Kentucky volleyball head coach Craig Skinner announced the completion of the 2019 recruiting class on Thursday. Middle blocker Bella Bell (Blythewood, South Carolina), defensive specialist Maddie Berezowitz (Burlington, Wisconsin) and outside hitter Azhani Tealer (Grand Prairie, Texas) will all join the Wildcats as freshmen next year.
“Elite athleticism, character and enthusiasm are words to describe this 2019 class,” head coach Craig Skinner said. “Their decisions to buy into the culture of Kentucky Volleyball has been thorough and clear. We are thrilled to have these athletes join the momentum of our program. They will leave a lasting impression on our fans, out program and our opponents.”
The class features two players ranked among the top-100 seniors by Prep Volleyball. All three members of the 2019 class have combined for multiple all-state and all-conference honors as well as numerous district, regional and state championships.
Bella Bell – Middle Blocker – Blythewood, South Carolina – Blythewood High School
- Ranked No. 51 in Prep Volleyball Senior Aces
- Member of all-region and all-state team
- Four-time regional champion
- Four-year academic honor roll student
- Team MVP
- Member of the FAA
- Participated in “Sandwiches for the Hungry” community service event
- Four-year letterwinner
Maddie Berezowitz – Defensive Specialist – Burlington, Wisconsin – Burlington High School
- Three-time first-team all-area (2016-18)
- Racine County Player of the Year in 2018
- Second team all-state in 2018 and an honorable mention honoree in 2017
- Two-time second team all-conference (2016-18)
- Two-time Wisconsin state champion (2017, 2018), also finishing as a runner up in 2016 and a quarterfinalist in 2015
- First-team all-county, all-area in 2018 in softball, including state runner-up finish
- Member of National Honor Society and an AP Scholar
Azhani Tealer – Outside Hitter – Grand Prairie, Texas – South Grand Prairie High School
- Rated No. 21 in Prep Volleyball Senior Aces
- Two-time most valuable player in her district
- 2018 Offensive Player of the Year
- Three-time district champion
- Bronze medalist at USAV 17 Open
- National Champion, All-American and All-State in track and field
- An AP Scholar and Principals Award recipient
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Grant Gearheart
