The Green Wave Volleyball Team Signs Five to the 2024 Incoming Class
Jan 13, 2024 | Women's Volleyball
NEW ORLEANS- Head volleyball coach, Jordana Price, announced the signing of five new additions to the 2024 incoming volleyball class.
Price says, "This incoming class brings in fierce competitors, extremely talented athletes, and well-rounded young women. These student-athletes have a deep love of the game and are excited to help raise Tulane Volleyball in the American Athletic Conference. We have been anticipating the addition of this recruiting class to the Green Wave and know they will arrive prepared to compete on the court and in the classroom. This talented 2024 class will work extremely hard, and we are honored they chose to represent Tulane University and our volleyball program."
The class is as follows:
Amelia Haggins:
A four-year letter winner in indoor volleyball earning two at Maclay College Preparatory School and two at Leon High School… While at Maclay College Prep, she was named to the All-Big Bend Prep second team as a sophomore…In her junior season, she was named to the All-Big Bend Prep first team… Led Leon High School to the district championship game in 2023… Led her 17U prep team to receive a bid to Nationals… Also earned four letters in track and field… She competed in high jump and sprints and earned multiple top 10 state finishes … Off the court, Haggins is a member of multiple honor societies, Co-Editor and Chief of her high school newspaper, and a member of the Black Student Union…daughter of Robin and Odell Haggins… Father Odell was a ninth-round NFL Draft pick out of Florida State in 1990 and went on to play for the Buffalo Bills during their 1991 Super Bowl Season and is currently the associate head coach of the Florida State football team.Â
Coach Price on Haggins:
"Amelia has a heart of gold, and I am thrilled to have her join our program. Amelia is the epitome of a coach's daughter and brings grit, heart, and leadership to every team she has ever been a part of. This is a full-circle moment for Amelia to join the Tulane Green Wave and for me to have the chance to coach her at the collegiate level. I met Amelia when she was in middle school and knew right away she was special and would have a very bright future in volleyball! She is a true athlete and has excelled in many sports, I am grateful she chose to compete in volleyball at the highest level. Amelia embraces hard work; she understands the process and will be an instrumental part of our success here."Â
Lora Cole:Â
Letter winner in indoor volleyball at Natchitoches Central High School playing middle blocker… Earned first-team all-district honors in 2022… Selected to the LHSAA All-Star team… Named NCHS Offensive Player of the Year… Led her high school to the furthest round in the state playoffs in school history in 2022…Off the court, she is a member of the National Honor Society, won the AVCA Best and Brightest award, and participates in competitive dance… Daughter of Jim and Beth Cole…Has one younger brother, David.
Coach Price on Cole:Â
"Lora is going to make a huge impact at the collegiate level, from the first day I saw her compete I knew there was something extraordinary about her! She is the type of player who throws herself into her craft and is invested in becoming the best. I know with our ability to train middles at the highest level and her work ethic she is going to quickly rise as one of the best in the conference. Lora is a natural athlete and an extreme competitor. I look forward to seeing her grow and appreciate all of the intangibles she will bring to our program as we climb to the top"
Juliet Galla:
A three-year letter winner in volleyball at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School playing outside hitter and libero…Led McGill-Toolen Catholic to four state championship appearances and two state championships…Was named to the AVCA High School All-American Watchlist…Leads the 7A district in digs with over 1000 career digs… Also lettered in tennis earning All-State and All-County honors…Off the court, she is a member of the National Honor Society…Daughter of Mary and John Galla…Mother Mary was a Division One soccer player at the University of Notre Dame…Older brother, Jack, played tennis at Franciscan University. Â
Coach Price on Galla:Â
"Juliet comes from a long line of hard workers, and I know she will continue the family legacy at Tulane. She is a fierce competitor and embraces adversity. Juliet is going to bring fearlessness to our team, and I look forward to the energy and joy she will bring to our gym and the culture of excellence we are building here. Having won back-to-back state championships she knows what it takes to go all the way and is ready to contribute at the next level." - Jordana Price, Head Coach
Dayla Ortiz:
Lettered four years at Pope High School in indoor volleyball playing the libero position.. Led her team to four regional championship titles and one state championship title in 2022…Earned first-team all-region honors and first-team all-state honors, twice… Named as an AVCA Phenom… Holds the record for most career digs at Pope HS…Is the daughter of Dixon and Diana Ortiz… Has one older sister, Deyanna.Â
Coach Price on Ortiz:
"Dayla is an incredible player I've been watching for many years; I am beyond thrilled she chose Tulane and look forward to the tenacity and competitiveness she brings to every team she competes for. Dayla has a calming presence, has won state championships, and plays for one of the best clubs in the country. Dayla is going to bring a relentless pursuit of greatness to our team that will help take this program to the next level."Â
Maiella Blandin:
Lettered three years in volleyball at Miss Porter's School and Choate Rosemary Hall playing middle blocker and outside hitter…Led her team to the playoff quarterfinals in 2019…Was named to the AVCA Phenom list in 2020 and 2021…Was named All-NEPSAC in 2023…Is the daughter of Jon Blandin and Carla Ramos…Father Jon, played college basketball at Southern CT State University…Has one younger brother, Cameron.Â
Coach Price on Blandin:Â
"Maiella is going to have a very special career; she is extremely talented and hasn't come close to her full potential on the volleyball court. Her maturity and desire to excel is going to take her to great heights at Tulane and in life. I had the opportunity to see Maiella play at a summer camp and was blown away by her coachability and enthusiasm towards the game. She will become a force to reckon with at the net and I can't wait to see her grow into the best version of herself on and off the court with the Green Wave."
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