INDIANA, Pa. – First year IUP head women's volleyball coach
Julie Torbett announced her first recruiting class for the program Thursday.
Torbett's 2021 class includes three student-athletes who begin play for the Crimson Hawks in the 2021 season this fall.
"I am so encouraged by how IUP sells itself," said Torbett. "We have amazing facilities and excellent academics, but the people really seal the deal. Our players are so welcoming and hospitable. They really want to be good and win championships here."
The class includes Jadyn Butler from Spring Mills, Pa., Simay Memisoglu from Istanbul, Turkey, and Ajaylah Pitts from Manassas, Va.
JADYN BUTLER
Defensive Specialist | 5-4 | Spring Mills, Pa. | Penns Valley Area HS | Central Penn VBC
>> Two-time PVCA Class 2A all-state selection (2019, 2020)
>> Two-time all-district selection (2019, 2020)
>> Four-time first team Mount League All-Star (2017-20)
>> Penn Valley Team MVP, Defensive Award in 2019 and 2020
Torbett on Butler: Jadyn is a tremendous defensive player and will be a wonderful addition to our program. She is quick, strong, and has had excellent training. Jadyn is everything I look for in a player.
SIMAY MEMISOGLU
Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter | 5-11 | Istanbul, Turkey | Kuzey Anatolian HS | Kartal Anadolu Sports Club
>> U16 Junior National Team camp selection
>> Helped Fenerbahce Sports Club squad to regular season first place finish in 2017
>> Also helped Fenerbahce to second place finish at Turkey Championship in 2014
>> 2015 Istanbul team finished season in first place
>> Also competed in beach volleyball for Moda Sports Club in 2019
Torbett on Memisoglu: Simay is a versatile player that will add a new dimension to the team. She promises to be a fun player to watch.
AJAYLAH PITTS
Setter | 5-7 | Manassas, Va. | Charles J. Colgan HS | Fredericksburg Juniors VC
>> Will play senior season this spring
>> Four-year varsity starter
>> Three-time all-district selection
>> National Honor Society, Academic Honor Roll, Scholar Athlete award winner
Torbett on Pitts: AJ is a feisty little setter that caught my eye a few years ago. She is a hard worker and very dedicated on and off the court. I am excited to have her in the gym. She will be a great addition to the program.
Torbett's first year
Coach Torbett was named the eighth head coach in program history last June. One month later, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) announced the cancellation of sports during the 2020 fall semester.
This recruiting class marks the first major event during Torbett's tenure as the Crimson Hawks have moved into a new era. She now looks forward to spring practice with her squad and a debut season in the fall of 2021.
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's volleyball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPVB.
