ULM Warhawks

MONROE, La. - Head volleyball coach Russ Friedland announced on Thursday (April 26) the addition of two new Warhawks to the 2018 indoor volleyball team. Friedland's newcomers, incoming freshman Cali Assaley and transfer sophomore Katie McKay will be eligible to participate in the 2018 season.

Katie McKay is making Monroe her new home after spending the past two seasons at Feather River College in Quincy, California.

"Katie will make an immediate impact on our program. She will greatly impact the quality of our first contact and defensive game," Friedland said. "I love that she's coming in with 2 years of experience at a high level JuCo. Her energy off the court and calmness on the court will fit in well with what we've already got in the gym. Katie's beach experience will also add to our beach program in the spring and I am excited to add her to that roster as well."

At Feather River, McKay competed in 32 matches and 101 sets, she tallied 34 service aces on the year, and led the team in digs with 491. Her success during the 2017 season earned her a selection to the All-Golden Valley Conference First-Team for the second year in-a-row.

In 2016, Mckay competed in 26 matches and 91 sets, she tallied 25 service aces on the year, and led the team in digs with 391. 

McKay attended Terra Nova High School in Pacifica, CA. As a senior, she was named MVP as well as team captain, receiving first team all-league honors as a junior and a senior.  

McKay was an all-star in the classroom as well, participating in the Chemistry Club, en route to graduating with honors.

Friedland's incoming freshman, Assaley comes to the Pelican State from Columbia, South Carolina. The 6'0 outside hitter is on track to graduate from AC Flora High School in May of 2018.

Assaley brings a consistent strength to the Warhawk volleyball program, earning recognition all four years of high school- including the title of varsity captain for the 2014-2017 season. 

Assaley also garnered AC Flora MVP in 2016 and 2017, as well as Offensive Player of the Year in those same season. Her skills have earned her All-Region V-AAAA Player in 2015, 2016, and 2017 season as well. 

Her senior season, was her most productive, as Assaley helped lead AC Flora to a 10-3 overall record and 6-1 mark in conference play. With that, Assaley was named to the 2017 South Carolina All-Star Team.

"I've been watching Cali since before I arrived at ULM," Friedland said. "Cali is a six rotation pin hitter coming from a top club in South Carolina and will add to our first contact game along with our net game. She's a competitor. The winning culture that she is coming from, high school, club & family, will feed in well with the vision for ULM Volleyball. She's a great get for our program."