ITHACA, N.Y. – The Cornell volleyball team has welcomed a new year of athletes, adding six new recruits from the 2023 class. Trudy Vande Berg, The Wendy Schaenen '79 Head Coach of Volleyball, is looking to help fill the space left by the graduation of seniors Joanna Chang, Evan Reich, and Emma Worthington. With Chang, who led the team in attacks and ranked second in kills, Reich, who had the best reception percentage on the Big Red in conference play when tallying more than 60 receptions, and Worthington, who acted as the Big Red's primary setter, there are plenty of roles to fill to help Cornell get back to competing for the conference title.
 
"This class really balances out our roster. Each brings something to our culture and the gym that we need to get CUVB back to the top of the Ivy League standings. I'm so excited for August to get here," said Coach Vande Berg.
 

Meet the 2023 Recruits:

Sara Pomar – Libero/Setter – 5-2

Pounce, Puerto Rico (Notre Dame HS [Caguas, P.R.]) | HIGHLIGHTS
Prior to Cornell

• Was a part of the 2023 Conference Championship team at Notre Dame.
• Named tournament MVP at the conference championships.
• Played club volleyball for 305 Volleyball Club.
• Honor Roll student at Notre Dame HS.

Why Cornell?
"Cornell will give me the opportunity to compete in the NCAA at a high level and at the same time and most important to have the best education to pursue my career."

Coaches' Comments:
"Sara has a great feel for the game and has trained with some of the best players in Puerto Rico. She is incredibly competitive and is the definition of a gym rat. Her love of the game is contagious, and she is going to be fun to coach."

Jaida Sione – Outside Hitter – 6-2

Chatsworth, California (Sierra Canyon HS) | HIGHLIGHTS
Prior to Cornell

• A part of the 2022 CIF Southern Section Division 1 Championship Team.
• Named First Team All-League, All District, and Top-10 Freshman in California in 2019.
• Team Captain for Sunshine Volleyball Club
• Named to the Under Armor All-America watch list four different years.

Why Cornell?
"I chose Cornell because it provides the opportunity to continue to play the game that I love while obtaining an exceptional education. There are endless opportunities for enrichment academically, culturally, and athletically.  I knew becoming a student-athlete at Cornell would allow me to develop beyond the volleyball court and help me become the best version of myself. I wanted to join a campus filled with passionate students who are dedicated to making a difference in the world.  Lastly, the volleyball coaches at Cornell are amazing, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this team from the moment I visited campus."
 
Coaches' Comments:
"Jaida will be a great compliment to our pin group. She is a shut-down blocker, can score out of system and has greatly improved her back-row play in the last year. She plays very calm and loves to get the ball under pressure."
 

Asa Moses – Setter – 6-2

New York, New York (United Nations International School) | HIGHLIGHTS
Prior to Cornell

• Two-year All-league Award winner (2021, 2022).
• Led team to winning the NYCAL Championship two years in a row.
• Founding member of the UNIS Athletic Student Council.
• Starting varsity athlete for five years.

Why Cornell?
"I chose Cornell because of the incredible coaching staff and girls on the volleyball team. I wanted to attend a high-academic, liberal arts school with a competitive D1 volleyball program, but what really stood out to me about Cornell during my visits (besides the beautiful campus) was the athletic program, team culture, and community".
 
Coaches' Comments:
"I am so excited that Asa will be joining us this fall. She is a powerful lefty with an incredibly high ceiling. She wants to be the best that she can be, and we can't wait to help her reach her goals. Asa is a great teammate and person; she is going to be a terrific addition to the CUVB family."
 

Amrit Dhaliwal – Middle Blocker – 6-0

San Ramon, California (Monte Vista HS) | HIGHLIGHTS
Prior to Cornell

• Team captain for her 2021 and 2022 season.
• Led her team to a section championship in 2021.
• Was named to her All-League Team for all four years of her high school career ('19-'22).
• Made Honor Roll all four years in high school ('19-'22).

Why Cornell?
"There is a great balance of academics and athletics. I felt at home at the campus and love all the people I have met so far."
 
Coaches' Comments:
"Amrit is a middle coach's dream as a middle blocker. She won't give up, loves to block, and does everything she can to be up in transition. She has a high IQ in the middle and has the training and skill to do great things for us while in a Cornell jersey."
 

Ava Bogan – Middle Hitter – 6-5

Chicago, Illinois (Loyola Academy) | HIGHLIGHTS
Prior to Cornell

• Named GBS All Tournament Player for 2023.
• MVP for her team in 2023.
• Nominated to the 2023 All-Conference Team.
• National Honor Society Member.
• Placed third overall in the National French Exam.

Why Cornell?
"I chose Cornell because I felt that it was the place that I belong and would thrive in. Once I visited campus, met my coach and future teammates, I felt extremely comfortable and at home. I knew I would be able to receive an exemplary education while also being challenged to improve in my sport. I appreciate campus environment with its many colleges it will allow me to meet many different types of people."
 
Coaches' Comments:
"Ava has a huge presence, moves well, and puts up an intimidating block. She has the potential to be great and I can't wait to get her into our gym and see what she can do."
 
 

Madison Wood – Libero – 5-3

Manhattan Beach, CA (Mira Costa HS) | HIGHLIGHTS
Prior to Cornell

• Helped her team to three Junior National Championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
• AAU Volleyball Nationals Academic All-American Award Winner for 2022.
• Named the Dave Mohs Tournament Champion in 2021.
• Premier Volleyball League West Coast Cup Tournament Winner in 2021.
• AP Scholar with Distinction.

 
Why Cornell?
"I chose Cornell to continue to challenge myself academically. I was interested in the College of Engineering's motto "break the rules" and the collaborative environment Cornell's college of engineering provides. I'm also excited to experience the beautiful nature that surrounds Cornell."
 
Coaches' Comments:
"Madison is an incredibly hard worker, on and off the court. She absolutely loves volleyball which shows when you watch her play and interact with her teammates. We've known Madison for a long time and I can't wait to see her development as a student-athlete at Cornell."