TEMPE, Ariz.—The Arizona State volleyball team and head coach Jason Watson announced on Tuesday that Kierstin Fowler (Flagstaff, Ariz./Coconino HS) and Tia Philippart (Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon HS) will round out the 2015 incoming class.
“I’m excited that both Kierstin and Tia are joining us in 2015,” Watson said. “Both are Sun Devils – each having grown up surround by family with ties to Arizona State University. They provide us with depth, and come to our program from wonderfully successful high school and club programs.”
Fowler, a 6-2 middle blocker, was the 2013 Panther MVP and 2014 Panther Award Winner. In 2013 she was named to the AIA All Section First Team, and was 2014 AZ Central Honorable Mention and 2014 All Division 2nd Team. Fowler recorded 339 blocks in three years of competition, and posted a .547 attack percentage as a senior. Additionally, Fowler played club volleyball at Revolution Volleyball Academy.
“Kierstin comes to us after a successful high school and club season,” Watson said. “She has made significant progress this club season and continues to improve. Her dedication to continued improvement is why we feel fortunate to have her be a Sun Devil. It’s a trait we value. I’m looking forward to her beginning her college career in Tempe and watching her reach her potential.”
The daughter of TG and Toddie Fowler, Kierstin has two brothers, Carmello and Trenton, and one sister, Tia. She intends to major in business law at Arizona State.
A 5-11 middle blocker, Philippart was a member of three Avocado West League Championship teams. In 2012, the Mavericks were the Division II CIF Regional Champions, and regional runners-up in 2014. She was also named First-Team All-League in the Avocado West in 2014. A three-time academic team honoree, Philippart also played club volleyball for four years, most recently with the Wave, who won gold in the 18 USA range in the 2015 Big South Qualifiers.
“We have tremendous respect for the club program that Tia represents,” Watson said. “She is part of a team that battles and competes at a high level. Her experience with both teams helps us further our own team. Tia is going to help us. She’s going to enhance the competitive nature of our program and team.”
The daughter of Eric and Mary Ann Philippart, Tia has one sister, Kai, and her father is a retired professional BMX racer. Philippart intends to major in supply chain management at Arizona State.
Fowler and Philippart join fellow incoming Sun Devils Lexi MacLean (OH/Frisco, Texas/Centennial HS), Jasmine Koontz (MB/Tomball, Texas/Klein HS), and Kyle Pickrell (S/RS/Coppell Texas, Coppell HS).
