LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne volleyball team announced the addition of eight newcomers, head coach Jenna Panatier announced on Monday.

The list of incoming recruits for the 2016 season include:

• Alexia Balistreri, MB - San Jose, Calif. (Gavilán College/Santa Teresa)
• Natalie Barragan, S - Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Grossmont/Claremont)
• Kaylee Johnson, OH - Upland, Calif. (Citrus College/Life Pacific/Ontario Christian)
• Darrah Jones, OH - Canyon Lake, Calif. (Temescal Canyon)
• Madison Maynes, S – Rialto, Calif. (Ontario Christian)
• Tessa Michalosky, MB – Henderson, Nev. (Foothill)
• Marisa Rojo, OH – Hacienda Heights, Calif. (San Francisco State/Los Altos)
• Cherene Uale, OH – San Mateo, Calif. (Hillsdale)

Class of 2016 Profiles

Alexia Balistreri

Why La Verne? "I love the area, the campus and the vibes of La Verne. It has been one of my goals to move to SoCal while playing the sport I love."

Achievements: Named First Team All-League in 2012 and 2014 ... named First Team All-Conference in 2016 ... served as team captain in 2016, 2014 and 2012

Natalie Barragan

Why La Verne? "I chose La Verne for its teaching program and the opportunity to play volleyball."

Achievements: Served as team captain on all her club teams ... made the President's List at Mt. San Antonio College in Spring 2016

Kaylee Johnson

Why La Verne? "I chose La Verne for their good academics and the close distance from home."

Achievements: Served as team captain in 2015 for Life Pacific College ... earned honors at Citrus College ... earned all-league honors at Ontario Christian High School ... two-time Scholar Athlete Award recipient at Citrus College ... three-time Scholar Athlete at Ontario Christian High School

Darrah Jones

Why La Verne? "La Verne is a highly acclaimed university for both the athletic and academic programs. The chance to play volleyball at ULV, as well as study in the honors program, was a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Achievements: 2015 All Valley ... named 2014 Second Team All-League ... named 2015 Second Team All-League ... maintained highest GPA of 2015 season .... served as team captain ... named to Principal's Honor Roll all four years ... 2014 All-Academic Award Recipient

Madison Maynes

Why La Verne? "I chose La Verne because I loved the work ethic of the volleyball team. I am very competitive and felt that i would excel the most at a great program like La Verne's. The community also intrigued me because everyone seems to somewhat know eachother since it is a small college."

Achievements: Named 2015 Most Valuable Player ... named 2015 First Team All-League ... served as team captain ... was in National Honor Society from 2013-2016 ... made Honor Roll all four years

Tessa Michalosky

Why La Verne? "I wanted to go to a school with a good academic reputation where I could also play volleyball."

Achievements: Named to 2015-16 Second Team All-Region ... received Honors diploma

Marisa Rojo

Why La Verne? "I chose La Verne because of the small community, the Kinesiology program and the one-on-one relationships"

Achievements: Made the Dean's List twice at San Francisco State ... 2012, 2013 and 2014 League Champions ... named First Team All-League, Best Offensive Player and Scholar Athlete as a junior ... served as a team captain as a senior ... named First Team All-League, Hacienda League MVP, Team MVP and Scholar Athelte as a senior ... led conference with hitting percentage & kills as a senior

Cherene Uale

Why La Verne? "I fell in love with the campus, people and atmosphere on my recruit trip."

Achievements: Four-year varsity letterwinner at Hillsdale High School ... named Most Improved as a freshman ... named Most Valuable Player as a senior ... named to Second Team All-League as a sophomore and as a junior ... named to First Team All-League senior year ... named to Honor Roll all four years