SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah head volleyball coach Beth Launiere announced on Wednesday that in-state prospect Levanialii Key-Powell has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Utes’ program in 2024. Key-Powell, whose father Lewis Powell is the defensive ends coach for the Utah football program, is a three-time all-state honoree who led her team to the state semifinals last week.
“We could not be more excited to have Vani join the Utah Volleyball Family,” said head coach Beth Launiere. “She is a great athlete and competitor that knows how to win. She has excelled at every level and every sport she has played, and has tremendous untapped potential.”
A 5-foot 10-inch outside hitter, Key-Powell is a 2023 Under Armour All-America selection, AVCA Region MVP and all-region selection. Her senior-year statistics included 515 kills, 222 digs and a hitting percentage of .321. As a junior she earned first-team all-state and all-region, was named Bingham High School MVP and was invited to the 2021-22 USA Volleyball National Team Development Program.
“I saw Vani successfully pursue a ball to the far edge of the court at a USA National Qualifier and I was sold that she could help Utah Volleyball continue to be successful at the national level,” Launiere added. “She is an elite athlete that is fast and dynamic, with great intangible skills to round out her abilities. Vani comes from a family with great Utah ties and we can’t wait for her to begin her Utah Volleyball career.”
Key-Powell’s sophomore year honors included first-team all-region and second-team all-state, as well as Bingham High School MVP. She was the Deseret News Student-Athlete of the Week for Week 11 and earned Larry H. Miller October Athlete of the Month. As a freshman she was second-team all-region, and in her career earned four letters in volleyball.
“I chose Utah because it’s a great school academically and athletically,” Key-Powell said. “I also have major respect for the volleyball program and believe the coaching staff and environment can help me reach my full potential. I am looking forward to working hard and contributing all I can to making the Ute fans proud.”
In club competition, her team, Club V, placed third nationally in the 2022 17s Open, and…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at University of Utah Athletics…