The Daytona State College volleyball team has a big recruiting class to fill for 2017, with 8 sophomores graduating.  It is safe to say that Head Coach, Laura Stegall, is seeing the pieces fall together quite nicely.  With three outstanding recent commitments, the Falcons roster for next year has expanded.

One such 2017 newcomer is Tycee Bates.  Bates originally from Illinois, will find herself closer to her dad in Jacksonville next fall as she will don a Falcon volleyball jersey for Daytona State College.  This explosive pin hitter has 6 years of club experience playing for Eastside Volleyball Club.  Additionally, she was a standout on her Richwoods High School team.  She is an exceptional defender, as well as, a great attacker.  Don't let her 5'7" stature fool you, Bates has an impressive vertical and even more impressive, heavy arm swing. 

Coach Stegall commented on Bates, "I had an opportunity to watch Bates workout.  After her initial contact on the ball, I knew this was a player that could be an impact in our program.  She brings a lot of power, not to mention a tremendous personality and work ethic.  Her positive, upbeat persona will be a great addition to our program and our deep seeded commitment to program culture."

In addition to Bates, the Falcons welcome 5'11" pin hitter, Mikayla Gibson.  Gibson is a native of Florida, and is currently a senior at East Bay High School. Gibson features great size and athleticism.  She adds power and a tremendous amount of future potential to the Falcon Volleyball roster. 

"Gibson is going to be a fun player to watch evolve.  She already has a solid skillset, but I anticipate a tremendous amount of growth in the next two years.  Just like Bates, Gibson has a great attitude and personality.  She envelopes that blue collar work ethic that fosters over achievers.  I look forward to Gibson joining the program next fall," commented Coach Stegall on Gibson's recent signing with the Falcons.

A third player that will join Daytona State College is Kaylee Mandt.  Mandt is a strong utility player and will be walking on with the Falcons next fall.  She has an impressive work ethic and her strength is a testament to the hours she commits to the weight room.  Mandt not only played volleyball at Matanzas High School, but is also a member of the Matanzas Weight Lifting team. 

"She is an impressive young lady both on and off the court.  I had an opportunity to meet her last summer at a volleyball camp and immediately gravitated interest towards her.  Her work ethic and commitment to personal excellence are key ingredients I seek out in our recruits and she exhibits both of these qualities at the highest level.  It will be fun watching Mandt develop over the next two years," Coach Stegall remarked on Mandt's commitment to the Falcons.

The Falcons just have a couple remaining slots to fill in their 2017 recruiting class.  Daytona State College Volleyball looks to rebounding quite nicely from their 11^th in the nation ranking from the 2016 season.