KU volleyball adds three during early signing period

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas volleyball announced the addition of three high school standouts, Gracie Van Driel, Rachel Hickman and Morgan Christon, during the 2018-19 early signing period.
 
“A very versatile class,” said head coach Ray Bechard. “We gain a high-level middle blocker, outside hitter and right-side attacker. The trio will create physicality with their ability to attack and block. They’ve been highly successful at every level they have competed, and we expect the same high level performance at Kansas.”
 
Van Driel, a Rose Hill, Kan., native, played for Rose Hill High School and is a three-time Kansas Volleyball Association Class 4A All-Tournament Team selection. In her four years at Rose Hill, the Lady Rockets won Class 4A DI state championships in 2016 and 2017 and held an overall record of 139-29.
 
“Gracie (Van Driel) is a Big 12 ready middle blocker, combining elite blocking skills with the ability to attack in front of and behind the setter,” said head coach Ray Bechard. “She has a relentless attitude, plays with a lot of enthusiasm and makes those around her better.”
 
In addition to Van Driel, the Jayhawks gain another Kansas high school standout in Hickman.
 
“She will be a point scorer for us with her ability to attack and her ability to be a shutdown blocker,” said Bechard. “We are very excited about what she brings to Kansas volleyball. She plays for the right reasons and will add to our competitive culture.”
 
Hickman, a Lawrence, Kan., native, attended Free State High School and was named to the 2018 Sunflower Conference First Team. Hickman tallied 304 kills as a senior and holds the Free State career record with 1,092 kills.
 
Kansas concluded its signing class with the addition of senior standout Christon from Allen, Texas.
 
“Morgan (Christon) is a really athletic, physical outside attacker, who can play on either pin,” Bechard stated. “She plays for a high level high school and a high level club. We see Morgan as a six-rotation player that will contribute both from the front and back row, giving her the ability to impact the match at all levels.”
 
Christon played for Allen HS and was named to the 2018 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) UA All-America Watch List. She also was a member of the Texas Advantage Volleyball Club, who captured the silver medal at the 2017 Junior National Championships (16 Open Division).
 
“Not only are they talented on the court, but they are really good people, will play for the right reasons and add to the culture we have created at Kansas.”

Gracie Van Driel
Height: 6-1
Position: MB
High School: Rose Hill HS
Hometown: Rose Hill, Kan.
Quote: Gracie (Van Driel) is a Big 12 ready middle blocker, combining elite blocking skills with the ability to attack in front of and behind the setter. She has a relentless attitude, plays with a lot of enthusiasm and makes those around her better.
 
Rachel Hickman
Height: 6-3
Position: RS
High School: Free State HS
Hometown: Lawrence, Kansas
Quote: She will be a point scorer for us with her ability to attack and her ability to be a shutdown blocker. We are very excited about what she brings to Kansas volleyball. She plays for the right reasons and will add to our competitive culture.
 
 
Morgan Christon
Height: 6-1
Position: OH
High School: Allen HS
Quote: Morgan (Christon) a really athletic, physical outside attacker, who can play on either pin. She plays for a high level high school and a high level club. We see Morgan as a six-rotation player that will contribute both from the front and back row, giving her the ability to impact the match at all levels.