Aug. 16, 2017
AUBURN, Ala. ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃƒÆ'¢'¬" Another youthful group on the court for this year's edition of Auburn volleyball is the team's defensive specialists in the back row.
"Pass and serve is always a key for us and we will need our new players to step into roles if we want to continue to improve from last year," head coach Rick Nold said.
Senior Jesse Earl will be relied upon to lead the defensive corps for the Tigers this season. A libero from Indianapolis, Earl had an outstanding summer representing the United States as a member of the U.S. Collegiate National Team. She played a major role in her team's successful July as the national squad captured gold at the 13th Annual European Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia.
"What a great honor to represent your country in competition," Nold said. "I know this is something that Jesse has wanted to do her whole career so I'm extremely proud of the work she has put in to get herself to this level. I can't think of a better way to get yourself ready for the season that to play with and against the best in the world."
In addition to her full summer, Earl brings a wealth of experience to the court in her final year on The Plains. She's a two-time AVCA All-South Region honoree and picked up All-SEC accolades at the end of last season. Earl set a new Auburn single-season record in 2016 with 612 digs on the year, while her 4.98 digs/set was also a program best. Both those numbers led all student-athletes in the SEC. She also reached her 1,000th career dig, becoming the quickest Tiger to reach that milestone.
Along with her skills in the back row, Earl also excels at the service line. Her 46 service aces last year set another Auburn single season record (rally scoring only) and her .37 aces/set was a program best.
Joining Earl in the back is sophomore Karis Beasley and freshman Payton White. Both are expected to make immediate impacts at the start of the season.
Beasley stands at 5-9 and hails from Granbury, Texas. After missing all of 2016 with a leg injury, she has put in work to get healthy and to be a contributor to Auburn's success this year.
"Karis has made some huge improvements since last year and I think we will be able to use her athleticism in both a defensive and backrow attacking role," Nold said.
White is a two-time AAU All-American, playing a significant role in both her high school and club teams' successes over the years. The 5-7 student-athlete from Zionsville, Ind., comes from a volleyball family and is expected to be an impactful player for the Tigers.
"White comes in with a great deal of experience after winning the 2017 AAU Junior National Championship," Nold said. "She is a tremendous passer and will have a big impact from the serving line."
Fans can get a first glimpse of the team Saturday, Aug. 19, as Auburn hosts UAB in an exhibition match. The Tigers and the Blazers face off at 1:30 p.m. CT in Auburn Arena and admission is free.
The Tigers open the 2017 season in Atlanta, traveling to Georgia Tech's Hyatt Regency Invitational, Aug. 25-26. Auburn opens with a match vs. the Yellow Jackets Friday and follows with tilts against No. 17 Michigan State and Furman Saturday.
Stay tuned as AuburnTigers.com will take a look at the outside hitters Thursday, Aug. 17!