LOUDONVILLE, NY – The Siena Saints volleyball program and head coach Vilis Ozols have announced three Class of 2024 signings, as they add Hailey Hinkel, Alexa Withun, and Itziar Lopez. The trio of new signings will begin at Siena in the fall of 2020.
 
Hinkel is a 6-0 outside hitter, and joins Siena from Temecula, California, making her the second Saints player from that town with current freshman Gracie Halley. Hinkel starred at Temecula Valley High School for four years. She was a California State Champion in Division I and was on the 20^th ranked high school team in the country. She is a first team all-league her senior season and named team MVP. She played club volleyball for Forza 1 18UA.
 
"Hailey is a true six rotation outside hitter who will contribute both offensively and defensively," said Ozols. "She is a fiery competitor who has played at the highest level leading her Temecula Valley High School team to the California State Championships as a Junior. She's a proven pressure performer and we are excited for her future as a Siena Saint."
 
Withun, a 6-3 left-handed opposite, comes to Loudonville from Troy, Michigan. Volleyball runs in her family, as her father, Matthew, played professional volleyball.  She starred at Troy Athens High School and played for Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy. She earned recognition, as she was named to the Ultra Ankle Breaker JVA Watch List.
 
"Alexa brings elite blocking and attacking skills to our program as a 6-3 left-handed player," said Ozols. "She has a wonderful competitive demeanor. She's a hard worker. We know she is going to grow and thrive here at Siena and we can't wait to see her successes with the program."
 
Lopez will be the third Spanish import into the Green and Gold, joining Sol Guidarelli and Maria Llinas to complete the trio. A 5-9 middle blocker, from Lleida, she has more than 20 appearances for the Spanish national team to bring in solid international experience to Siena. She earned Three Position "Best Blocker Efficiency" in the Pre-European U17 Championship held in the Czech Republic in 2018. Her father, Emilio Lopez Goitia played basketball professionally for over 15 years internationally.
"Itziar brings a dynamic international presence and work ethic," added Ozols. "Her experience with the Spain's Senior National Team will serve her well in her career as a Saint. She is a world class player and at international competitions has distinguished herself as one of the top blockers in all of Europe. Her determination and competitiveness are infectious, and we are eager with anticipation for her arrival to Loudonville as a student athlete."