CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson volleyball head coach Jackie Simpson Kirr has announced the addition of seven signees to the incoming class of 2023 on Wednesday. This is Simpson Kirr’s second signing class at the helm of the Clemson program. The seven additions: Audrey Armbruster, Mckenna Gildon, Ava Hewitt-Smith, Courtney Nix, Kitty Sandt, Kate Simington and Kennedy Wagner, join mid-year transfers Katie Culumovic (Mississippi State), Katie Hurta (Penn State) and Adria Powell (Ohio State), as newcomers for the 2023 fall season.
“The 2023 class spans every skill position and will provide great depth for our program,” said Simpson Kirr. “They are from all over the country, but the common thread is their passion for the sport of volleyball, and that they all have been a part of championship teams at either the high school or club level. They all know what it takes to win at a high level.”
Audrey Armbruster · Setter/Outside · Cincinnati, Ohio · Mount Notre Dame HS
Simpson Kirr said: “Audrey will provide great depth to our program with an ability to set and run an offense but also play six rotations as an attacker. Her passion for the sport is evident, and she is a very composed competitor that will be a great addition to our gym.”
Mckenna Gildon · Libero/Defensive Specialist · Plano, Texas · Liberty HS
Simpson Kirr stated: “Mckenna has a super smooth platform in serve receive. She is a gritty defender and will bring a lot of fight to our back court defensively.”
Ava Hewitt-Smith · Middle Hitter · View Park, Calif. · Sierra Canyon HS
Simpson Kirr stated: “Ava is a versatile attacker who plays as a middle or pin attacker. She is dynamic on the attack. She is such a fun player to watch compete and is always bringing great energy to her team.”
Courtney Nix · Libero/Defensive Specialist · Harrisburg, N.C. · Cannon School
According to Simpson Kirr: “Courtney beautifully balances the internal drive to pursue personal excellence with the ability to give to and inspire those around her. Her communication, effort and drive allows her to flow into seams as a passer and defender.”
Kitty Sandt · Setter · Western Springs, Ill. · Nazareth Academy HS
Simpson Kirr said: “Kitty is a smooth setter who can reverse flow with ease to set either pin from anywhere on the court. She is also a strong block and defender who can make big time plays for her team on the defensive side of the ball.”
Kate Simington · Middle Hitter · Excelsior, Minn. · Minnetonka HS
According to Simpson Kirr: “Kate is laser focused and super passionate as a competitor. She works very hard away from the ball to always be an option as an attack off one or two feet. She reads opponents’ setters well, always finding a way to close blocks pin to pin.”
Kennedy Wagner · Outside · Valparaiso, Ind. · Valparaiso HS
Simpson Kirr stated: “Kennedy is a true six-rotation pin attacker. She can do it all. She is an aggressive and efficient attacker from anywhere on the net, a strong passer and a great communicator. Kennedy is fun to watch play the game.”
The current volleyball team is training and participating in spring semester scrimmages. The team has two scrimmages left, including a trip to College of Charleston (April 9) and at home vs. Wofford (April 14). Both scrimmages are free and open to the public. Fans are encouraged to attend the final spring scrimmage on April 14 inside Jervey Gym beginning at 5 p.m.
