Volleyball Introduces 2023 Signing Class
Nov 8, 2022 | Women's Volleyball
NEW ORLEANS — Tulane volleyball associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Trey Cruz announced on Wednesday five members of the team's 2023 signing class.
Avery Burks, outside hitter of Gilbert, Arizona, Riley Mansfield, middle blocker of St. Simons Island, Georgia, Zoe Rachow, setter of Chula Vista, California, Kaitlyn Thick, outside hitter of Hinsdale, Illinois, and Jordan White, middle blocker of Suwanee, Georgia each signed letters of intent and are officially set to join the Green Wave roster in the fall of next year.
“The talent we brought in for our 2023 recruiting class is extremely exciting! During spring season it felt like everything kept falling into place with our commits, and it was amazing to see these five players connect with one another throughout the process, they have been watching each other's matches and supporting one another since each of them committed. It has created a special bond amongst themselves, their families and our staff. These young women are extremely athletic, work very hard and have been playing at the highest prep level around the country. We are proud to bring in academically gifted, community minded and well rounded young women who understand my vision for Tulane Volleyball and are prepared to make waves in this conference and the country. ”HEAD COACH JORDANA PRICE
Personal BIO: Comes to Tulane from Gilbert, AZ, where she is a current four-year letterman winner in indoor at Perry High school and beach at the Aspire Volleyball Club. As an outside hitter, she was a State Runner-up in her first and second years and was a four-year recipient of the AIA Scholar athlete during her time at Perry. In her sophomore year, Avery also made the All-Regional 2nd Team for indoor and All-Regional and All-District 1st Team for beach volleyball. The same year, she was a Perry High School Academic Excellence/ Academic Letter winner and a Paris State Quarterfinalist. The incoming Green Wave freshman was named team MVP her junior year and earned the title All Region and All District offensive player of the year for beach volleyball.
Cruz on Burks: "Avery is someone that has the potential to make an immediate impact into our
program. Her ability to play in every statistical category is what makes her an elite player. She is a
natural leader with proven success at a national level. We can’t wait for Avery to bring her experience
and leadership to Uptown"
Personal BIO: Comes to Tulane from St. Simons Island, GA, where she attends Glynn Academy and is a Jacksonville Juniors Volleyball Association member. As a middle blocker, Riley got selected for the Georgia High School Association All-Region Team, GHSA Honorable Mention in 2020, and GHSA Second Team All-Region in 2021.
Cruz on Mansfield: "Riley’s passion and drive to be great for Tulane University will show for years to come.
Her length and ability to play above the net will impact our gym immediately. She brings a
tremendous energy and excitement that will uplift our program. We are thrilled to welcome Riley to
Uptown"
Personal BIO: Comes to Tulane from Chula Vista, CA, where she attends Otay Ranch High School and is a member of the Coast Volleyball Club. As a setter, Zoe has been named Fall Scholar-Athlete and Metro Player of the Year. Rachow also earned 1st Team All- League both her junior and senior years and is currently leading assist in the San Diego section.
Cruz on Washington: "Zoe is someone that we identified early in the recruiting process who can set at a high
level and has a natural ability to lead. She is a coach’s kid that understands the importance of X’s and
O’s. Zoe’s experience will increase the level in our gym for years to come. We are thrilled to have her
join our Tulane Volleyball family!"
Personal BIO: Comes to Tulane from Hinsdale, IL, where she is a current four-year winner at Hinsdale Central High School and a New Wave Volleyball Club member. As an outside hitter, Kaitlyn was selected for the Illinois High-Performance team in 2019 and was named West Suburban Conference Scholar-Athlete. Kaitlyn was also named PrepDig's Key Player for USAV Nationals 2021 in Las Vegas and was number 16 on Illinois Prep Volleyball's top 100 players list. In 2022, the incoming Green Wave freshman earned AVCA Highschool All-Region Team, AVCA High School 1st Team Best and Brightest, and the JVA National Athleader Award.
Cruz on Thick: "Kaitlyn is someone who will add true length to our pin position. She has the ability to
play high over the net offensively and defensively. She is a true student-athlete that will impact the
classroom as well. Her work ethic to be the best on and off the court will lead our program for years
to come. We are thrilled to welcome Kaitlyn and her family to NOLA!"
Personal BIO: Comes to Tulane from Suwanee, GA, where she attends Lambert High School and is a member of the 5A Mizuno Volleyball Club. As a middle blocker in 2021, Jordan was a member of the GHSA All-State team, the All-Region 6-7 1st Team, and the AVCA Phenom Watchlist. She was also named a Prep Volleyball HS All-American in the same year. During 2022, the incoming Green Wave freshman was a member of the Region All-State Team and the GHSA All-State team for the second time in her career. White was awarded Lambert Offensive Player of the Year, Region 7A Offensive Player of the Year, and was named GVCA Senior All-Star.
Cruz on White: "Jordan is exactly what we look for in middle blockers - a perfect mix of physicality and
speed. Her blocking prowess will immediately impact our program for the next four years. She is also
a proven leader in the classroom. We are excited for Jordan to join our Olive and Blue family!"
Download the official mobile app of Tulane Athletics. Now, you can stay in touch with the Green Wave anytime and anywhere on your Android or iOS mobile device.
Follow Tulane volleyball on social media at @GreenWaveVB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, all-Americans, professional athletes and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.
