Virginia Volleyball Signs Two to NLIs
Nov. 9, 2017
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia volleyball head coach Aaron Smith announced the signing of Milla Ciprian (St. Johns, Fla.) and Grace Turner (Cincinnati, Ohio) to National Letters of Intent for the 2018 season.
“While I anticipate adding additional playmakers to this 2018 class, I am excited to announce both Milla and Grace,” Smith said. “They are both motivated to make an impact as UVA students and athletes, and they understand the dedication and commitment required for them to reach that potential.
“Their abilities on the court certainly initiated our interest in Milla and Grace, but as the staff got to know them and their families, it became very clear they would fit great at Virginia. I expect Milla and Grace to leave big impressions on Virginia volleyball during their time on Grounds.”
Ciprian is a 6-foot-2 middle blocker at Creekside High School. Ciprian will bring a wealth of high-level experience to UVA. In 2017, she helped the Florida All-Star team win gold at the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships. Ciprian was selected to join USA Volleyball High Performances teams for five years. At Creekside, Ciprian holds the school records for solo blocks in a game, total blocks, block assists and hitting percentage. A three-time first team St. John’s County All-Volleyball Team (2014-16) selection, Ciprian was named a Top 150 Senior Ace by PrepVolleyball.com. She has been selected to the AVCA Phenom program four-straight years. Ciprian also played club volleyball with several elite programs and helped her teams to multiple championships.
Smith on Ciprian: “Milla will step into our gym with a great understanding of the game. She has always competed with, and against, the top players in her class, which has prepared her to be ready for the college game more than most first years. Milla is a smart attacker, and her versatility will allow us to get creative with ways she can score the ball. She adds instant value to our team and our middle blocker position.”
Turner, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter, has played varsity volleyball for four years at McNicholas High School. Captain from 2016-18, Turner helped lead her team to the District runner-up in 2017 and was part of the GCL Co-Ed Central Champions. A 2017 AVCA Under Armour Third-Team All-Star and All-Ohio Division II State Second-team All-Star, she was named the Division II District 16 Player of the Year. Turner was also selected to participate in Cincinnati High School Senior All-Star match and the State High School Senior All-Star match.
Smith on Turner: “Every time I evaluate Grace she has made improvements to her game. As she grows into her 6-3 frame, the game seems to come more naturally. I am excited to get Grace in our gym so we can continue to expand an already strong skill set. I anticipate Grace making immediate contributions, particularly as a blocker and attacker.”