Follow @HCUVolleyball

Houston Christian University has added three players during the early signing period as announced by Head Coach Trent Herman on Monday afternoon. The Huskies will add three from the Lone Star state in Malaya Balina-Ayers, Leighton Hale and Katelyn Vo, who will all join HCU as incoming freshmen next Fall.

Malaya Balina-Ayers is a 6'1 middle hitter from Waxahachie High School. She was a two-time First-Team All-District selection for the Indians, accumulating over 500 kills and 350 blocks in her career, including averages of 2.1 kills and 1.1 blocks as a senior. A member of the A/B Honor Roll, Balina-Ayers is also an Academic All-District selection who plays her club volleyball for North Point 18's National.
 
Coming to HCU from Kerrville Tivy High School is Leighton Hale. A 5'6 libero/defensive specialist, Hale led the Antlers to 20+ wins in each of her four years, including a 30-win campaign as a sophomore. She is a two-time All-District selection who was named to the AVCA All-Region Team in 2024. She recorded 1,385 digs over four seasons for a 4.3 average, including a 4.8 mark in her senior season. The four-time Academic All-District selection is a member of San Antonio Force 18's.
 
Rounding out the trio is Katelyn Vo from Plano West High School. The 5'6 libero was a three-time All-District selection, ending her career with more than 1,200 digs. She led the Wolves to Area Championships three times in four years and was named PWHS Defensive MVP her final two seasons. A four-time Academic All-District selection, Vo plays her club volleyball with Mad Frogs 18's.  
 
COACH HERMAN ON THE CLASS:
 
"We are so happy about this group of signees. They are a talented trio that can make an impact right away for us. Our staff once again worked hard at identifying who and what we were looking for, and we are excited for these ladies to join us and get to work."
 
The trio will join HCU in the Fall of 2026, with the Huskies losing just one senior from this year's club in Cassidy Drapela.
 
HCU will be in action this weekend as it travels to Commerce, Texas to play in the Southland Conference Tournament. The Huskies will take on UTRGV in the first round with first serve set for 1 pm on Friday from The Fieldhouse on the campus of East Texas A&M University.
 
#DawgsUp