BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University volleyball head coach Matt Ginipro has announced the addition of five players to the 2015 freshmen class.

Savana Gandy (Concord, N.C./Cannon School), Eden Hilbert (Arlington, Texas/Martin), Melissa McMath (Lexington, N.C./Central Davidson), Alana Shoff (Melbourne, Fla./Melbourne Central Catholic) and Jenna Talbert (Orange City, Fla./University) will each join the Mountaineers for the 2015 season.

"As a staff, I think we've put together another great recruiting class this year and I'm excited to get them to Boone over the summer," said Ginipro. "These five young women are going to be outstanding additions to App State volleyball and we're looking forward to watching them develop into great players. With how we want to keep pushing our program forward, we searched for players who were going to want to compete at a high level on a daily basis. All five are fantastic people who have incredible work ethics and will help us move towards Sun Belt championships."

Savana Gandy
5'4 • Libero/Defensive Specialist
Concord, N.C.
Cannon School

Savana Gandy will attend App State in the Fall of 2015 after prepping at the Cannon School. Gandy was named the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player during her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons and has been team captain the past two years. Gandy averaged 5.2 digs per set during her junior campaign and played club ball for the Carolina Union.

Ginipro's Comments: "I first met Savana when I was doing a defensive clinic at her club just this past summer. She had great technique, went after every ball, and was extremely coachable which is why I let her know that I wanted her to come to App. Savana will add a ton to our already very strong ball control group."

Eden Hilbert
6'0 • Middle Blocker
Arlington, Texas
Martin

Eden Hilbert comes to Boone after being named second-team All-District this past season and second-team All-District during her junior year. Hilbert earned All-District honorable mention in 2012. She has amassed 277 kills and 146 blocks during her senior campaign, while playing club ball for the Ellis County Juniors.

Ginipro's Comments: "Eden caught my eye by cracking a ball on a distant court at a tournament. When I wandered over to her court, I saw someone who could play middle or a pin position for us. That versatility will be a bonus for us as it will allow us to run some different systems with her on the court."

Melissa McMath
5'11 • Outside Hitter
Lexington, N.C.
Central Davidson

Melissa McMath will attend Appalachian State after being named All-Conference in volleyball during all four years of high school at Central Davidson. McMath earned MVP honors this past season, while also being named Mid-Piedmont Conference Player of the Year during her junior campaign. McMath has earned All-Conference honors in basketball and track and field, while playing club ball for Set Point 18's Black.

Ginipro's Comments: "Melissa is a wonderful addition to our outside hitter group. She is athletic and has been the go-to hitter for her high school team which will help make her more comfortable in the college environment. We have worked with her for the past two summers at camp and know she will develop into a very good hitter."

Alana Shoff
6'2 • Middle Blocker
Melbourne, Fla.
Melbourne Central Catholic

Alana Shoff will join the Mountaineers after being named All-Cape Coast Conference during her junior season at Melbourne Central Catholic. Shoff was the team's blocking leader in 2013 while leading her team to a 24-6 record and undefeated district record. Shoff totaled 306 kills and 95 blocks during her junior campaign, while recording a .419 hitting percentage on the season. The middle blocker played club ball for Orlando Volleyball Academy.

Ginipro's Comments: "Alana is a big, physical middle hitter and a genuinely fun person to be around. Once she gets used to the speed of the college game, I think she will be a big presence for us at the net. With Lauren Gray and Hailey Kerr graduating, it was important for us to find a middle hitter who could possibly get on the court right away."

Jenna Talbert
5'11 • Outside Hitter
Orange City, Fla.
University

Jenna Talbert joins Appalachian State volleyball during the 2015 season after a decorated prep career at University High School. Talbert was named All-Area during all four years of high school and earned All-District honors as a junior. Tablert has amassed 1,012 career kills and set a school record with 343 kills in a season during her junior campaign. She was named team MVP during her sophomore and junior seasons and played club ball for Orlando Volleyball Academy.

Ginipro's Comments: "Jenna will be a six-rotation outside that pushes for starting time right away. She is an extremely smart hitter who can move the ball around the entire court. Jenna is also an extremely hard worker and confident player who will bring a high level of competition to practice everyday."