Volleyball Inks Two During National Signing Day

ORLANDO – The UCF volleyball team secured two to their 2024 recruiting class with the signing of Mya Ball and Camryn Shelton.

“The best part about our newest Knights is how seamlessly they fit with our team culture, our university and the entire vibe in Orlando, said head coach Jenny Maurer. “From the moment they first set foot on campus, both Mya and Cam connected with our team and staff. Both come from competitive, athletic families and currently, they both have siblings playing collegiate volleyball, so it comes as no surprise how quickly they stood out in the recruiting process with their high volleyball IQs. Although they play different positions, both Cam and Mya have also played multiple positions throughout their careers which has only enhanced their high understanding of the game along with their excellent court awareness. We’re looking forward to working with them as we continue to increase our depth of talent and work ethic.”

Ball, a 6’2” setter from Angola High School in Indiana. She has been surrounded by volleyball throughout her life as her dad, Lloy, is a four-time Olympian who helped Team USA to Gold in 2008 including 14 years as a professional athlete while being dubbed as the best setter and server in the world. In addition, her grandpa, Arnie Ball coached for 35 seasons at Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne and Lloy played for Arnie (his dad) at IUPUFW from 1991-1995.  At Angola High School, Mya is a three-time All-Northeast Corner Conference honoree, two-time All-State, All-District and All-Area. She is also ranked No. 1 in Indiana for aces and No. 2 in school history for blocks. Ball plays club for Team Pineapple, which was the club her dad started. She was tabbed to AVCA’s “Best and Brightest” Academic Team and boasts a 3.75 GPA.

“Mya comes to us from the Midwest hotbed for volleyball, the Hoosier state,” Maurer added. “She’s a lengthy setter who knows how to command the floor and can dish from pin to pin with ease. What separates Mya from other setters is her ability to point score with her dynamic jump topspin serve along with her terminal block at the net. With her hunger and drive, we believe Mya will immediately help to raise the level of energy and competitiveness in the gym.”

Shelton, a 5-foot-7 defensive specialist/libero from Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has recorded over 600 digs throughout her high school career. She was named to the South Meck 4A All-Conference Team along with All-Region and All-State during her junior season as senior season accolades are not out yet. This past club season, she played for former USC Men’s volleyball coach Bill Ferguson at the Carolina Union Volleyball Club. Headlined by a 4.06 GPA, Shelton was appointed to AVCA’s “Best and Brightest” Academic Team.

“Underneath Cam’s cool demeanor on the outside lies a fierce warrior within,” said Maurer. “Her even-keeled persona on the court has much to do with the fact that she’s played it all: started as a 6 rotation outside hitter, played as a setter for her high school team and yet will be joining our program as a DS/L where she’s played with her club the past two years and where (we believe) she most impacts the game. While many defensive players are adrenaline junkies who ‘live for the dig’, Cam is also lethal behind the service line and excels at reading both servers and attackers making her equally adept at both passing and defending. Like Mya, her presence will be immediately felt on the court.”

Both signees were named to AVCA High School All American with Ball on first team and Shelton tabbed as second team.
Shelton will be joining the Knights in January 2024 while Ball will come in June.