CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia volleyball head coach Shannon Wells announced the signings of Lauryn Bowie and Nala Cornegy to the Cavaliers’ incoming class of 2023 on Wednesday (Nov. 9).
Bowie is a 6-2 outside/right side hitter from Westerville, Ohio, where she attends Westerville South High School. She was named a 2023 AVCA Watch List selection and was crowned the 2022 Under Armour All-American Camp MVP (Indianapolis). In addition to being named a three-time JVA Watch List honoree, Bowie was also recognized as Westerville’s Team MVP for three consecutive seasons (2020-22), while garnering First Team All-Conference honors. Bowie currently plays on the club circuit for Mintonette Sports Volleyball Club based in Columbus, Ohio.
Shannon Wells on Lauryn Bowie:
“Lauryn’s journey to UVA will always be a special one for our staff. She is the first one that committed in the 2023 class and bought into our plan for building a championship program. Lauryn is one of those players that other top recruits want to play with. She is a leader and has left a legacy with every program she’s been a part of. Her elite arm will score points for us on either pin throughout her four years at UVA.”
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Cornegy is a 6-3 middle blocker who attends Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. After leading Episcopal in total blocks in 2021, Cornegy was named team captain for this season. Like Bowie, Cornegy was also tabbed a 2022 JVA Watch List selection. She was ranked the No. 19 prospect in the state of Virginia, according to PrepDig.com. On the club circuit, Cornegy competes for Virginia Elite Volleyball Club. This past Spring, Cornegy was honored by PrepVolleyball.com as the ‘Player That Shined’ at the 2022 Northeast Qualifier (NEQ) tournament in Philadelphia. Additionally, she was named to the 2022 JVA World Challenge Louisville Watch List.
Shannon Wells on Nala Cornegy:
“Nala is one of the most underrated athletes in this class. She is still new to the game and figuring out how to play at a high level, but she has all the tools to be an elite middle in the ACC. She is long, fast, and hungry to be great. Our staff had a chance to work with her this summer and we were instantly impressed with her potential. Our fans are going to love Nala. She is engaging, mature, and one of the funniest people I’ve ever been around. We are excited for her to be part of the UVA family.”