The 2024 Lady Cardinal volleyball team, which will be looking to capture a third straight Region XIV championship and national tournament berth, has been assembled.
Aleah Hayes, who will begin her sixth year at the helm of the program in the fall semester, today announced the signing of the last six players. They will join the team this summer when conditioning workouts begin.
The Lady Cardinals posted the most wins in a single season (32) in 2023 and had the best-ever finish (fourth) in three trips to the national tournament.
The newest Lady Cardinals are Claire Esther, Tamara Bojanic, Jordan Flores, Hailey Ackley, Zoe Gun and Samantha Tower.
CLAIRE ESTHER
6-1, Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Republic, MO
A product of Hayes' home state, Esther comes to the Lady Cardinal program by way of the University of Texas at Tyler, where she spent her freshman season.
At Republic High School, Esther received numerous all-conference, all-district and all-region awards. She was also the ace service leader as a senior for the Central Ozark District.
Esther also excels in the classroom, having received academic all-state honors.
In 2021, she played on the JV A national champion squad.
"I chose TVCC because it is a successful program with an amazing supportive culture," Esther said. "I am excited to get the opportunity to compete at a high level and be a part of a winning program."
"I am very excited to add Claire," Hayes said. "She brings experience, success and depth to our roster. Claire encompasses all characteristics to be a successful student-athlete and she will add great skills to our team."
TAMARA BOJANIC
6-0, Outside
Belgrade, Serbia
Bojanic brings a high level of competitiveness and a high work ethic to the Cardinal program.
Back at home in Belgrade, she was named tournament Most Valuable Player for her U18 team and was part of a first-place team in its division.
"I believe that in such a small community, I will best get to know and adapt to cultures and new challenges," Bojanic said of her decision to choose TVCC. "It seems to me that all people are disposed like friends.
"I am excited to see what opportunities TVCC has in store for me. Of course, I am also looking forward to meeting new people."
"We are happy to have Tamara join us, and I believe she will make a quick impact," Hayes said. "She brings experience and ball control to our team, as well as depth at the pins.
"I look forward to getting her in the gym because her competitiveness and work ethic will impact the team in a positive way."
5-4, Libero/Defensive Specialist
Pflugerville, TX
Owner of 1,000 career digs, Flores will bring an impressive resume with her when she arrives on campus.
Flores, who will soon be a graduate of Hendrickson High School, has Most Valuable Player honors to her credit, as well as having numerous superlative awards on all-district teams, including Newcomer of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
She helped her team to three district championship and two area titles.
Flores also earned all-academic honors.
"I chose TVCC because I had such a positive experience when I visited," Flores said. "The environment on campus was really welcoming and not overwhelming.
"I am excited to get there and start a new journey with amazing girls and coaches."
"We are excited to have Jordan join our team," Hayes said. "She brings great experience and a strong worth ethic to our program.
"She has played at a high level in both high school and club volleyball, so our defense will be solid, strong and experienced."
HAILEY ACKLEY
5-5, Libero/Defensive Specialist
Tomball, TX
Noted for being a defensive stalwart, Ackley is a proven winner out of Memorial High School.
This past season as a senior, Ackley helped her team make it to the Elite Eight, earning all-district honors along the way.
Club competition saw her named among the AVCA Best and Brightest. She was also a Texas Legacy Ambassador for two years and named Texas Legacy Defensive Player of the Year.
She was academic all-state as a junior and senior.
"It felt like home the first time I visited TVCC," Ackley said. "Everyone was very welcoming, and I knew it was going to be a great place to grow athletically and academically.
"I am excited to know I will be coached by knowledgeable coaches and competing with very talented players."
"We are very excited to have Hailey a part of our Cardinal volleyball family," Hayes said. "She brings great energy, leadership, and discipline to our defense.
"I know she will work hard to find a way to have an immediate impact on our team and we are thrilled to have her in our program."
ZOE GUN
5-9, Setter
Istanbul, Turkey
Gun brings national championship pedigree with her to the Cardinal program.
In 2021, she played on the UAE national championship squad.
Gun is a homeschooled student.
"I loved the environment and dedication from the coaching staff and players when I visited," Gun said.
"I am excited to compete at the collegiate level and grow as an athlete and student."
"We are happy to have Zoe join our roster and believe she is a great fit for our team academically, athletically and socially," Hayes said. "She brings depth and experience to our offense, along with playing at a high level here in the US and internationally.
"Zoe is a great addition to our volleyball family."
SAMANTHA TOWER
5-8, Right Side Hitter
Little Elm, TX
Whether on the court or in the classroom, Tower is a proven winner.
She has earned various all-district honors in her high school career, including being named Blocker of the Year. Tower has also been named academic all-state.
Tower is a member of the National Honor Society at Little Elm High School.
"I chose TVCC because of the community," Tower said. "On my visit, they made sure that I was comfortable and welcome the entire time. It is also close to home.
"I am looking forward to getting there and continue my volleyball career and working on my degree."
"We are excited to add Sam to our roster, as she brings uniqueness being left-handed, as well as being competitive, gritty, and persistent," Hayes said. "Sam is a jumper and has a great serve which allows us to be aggressive in multiple areas on the court.
"We are happy to have Sam with us this fall."
