CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson volleyball head coach Jackie Simpson Kirr has announced the addition of seven signees to the incoming class of 2023 on Wednesday. This is Simpson Kirr’s second signing class at the helm of the Clemson program. The seven additions: Audrey Armbruster, Mckenna Gildon, Ava Hewitt-Smith, Courtney Nix, Kitty Sandt, Kate Simington and Kennedy Wagner, join mid-year transfers Katie Culumovic (Mississippi State), Katie Hurta (Penn State) and Adria Powell (Ohio State), as newcomers for the 2023 fall season.
“The 2023 class spans every skill position and will provide great depth for our program,” said Simpson Kirr. “They are from all over the country, but the common thread is their passion for the sport of volleyball, and that they all have been a part of championship teams at either the high school or club level. They all know what it takes to win at a high level.”
Audrey Armbruster · Setter/Outside · Cincinnati, Ohio · Mount Notre Dame HS
- Named team captain of Mount Notre Dame HS in 2020
- On the JVA Watchlist (2021 & 2022)
- Played club ball for the NKYVC (2014-18)
- Member of the Elevation Club Team from 2018-23
- Helped guide Elevation to being OVR Champions in 2021 & 2022
Simpson Kirr said: “Audrey will provide great depth to our program with an ability to set and run an offense but also play six rotations as an attacker. Her passion for the sport is evident, and she is a very composed competitor that will be a great addition to our gym.”
Mckenna Gildon · Libero/Defensive Specialist · Plano, Texas · Liberty HS
- Ranked as the second-highest libero by Prep Dig for Class of 2023
- Participated in the 2021 Fall Training Camp with the National Team Development Program
- Played club for Madfrog and TAV
- Selected as a team captain of the 16s and 17s with TAV
- Helped TAV become Mid-East Qualifiers and 17 Open Champions
- Member of TAV that became NEQ and Northern Lights Champions and USAV 16 Open Champions
- Tallied multiple champion titles while competing with TAV for 12-15s
Simpson Kirr stated: “Mckenna has a super smooth platform in serve receive. She is a gritty defender and will bring a lot of fight to our back court defensively.”
Ava Hewitt-Smith · Middle Hitter · View Park, Calif. · Sierra Canyon HS
- Appeared in 96 sets her senior season at Sierra Canyon with 107 kills on 244 attempts
- Maintained a .395 hitting percentage as a junior tallying 153 kills through 96 sets
- Finished high school with 260 kills, 153 blocks (14 solo) and one ace
- Clocked 26…