2023–2024. On the club level, her team secured third place at the GJNC Nationals in Las Vegas during the 2023–2024 season. A three-time All-Conference honoree, Jalyn played a key role in leading her team to back-to-back Colorado State Volleyball Championships in 2022 and 2023, followed by a runner-up finish in 2024.
Jalyn chose UNC because it offered the chance to compete at the Division I level while being part of a close-knit community. She was also drawn to the opportunity to pursue her goals while staying close to home. She plans to earn her degree in Elementary Education.
"Jay is a great athlete and has quick reactions. As a multi-sport athlete at a small school playing every position, we anticipate a big jump when she can focus on just her back row play" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates
Outside of volleyball Jaylyn enjoys lifting, paddle boarding, hiking.
Kaitlyn Hutchins – OH – Belton, Texas – Lake Belton High School
Kaitlyn Hutchins an outside hitter from Belton, Texas — is the daughter of Jana and Keith Hutchins, both alumni of Stephen F. Austin University. She has one sibling, Brady.
A highly decorated athlete, Kaitlyn's accomplishments include being named a 2025 AVCA All-American, 2024 Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Third Team, 2024 Super-Centex First Team, 2024 District 16-5A Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-District, 2024 AVCA Phenom, 2024 and 2023 Under Armour Next Invitational Athlete, 2023 Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Honorable Mention, and 2023 Second Team All-District 22-5A.
Kaitlyn plans to pursue a degree in Business Marketing with aspirations of starting her own business that combines her passion for sports and helping others. She chose UNC for its beautiful location, strong sense of community, and rich tradition of excellence both on and off the court.
"Kaitlyn plays fast and aggressive which fits our style. She is also very driven and wants to reach her potential" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Outside of volleyball, Kaitlyn enjoys reading, art, hiking, and hanging out with friends.
Addison Roark – OH – Loveland, Colo. – Mountain View High School
Addison Roark joins the Bears from Loveland, Colorado, where she excelled as a multi-sport athlete. The daughter of Keri and Damon Roark—her father a former football player at the University of Wyoming—Addison has one sibling, Reagan.
An exceptionally athletic competitor, Addison has earned numerous honors throughout her career, including Second Team All-Conference and All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition in track and field. She also distinguished herself in the high jump, finishing third in the state in 2024 and fourth in 2025.
The Bears are eager to bring Addison's explosive athleticism and competitive drive to the court this season. She chose UNC for its tradition of success, outstanding coaching staff, and proximity to home—a perfect fit both athletically and personally.
"Addi is such a natural athlete. The game is still fairly new for her at a high level, but we expect big things from her during her time at UNC" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Addison loves all kinds of sports—she's a passionate fan and enjoys anything athletic.
Gillian Walton – OH/DS/OP – Overland Park, Kan. – Overland Park High School
Gillian Walton is a versatile utility player from Overland Park, Kansas, and the daughter of Kristi and Dave Walton. Her mother, Kristi, played volleyball at Portland State, while her father, Dave, was a football player at Kansas.
Throughout her high school career, Gillian built an impressive resume on the court. She earned Honorable Mention All-Team honors, secured a First Team All-Conference selection, and achieved major milestones including 1,000 career kills and an outstanding 30-kill per game average.
Off the court, she plans to major in Psychology with aspirations of becoming a criminal profiler for the FBA. Gillian chose UNC because of its incredible culture, supportive coaching staff, and strong balance between academics and athletics. From her very first visit, the sense of community and belonging made UNC feel like home.
"Gillian will join us in January which will be a huge advantage in competing for play time early in her career. She plays physical and powerful and has a complete game" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Gilian enjoys hiking, swimming, traveling, hanging with family and friends, and singing.
Riley Taylor – RS OH – Apex, N.C. – Green Level High School
Riley Taylor is a talented right-side hitter from Apex, North Carolina, and the daughter of Amber and Robert Taylor. Her mother, a BYU alum, and her father, an NC State graduate.
Throughout her volleyball career, Riley has established herself as one of the top players in her region. She has earned numerous honors, including First Team All-Region (2024), First Team All-Conference (2024, 2025), and currently ranks second all-time in school history for career kills. In addition, Riley is part of the prestigious USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) Accelerator, recognizing her as one of the nation's promising young athletes.
Riley chose to continue her volleyball career at the UNC because she was drawn to the program's strong tradition of excellence and the connection she felt with the coaching staff. The beautiful campus and its proximity to family also played a big role in her decision, making UNC the perfect fit both on and off the court.
"Riley will also join us in January. With some added strength and training we think Riley has a very big upside" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Beyond volleyball, Riley enjoys art and choir.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsVB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsVB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsVB)
MEET THE SIGNEES:
Jenna Baller – DS/Libero – Parker, Colo. – Chaparral High School
Jenna Baller is the daughter of Michelle and Jon Baller, both of whom competed in Track and Field at Colorado State University. She has three siblings — Drew, Emily, and Nate.
A standout student-athlete, Jenna earned Second Team All-State, Academic First Team All-State, and Under Armour Prospect honors. She was also recognized with the Wolverine Award for being the team's most inspirational player.
At the club level, Jenna's team competed in the Gold Bracket at AAU Nationals, where she played a key role in helping her team upset the top-ranked A5 squad.
Jenna chose to attend UNC because of its amazing community and culture, as well as its beautiful campus. She is thrilled to join the UNC Volleyball program, eager to learn from the exceptional coaching staff and to build strong, lasting connections with her teammates.
"Jenna is smooth and consistent and very unassuming because she makes difficult plays look easy. She is ready for this level" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Outside of volleyball, Jenna enjoys baking, hiking in the mountains, and hanging out with her family.
Jalyn Lynch – DS – Sterling, Colo. – Merino High School
Jalyn Lynch is daughter of Kristin and Brian Lynch. She has two siblings – Grady and Harper.
An exceptional athlete with ties to the Northern Colorado region, Jalyn was a three-time varsity starter from 2022 to 2025 and earned three varsity letters during her high school career. She was recognized as First Team All-State in 2024 and Second Team All-State in both 2022–2023 and 2023–2024. On the club level, her team secured third place at the GJNC Nationals in Las Vegas during the 2023–2024 season. A three-time All-Conference honoree, Jalyn played a key role in leading her team to back-to-back Colorado State Volleyball Championships in 2022 and 2023, followed by a runner-up finish in 2024.
Jalyn chose UNC because it offered the chance to compete at the Division I level while being part of a close-knit community. She was also drawn to the opportunity to pursue her goals while staying close to home. She plans to earn her degree in Elementary Education.
"Jay is a great athlete and has quick reactions. As a multi-sport athlete at a small school playing every position, we anticipate a big jump when she can focus on just her back row play" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates
Outside of volleyball Jaylyn enjoys lifting, paddle boarding, hiking.
Kaitlyn Hutchins – OH – Belton, Texas – Lake Belton High School
Kaitlyn Hutchins an outside hitter from Belton, Texas — is the daughter of Jana and Keith Hutchins, both alumni of Stephen F. Austin University. She has one sibling, Brady.
A highly decorated athlete, Kaitlyn's accomplishments include being named a 2025 AVCA All-American, 2024 Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Third Team, 2024 Super-Centex First Team, 2024 District 16-5A Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-District, 2024 AVCA Phenom, 2024 and 2023 Under Armour Next Invitational Athlete, 2023 Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Honorable Mention, and 2023 Second Team All-District 22-5A.
Kaitlyn plans to pursue a degree in Business Marketing with aspirations of starting her own business that combines her passion for sports and helping others. She chose UNC for its beautiful location, strong sense of community, and rich tradition of excellence both on and off the court.
"Kaitlyn plays fast and aggressive which fits our style. She is also very driven and wants to reach her potential" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Outside of volleyball, Kaitlyn enjoys reading, art, hiking, and hanging out with friends.
Addison Roark – OH – Loveland, Colo. – Mountain View High School
Addison Roark joins the Bears from Loveland, Colorado, where she excelled as a multi-sport athlete. The daughter of Keri and Damon Roark—her father a former football player at the University of Wyoming—Addison has one sibling, Reagan.
An exceptionally athletic competitor, Addison has earned numerous honors throughout her career, including Second Team All-Conference and All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition in track and field. She also distinguished herself in the high jump, finishing third in the state in 2024 and fourth in 2025.
The Bears are eager to bring Addison's explosive athleticism and competitive drive to the court this season. She chose UNC for its tradition of success, outstanding coaching staff, and proximity to home—a perfect fit both athletically and personally.
"Addi is such a natural athlete. The game is still fairly new for her at a high level, but we expect big things from her during her time at UNC" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Addison loves all kinds of sports—she's a passionate fan and enjoys anything athletic.
Gillian Walton – OH/DS/OP – Overland Park, Kan. – Overland Park High School
Gillian Walton is a versatile utility player from Overland Park, Kansas, and the daughter of Kristi and Dave Walton. Her mother, Kristi, played volleyball at Portland State, while her father, Dave, was a football player at Kansas.
Throughout her high school career, Gillian built an impressive resume on the court. She earned Honorable Mention All-Team honors, secured a First Team All-Conference selection, and achieved major milestones including 1,000 career kills and an outstanding 30-kill per game average.
Off the court, she plans to major in Psychology with aspirations of becoming a criminal profiler for the FBA. Gillian chose UNC because of its incredible culture, supportive coaching staff, and strong balance between academics and athletics. From her very first visit, the sense of community and belonging made UNC feel like home.
"Gillian will join us in January which will be a huge advantage in competing for play time early in her career. She plays physical and powerful and has a complete game" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Gilian enjoys hiking, swimming, traveling, hanging with family and friends, and singing.
Riley Taylor – RS OH – Apex, N.C. – Green Level High School
Riley Taylor is a talented right-side hitter from Apex, North Carolina, and the daughter of Amber and Robert Taylor. Her mother, a BYU alum, and her father, an NC State graduate.
Throughout her volleyball career, Riley has established herself as one of the top players in her region. She has earned numerous honors, including First Team All-Region (2024), First Team All-Conference (2024, 2025), and currently ranks second all-time in school history for career kills. In addition, Riley is part of the prestigious USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) Accelerator, recognizing her as one of the nation's promising young athletes.
Riley chose to continue her volleyball career at the UNC because she was drawn to the program's strong tradition of excellence and the connection she felt with the coaching staff. The beautiful campus and its proximity to family also played a big role in her decision, making UNC the perfect fit both on and off the court.
"Riley will also join us in January. With some added strength and training we think Riley has a very big upside" – Head Coach, Lyndsey Oates.
Beyond volleyball, Riley enjoys art and choir.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsVB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsVB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsVB)
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