Cardinal Recruiting Class of 2019 Ranked Top in ACC

The 2019 University of Louisville volleyball recruiting class has been ranked No. 16 in the nation, the highest ranked class in the ACC and the highest ranking Cardinal class since 2006.

The ranking was announced by PrepVolleyball.com, where a panel of college coaches from across the country and representing all three NCAA women's volleyball divisions determines the top list of classes.

Libero Alexa Hendricks, rightside hitter Nena Mbonu, setter Shannon Shields, outside hitter Amber Stivrins, and middle blocker Amaya Tillman will all continue their volleyball careers at the University of Louisville.

"I knew the 2019 class had to not only to be talented on the court, but also individuals that could help build a culture and have high expectations for the program," said Busboom Kelly. "These five individuals chose Louisville because they want to win big. It's been a couple years waiting for the day they sign on the dotted line and we could not be more excited to officially welcome them into our program!"

Alexa Hendricks, a 5-7 libero from Louisville, played for Assumption HS and KIVA will stay and play in her hometown. In 2016, she helped her team to an 11th place finish at the 2016 AAU National Championships. In 2017, her team was the Bluegrass Tournament Champions and the Central Zone Champions before placing third at the 2017 JVA World Challenge. That year, at SPVB Junior Nationals, KIVA finished in first place and ninth at the 2017 AAU Nationals. At Assumption, she helped lead her team to the 2017 & 2018 Durango Fall Classic Championships, 2017 KHSAA State Championship as well as the 2018 KHSAA State Champions. Assumption was named as the 2018 National Champions with a perfect 43-0 record.

"Alexa will make an immediate impact in our back court passing and defending," said Busboom Kelly. "She is a great athlete that has a wealth of experience in big matches and knows what it takes to win. There's nothing better than having hometown athletes decide to stay home, and we are excited Alexa chose to be a part of the future of Louisville volleyball."

Nena Mbonu, a 6-0 outside/rightside hitter from Spring, Texas, signed after playing her high school ball at Klein High School where she was the 2016 District Newcomer of the Year and the 2017 District MVP. Mbonu amassed 1,014 kills, hit .328 with 412 aces and 172 blocks during her prep career. She played club for TAV Houston, where she made the nationals all-tournament team and was ranked No. 55 in the Class of 2019 by PrepVolleyball. She was a Vype Magazine Fab 50 Player in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

"Nena is the most versatile player for us in the 2019 class," said Busboom Kelly. "She has experience playing right side, middle, and outside hitter. She is a dynamic athlete already jump touching around 10'6 and should expect to compete at any position."

Shannon Shields, a 5-10 setter from Phoenix, Ariz., is the Cardinals' next signee. She played high school volleyball for Xavier Prep and club ball for Arizona Storm. As a freshman, she helped her team to a second place finish in the Arizona State 6A Finals. That year, she was named to the AVCA Phenom List and was on the Triple Crown and PrepVolleyballs Dream Teams. Her team won the USA National Championships (15s) and she First-Team All-Tournament Team for 15 Open. As a sophomore at Xavier, she was named to the First team all-conference and All-6A Region and took her team to a fifth place finish in the state tournament and was named to the PrepVolleyball Dream Teams and the Flo Volleyball Watch List. She also was named High Honorable Mention - All American List 2016 by PrepVolleyball, which also named her as a sophomore of the year finalist. That year playing club, she helped her team to a fifth place finish in the USA Nationals (16 Open) and made the USA Nationals All-tournament team (16 Open) She also played on the State Champions XCP Beach Volleyball team. As a junior, she led her team to the Arizona 6A State Championship and was named to the both the first team all-conference and all-region teams. Her performance earned her All-American honors from PrepVolleyball, which also placed her on their Junior of the Year and Player of the Year Watchlist. For her club, she placed tenth at the USA Nationals Open Division. As a senior, she was one of six athletes selected for Nike TOC Video and Cover of Nike program AVCA Under Armour All American 2nd Team.

"Shannon knows how to run an offense, and more importantly knows how to win," says Busboom Kelly. "Every team Shannon has been on wins at a high level, largely due to her competitiveness and leadership. Despite her size, she is very aggressive at the net and plays with a chip on her shoulder. She will be an exciting player to watch over the next four years and we expect great things from her."

Amber Stivrins, an outside hitter from Chandler, Arizona, signed with Louisville from the Arizona Storm Club. She played varsity as freshman and her 15s Club GJNC were champions in the Open, earning her MVP honors at the 15 Open in both Colorado and the Salt Lake Triple Crown. Her team was the Southern California Qualifier winner in Open and won the MLK tourney in Arizona. She was on the 16s USA A1 Red team and the 17s USA A1 team. She is a two time All-City team member in and has served as co-captain for her high school team the last three years. Chaparral named her team MVP for both her sophomore and senior years. During her career she amassed 1,495 kills, hitting .243 with 1,008 digs.

"Amber has an extremely high volleyball IQ and is one of the best well-rounded players in country," said Busboom Kelly. "She not only is a force in the front row, but a great backcourt defender, passer, and server. Amber is one of those players that stands out in practices and matches as a natural leader. She's a hard worker, great teammate, and wants the ball in big moments."

Amaya Tillman, a middle blocker from Topeka's Shawnee Heights High School and MAVS Volleyball Club, signed with the Cards after Prepvolleyball.com ranked her as No. 30 on the Top 100 Senior Aces List. She led her high school varsity team in blocks during her freshman and sophomore year. She was an integral part of Shawnee Heights' 2016 State Championship and she was named to the 2016 GJNC All-Tournament Team. In 2018, she was named to the United Kansas Conference First Team.

"The first thing Card Nation will notice about Amaya is her passion for the game. She only knows one speed and that's as fast as she can possibly go. Amaya is a worker and has an internal drive to be the best. She is also extremely versatile and can play any position at a high level. I have an idea she will be a fan favorite."

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