Valpo Volleyball signs quartet of incoming Freshmen

A set of four student-athletes who have enjoyed tremendous success on both the individual and the team level have signed with the Valpo volleyball program as freshmen for the 2021-22 school year, as announced by head coach Carin Avery today. 

Abby Boyle – 5’6” – L – Byron Center [Mich.] H.S. – FaR Out Volleyball Club 

Boyle was a Second Team All-State honoree last year for the Bulldogs and received All-Conference and All-Region accolades as a sophomore and as a junior. This year, she has already been named to the AVCA All-Region 5 Team. Boyle has helped lead Byron Center to 56 wins over the last two years, as the Bulldogs claimed conference and district titles in 2019 and captured a repeat district championship this season. 

Boyle on why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the amazing school and volleyball program that they offer! Once I walked around the campus, met the girls and coaches and really got a feel for the school, I knew I wanted this to be my future home for the next four years. I am so excited to become a part of the Valpo Volleyball family!” 

Avery on Boyle: “We were lucky to have Abby come to one of our camps where she solidified how much we wanted her to be our next libero. Abby has a caring and calming personality, but also that competitive drive that we want every libero to have. With her defensive intensity and her passing consistency, it will be hard to keep her off the court.” 

Addy Kois – 5’11” – S – Penn [Ind.] H.S. 

Kois received ICGSA Second Team All-State accolades in 2019 and has been an All-District choice each of the last two years. This season, she was named co-MVP of the Northern Indiana Conference as well. Running the Kingsmen offense, Kois has led Penn to 91 victories over the last three years and three consecutive sectional championships, as well as a regional title in 2018. A versatile athlete, Kois has also been an All-Conference selection for her work in the circle with the Penn softball program. 

Kois on why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the welcoming atmosphere that the coaches, players, and staff provided me. It seems like a perfect fit for me.” 

Avery on Kois: “Addy was looking for a volleyball program late in the process and we were looking for a setter late in the process, so it worked out great for both of us. Addy has all the intangibles that we look for in a setter. She makes those around her better — not only because of her skill at the setting position, but also her leadership abilities and her work ethic. The first time I talked with Addy on the phone, I knew she possessed all the qualities we look for in our setters. Valpo fans will enjoy watching her lead and compete.” 

Elise Swistek – 5’9” – OH – New Prairie [Ind.] H.S. – Dunes Volleyball Club 

Swistek earned First Team All-State accolades each of the last two years for the Cougars and picked up her second straight First Team All-District honor this season as well. She has been the MVP of the Northern Indiana Conference each of the last two years, sharing the award with Kois this year, and is a four-time All-Conference honoree. Swistek has led the way as New Prairie has won 80 matches over the last three years and captured back-to-back-to-back sectional and regional titles. 

Swistek on why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valparaiso University because it’s known for a first-rate educational experience, along with a beautiful small hometown campus lifestyle. Valpo also competes at the Division I level and the coaching staff and team have already made me feel like part of their family.” 

Avery on Swistek: “I’ve seen Elise play since she’s been a freshman, and I knew then she was going to be special. Elise is a winner. She has an effect on every game she plays because she is seemingly in on every play. Whether it’s a pass, a dig or an attack, her ball control is amazing and her hitting IQ is thru the roof. She’s a little baller and she will make our team better.” 

Sam Warren – 5’10” – UT – South Newton [Ind.] H.S. – Ignite Elite Volleyball 

Warren picked up Second Team All-State accolades this year as a senior and joined Boyle as a member of the AVCA All-Region 5 team as well. An All-Conference choice each of her final two seasons, Warren also received Academic All-State honors this year and was selected to the J&C small school All-Area Team in 2019. She helped lead the Rebels to 78 wins over the last three years, which includes sectional championships each of the last two seasons. 

Warren on why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the family atmosphere that the coaches, athletes, professors and community create. I felt extremely welcome when visiting campus, it was like home!” 

Avery on Warren: “We are so excited to have Sam join our program. She is extremely athletic and by no means has reached her ceiling yet. She will provide us some much-needed versatility in the front row because of her athleticism — we are hoping to train her in all three positions and see where she flourishes. I predict you will see Sam continue to get better every year she is here.”