HEADLINE | Thunderbird Volleyball Program Adds Four More Ahead of 2020 Season 

CEDAR CITY, Utah -- The Southern Utah University volleyball team and head coach Pete Hoyer announced the signing of four new Thunderbirds on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. 

"We are really excited about the way our 2020 class is shaping up," said head coach Pete Hoyer. "So far we have been able to address the specific needs of our program with a group of good volleyball players, good students, and good people. We can't wait to have this group in our team."

Kayla Craft

Kayla Craft is an outside hitter originally from San Luis Obispo, California where she played at San Luis Obispo High School and 805 Elite.

"Kayla is a phenomenal athlete with huge potential," says Hoyer. "Being a coach's kid, she understands the commitment and discipline it takes to be successful at this level and we are so happy she chose to be a T-Bird."

During her prep play Craft and her team won the 2018 4A California State Volleyball championships. She is also a two-time all conference volleyball and basketball player and a four year honor roll student. 

"I love the family atmosphere and how beautiful Cedar City is. SUU also has a very good PreMed program," Craft said.

Aleiya Cintron

Aleiya Cintron, a 5 foot 11 inch outside hitter, follows in her older sister's, Sadae Cintron, footsteps as she joins the Thunderbirds from North Las Vegas, Nevada. 

"Every time we see Aleiya play she has elevated her game in some way," says Hoyer. "She is a strong all-around player that will add ball control and depth to our outside hitter position. We are happy to add another Cintron to the roster."

Before Cintron makes her way over to Cedar City, she will graduate from Arbor View High School and conclude her play with LV Impact, her club team. 

During her time at Arbor View Cintron was named 1st Team All Region and was a three time Max Prep Player of the Match. 

When asked why she chose SUU, Cintron responded saying, ""I love Cedar City and the fact that it's close to home. I also chose SUU because of the great PreMed program."

Abby Wucherer

Abby Wucherer joins the Thunderbirds from Brookfield, Wisconsin where she played for Brookfield Central High School and the Milwaukee Sting. 

"Abby has grown up playing for one of the top club programs in the country," says Hoyer.  "She will bring both quality fundamentals and also a high volleyball IQ to our gym. We are excited to get in the gym with her come January."

The 6 foot middle blocker was awarded 2nd Team All-Conference, Wisconsin Prep Dig "Comeback Player of the Year" and totalled over 100 blocks in her high school career. 

Wucherer said she chose SUU because "SUU is my home away from home. When I am there, I feel as though I am surrounded by my family"

Jackie Scrape

Jackie Scrape will join the Thunderbirds volleyball defense as a 5 foot 7 inch defensive specialist/libero. 

She will make the trip to Cedar City from Temecula, California, where she played for Murrieta Mesa High School and COAST. 

During her prep play she earned a third place finish at the Junior Volleyball Association World Challenge. 

"Jackie is a feisty competitor with outstanding floor skills," says Hoyer. "She was one of our first commitments in this class and we are excited to finally have her in red and black come 2020."

Scrape said that SUU was her school of choice because, "The second I stepped on campus I felt at home and I knew this was where I needed to be".

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