LAKE CHARLES- McNeese volleyball head coach Sasha Karelov has announced the addition of seven more student-athletes for the upcoming 2023 season, joining the three previous (Emmalynn Montes, Megan Grose, and Ella Swansiger) announced last November.
 
"I can't tell you how excited I am about the seven new additions to our roster," Karelov said.  "Each of them brings an edge to our game and will undoubtably make our gym more competitive.  They are all high-character individuals that I immediately connected with from day one.  Fans will really enjoy watching them compete in the Legacy Center this fall."  
 
The seven include Carissa Chainey (Feather River College), Emma Hendricks (Central Wyoming College), Kayla Wilson (Memphis), Revna Cakir (UTRGV), Isabella Ceja (Incarnate Word High), Abigail Montes (Kingwood High), and Tshilanda Diouf (Lyce'e Maurice Genevoix).
 
Carissa Chainey
• transfer from Feather River College
• played in 70 career matches
• recorded 631 career kills for an average of 2.92 per set
• led the team with 66 service aces and was second on the team with 384 kills and 210 digs last season and posted a .301 hitting percent in 2022.
•- two-time All-Golden Valley
•- All-State
 
"Carissa is a high-flying and hard-hitting attacker, who can also hit a variety of shots.  She has an infectious personality and is a natural leader.  I'm excited to see her make waves in the Southland."
 
Emma Hendricks
• transfer from Central Wyoming College
• dished out 383 assists for an average of 3.99 per set in 2022
• credited with 56 digs
• member of the Region 9 Champions (2021)
• ended her career at Central Wyoming College with 627 assists and 106 digs
 
"Emma is an athletic, lefty setter with a high volleyball IQ and ability to attack from anywhere.  She is a resilient competitor and always looks like she's having a blast on the court no matter what the score is."
 
Kayla Wilson
• transfer from Memphis
• played in nine matches in 2022 and recorded 25 kills
• member of the 2021-22 District 23-6A Champions, Area Champions, and Regional Champs at Shadow Creek High where she played for three years.
• placed third at the 6A State Tournament (2021-22)
• second team all-district as a junior at Shadow Creek High
• District 20-6A Newcomer of the Year and ranked 16^th in the region in blocks as a senior at Ridgepoint High.
• graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ridgepoint High with a 3.7 GPA
 
"Kayla is a dynamic attacker that can score on both pins.  She truly loves the game and improving her craft every day.  Kayla's fun and friendly personality will be great for our team culture."
 
Revna Cakir
• transfer from UTRGV
• saw limited playing time while at UTRGV due do an injury
• member most 2022 WAC Regular Season Champs with a record of 27-7 overall and 13-1 in the WAC, which is the most successful season at UTRGV.
• lost in the quarterfinals of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) 
• member of four Turkey Championship teams in high school and club
• finished 3^rd at the Turkey Championships as a freshman and fourth as a sophomore
 
"Revna is an experienced, consistent middle blocker who is a deep thinker and has a team-first mentality.  She works hard in transition and finds creative ways to score."
 
Isabella Ceja (Incarnate Word High)
• member of two district runners-up and two regional playoff teams
• three-time TAAPS all-district (So., Jr., Sr.)
• all-state (Sr.)
• ended her career with 1,195 career digs
• member of Alamo Volleyball Association (2023)
• Lone Star Prep Top Defensive Specialist (2023)
 
"Bella has a great platform and a nice touch on the ball.  She moves on the court efficiently and has a quiet confidence about her that makes everyone else around her play better."
 
Abigail Montes (Kingwood High)
• is the twin sister of Cowgirl early signee (Emmalynn)
• member of two undefeated district championship teams
• starting setter on freshman team and JV MVP as a sophomore
• two-time 21-6A All-District
• led the district in assist as a senior
• 2022-23 TAV Houston 18 Adidas, starting right side, first place Northern Lights Qualifier, first place at the Caribbean Volleyball Championship
• 2021-2022 TAV Houston 17 Adidas, starting setter, all around setter/right side, placed 5th at GJNC in the USA Division, 635 assists
• 2020-2021 TAV Houston 16 Blue, starting right side, injured halfway through season.
• 2019-2020 TAV Houston 15 Black, first year playing competitive club volleyball, season cut short due to COVID
 
"Abby is a versatile player that can set and attack at a high level.  She has a calm demeanor and is a quick thinker. She will do really well in our system."
 
Tshilanda Diouf (Lyce'e Maurice Genevoix)
• member of Istre Provence Volley Club Team (2022, 2019-20, 2020-21)), France Avenir 2024 Club Team (2021-22),
• National Team (3 yrs.)
• qualified for the U16, U17/18 and U19/U20 European Championships
 
"Tshilanda grew up in a volleyball family and has played with some of the best players overseas.  Her ability to attack and block at such a high point will make her an immediate threat.  Her potential is through the roof."
 

2023 McNeese Volleyball Additions
Carissa Chainey, 5-8, Outside Hitter (Middleton, ID./Feather River College)
Emma Hendricks, 5-9, Setter (Layton, UT/Central Wyoming College)
Kayla Wilson, 5-10, Outside Hitter (Sugar Land, TX./Memphis)
Revna Cakir, 6-0, Middle Blocker (UTRGV)
Isabella Ceja, 5-7, Libero (San Antonio, TX./Incarnate Word High)
Abigail Montes, 6-0, Setter (Kingwood, TX./Kingwood High)
Tshilanda Diouf, 5-10, Outside Hitter (Marignane, France/Lyce'e Maurice Genevoix)