Volleyball Inks Two For 2021
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State Volleyball Head Coach Jen Greeny announced the addition of two incredible players who will join the volleyball program for the fall 2021 season.
The Cougars volleyball class of 2021 includes both Katy Ryan and Michelle Zhao.
"We are so excited for both Michelle and Katy to join our Cougar Volleyball family," said head coach Jen Greeny. "They are both tremendous athletes that will help keep our program competing at a high level. They are both not only stellar on the court, but also excel academically and will be great teammates."
Katy Ryan is a 6-5 opposite from Rathdrum, Idaho. She is currently a senior at Lakeland High School, where she has excelled not only in a volleyball uniform, but as a member of the basketball program as well. Ryan was named a varsity starter during her freshman season, which she then followed up the next year earning an all-league selection. Katy saw the accolades begin to pile up during her junior campaign as she was named team most valuable player, all-league MVP, North Idaho Athlete Hall of Fame Volleyball Player of the Year, Female Athlete of the Year, all while helping lead her program to a first place league finish and a fourth place finish at the state championships. Her senior season brought more of the same success, earning yet another team MVP nod and the team state sportsmanship award. Ryan led Lakeland High School to a first place finish within the league, along with winning the state title. Katy is currently nominated for the Idaho Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year also. She has excelled in the classroom as well, posted a grade point average over 4.0, along with earning the Idaho Top Scholar Award, and is a member of the National Honors Society. Katy will look to pursue a degree in elementary education while attending WSU as well.
Michelle Zhao is a 5-8 setter from Walnut, California. She is currently a senior at La Salle High School, where she has been earning volleyball accolades since her freshman season. Zhao was named varsity most valuable player, along with earning a first team all-league selection during her freshman year. She helped lead La Salle to a Hacienda League Championship and advanced to the CIF quarterfinals. During her sophomore campaign Michelle was once against named varsity MVP, and earn yet another first team all-league selection. Zhao's junior season brought more of the same success as she was named a second team all-league selection as well. Michelle will look to pursue a degree in anthropology and communications while attending Washington State University.