CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia volleyball head coach Aaron Smith announced the addition of three players in the Cavaliers’ signing class on Wednesday (Nov. 13).
 
“In this class,” Smith said, “we add tough, hard-working young women who have all led their club and high school teams to annual success. Laila [Rogers], Mary [Shaffer], and Madison [Morey] each regularly play in gold-medal brackets through their clubs. I expect their on-court experience and expectations to carry into their college careers. Their efforts and motivation in the classroom solidify their fit at UVA. 
 
“These three all bring special talent that will impact our program a great deal. I am anxious to get them in our gym to help them enhance their already strong abilities.”
 
MADISON MOREY | DS/L | Marietta, Ga.
A 5-foot-7 defensive specialist, Morey joins the Cavaliers after four state title runs at Walton High School in Marietta, Ga. She captained the Walton squad for her final three seasons. Morey was a second team All-Area selection as a junior and a first team selection as a senior. She was also selected to the Georgia senior all-star game.
 
Morey produced more than 35 aces in each of the last two seasons and racked up 266 digs as a junior. At the club level, she played for A5 Pure Volleyball. She received the AAU All-American Award as a 16U and was a team captain for three years.
 
“Madison has elite passer/defender skills and manages the backcourt with her experience and confidence,” Smith said. “Madison makes everyone around her better with her consistent play. She betters the ball every chance she gets, and her light-hearted, fun-loving personality brings an ease to the court that is easy to play with. Having had many conversations now with Madison, she continues to impress and mature. She will be a future leader for UVA volleyball.” 
 

LAILA ROGERS | MB | Rockville, Md.
A 5-foot-11 middle blocker, Rogers comes to the Cavaliers from Richard Montgomery High School. She was a four-time all-county selection and three-time MVP. Rogers has twice been named All-Met by the Washington Post. She was also named to the AVCA High School All-Region team for Region 2.
 
A versatile middle, Rogers is a gifted attacker and stellar athlete on the court.
 
“Watch out when Laila rears back to swing,” Smith said. “She can bring it and with great versatility. She can score in front or from behind the setter with power or finesse. As a MB, Laila may only play the typical three front-row rotations, but she plays those 3 rotations hard! She wants the ball every time and is willing to work in transition to make sure she is available. 
 
“Laila has a strong, athletic build that allows for great upside as she increases her strength. Only a few hours from Charlottesville, Laila has spent many weekends at UVA and there is no doubt, she is a great fit!”
 
Rogers has spent the last six years as a member of the Metro VBC organization at the club level.
 

MARY SHAFFER | OH | Cincinnati, Ohio
A 6-foot outside hitter, Shaffer was recently named an AVCA High School All-America honorable mention. She played her high school volleyball at Saint Ursula Academy where she was first team All-State as a senior. Shaffer was also named first team All-District and All-Girls Greater Catholic League as a junior and senior.
 
As a junior, Shaffer floored 372 kills in 83 sets. She also added 284 digs and 65 blocks that season. As a senior, she racked up 213 kills in 55 sets while hitting .256. She amassed 197 digs and 28 aces in her final campaign. At the club level, Shaffer played for Tri-State Elite for six of the past seven years.
 
“Mary is a durable attacker that can handle the pressures of carrying a team,” Smith said. “Having played at MB for years, Mary has worked relentlessly at improving her passing and defense. Her improved backcourt skills have elevated her game a great deal. 
 
“I might be most excited to see Mary shutdown some of the premier attackers in the ACC as a blocker. She has great instincts and takes up so much space above the tape. Mary can do a little bit of everything, and she does it at 110-percent. Due to the effort and intensity she brings to the court, she is going to be an instant fan favorite.”
 
Shaffer’s mother, Janie, played volleyball at Duke and was a three-time ACC Champion.