Ulmer Adds Two Standouts on Signing Day
Oregon head coach Matt Ulmer announced the addition two highly-touted recruits as a part of the 2021 signing class Wednesday. The Ducks will welcome top-100 prospects in Reagan Hope and Colby Neal to Eugene next fall.
"We're thrilled to welcome a pair of smart, responsible, passionate high achievers," said Ulmer. "Reagan and Colby are talented students, leaders in their communities and motivated volleyball players that have competed at the highest level in their prep careers. We couldn't be more excited for this Duck class of 2021."
Reagan Hope, MB/OH, Phoenix, Ariz. (Northwest Christian HS)
The 21st-ranked recruit nationally in the PrepVolleyball Top 150 … Ranked fourth among middle blockers and second overall in Arizona by PrepVolleyball … Has recorded 1,502 career kills with a .359 hitting percentage with 738 digs and 205 aces to help lead Northwest Christian HS to a pair of 3A state championship … Averaging 4.7 kills per set so far this season, hitting .365 with 216 total kills … Also averaging 1.9 digs per set and 1.0 aces per set, with 44 total aces in 15 matches … Has posted double-digit kills in all 15 matches this year so far, helping Northwest Christian to a 15-0 record … Recorded three double-doubles on the season, finishing with 10 digs twice and 11 once … Selected first-team All-Arizona by Arizona Central as a junior in 2019 … Hit .279 with 4.2 kills per set and 509 total on the year … Tallied 93 aces (0.8 per set) while averaging 2.2 digs per set (272 total) … Posted double-figures in kills 22 times, highlighted by a season-high 27 kills twice to help lead Northwest Christian to a state 3A state title … Combined for 59 kills in the last three matches of the state playoffs, including a 21-kill performance in the title match … Named a state player of the year finalist and first-team All-Arizona by Arizona Central as a sophomore … Finished fifth in the state in total kills with 513 while finishing fourth with a .372 hitting percentage … Averaged 2.6 digs per set with 270 total while recording 55 aces … Recorded 10 double-doubles – all with kills and digs – to help the Crusaders to a state 3A title.
Ulmer on Hope: "Reagan Hope is a leader on and off the court. She has excelled in multiple positions and is able to attack at a high level all across the net. Reagan is one of the most dynamic slide attackers in this class and we're very excited for the impact that she will make in all facets of our program."
Colby Neal, MB, Poway, Calif. (Poway HS)
Ranked 88th overall nationally in the PrepVolleyball Top 150 for the Class of 2021 … Ranked fourth among middle blockers in California and 12th overall in the state by PrepVolleyball … The 22nd-ranked middle blocker in the country according to PrepVolleyball … Named a player to watch in the VolleyballMag Fab 50 prior to the summer of 2020 … Lettered three seasons at Poway High School … Helped Poway to an appearance in the CIF San Diego Section playoffs as a junior in 2019 … Played club ball for Coast Volleyball … Also a standout in basketball … Earned second-team All-CIF San Diego Section honors as a sophomore.
Ulmer on Neal: "Colby Neal is an imposing presence at the net. When she hits the ball it sounds different. Colby is an intimidating blocker, she has the rare combination of quick lateral speed and strong broad shoulders. She can change the game from the middle of the court with her creativity and energy."