Volleyball Welcomes Dynamic Hoosiers
6/25/2019 2:29:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind.– With the addition of nine student-athletes, who did didn't play for the Hoosiers in 2018, IU head coach Steve Aird believes 2019 will be transformational for his program. Aird has announced six new players that will join the roster.
Jacqui Armer (MB, Bradenton, Fla.), Haley Armstrong (DS, Milton, Ontario), Sophie Oliphant (DS, Carmel, Ind.), Peyton Yelich (MB, Crown Point, Ind.), Kari Zumach (OH/RS, Buffalo, Minn.) and Ashley Zulauf (OH, Wheaton, Ill.) are set to join the Indiana volleyball program.
Those six join AVCA First Team Under Armour All-American Emily Fitzner (S, San Diego, Calif.), Megan Sloan (OH, Zionsville, Ind.) and Klaire Thoman (DS, Irvine, Calif.) on the Hoosiers roster.
Jacqui Armer
6-3 | Middle Blocker | Bradenton, Florida | Manatee High School
Transferring after three seasons at LSU
Armer On the Court Accolades
• Started at middle blocker in 19 of 21 matched played and finished fifth on the team in kills with 114
• Started 27 of 28 matches in junior season and registered 221 kills for the season
• In 2017 led LSU in blocks and finished fourth in the SEC in blocking at 1.22 blocks per set
• As a junior in high school led Manatee to its first ever volleyball state championship
• Named to the 2015 Bradenton Herald All-Area Team
Armer Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Chip and Michelle Armer
• Has two sisters (Kayla, Marisa) and brother Bo
• Father played basketball at Michigan with the fab five and mother was an All-American swimmer at Michigan
• Also lettered in basketball, weightlifting and track and field
• Intended major is Liberal Studies
"Jacqui is a physical, experienced athlete that has put up good numbers and understands what it takes at this level," Steve Aird said. "She had some really impressive options to continue her collegiate career and she felt IU was the best fit for her. She wants to compete professionally after her college career and our goal is to help her do just that. She gives us depth at the Middle Blocker position, but we will look to develop her overall game so it translates to the professional level. Her size and skill set will be a very welcome addition to our roster."
"I choose Indiana because I believe it's a great program and a good fit to finish my senior year," Armer said. "I'm excited about the opportunities that IU can give me, and experience of playing in the Big Ten."
Haley Armstrong
5-7 | Defensive Specialist | Milton, Ontario | Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School
Armstrong On the Court Accolades
• Member of 2017 and 2018 Canadian Junior National Teams
• 2018 Junior National Team Bronze Medalist 18U at the USA High Performance Championships
• 2018 Volleyball Canada National Silver Medalist 17U
• 2017 Volleyball Canada East National Champions 16U
• 2019 recipient of the Evelyn Holick Award, awarded at the Ontario Championships to a female youth division athlete in recognition of outstanding commitment, dedication to the sport of volleyball, leadership, sportsmanship and athletic ability
• 2018 All Star Award Volleyball Canada National Championship 17U
• Traveled to France twice to play and train with the U19 French National Team
Armstrong Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Kim and Chad Armstrong
• Intended major is Business
• Also lettered in basketball, soccer, track and field and cross country
• Certificates of highest academic standing for marketing, biology, French, business studies, dramatic arts and physical education
"Haley is exactly the type of student-athlete you want to coach," Aird said. "There is no question she can play. Shas been well trained both in club and with the Canadian National Pipeline. She has been honored a great deal back in Ontario and is highly respected by peers and coaches, but remains very hungry and humble. She has great leadership qualities, is a fantastic teammate and will contribute in a variety of ways. She can handle the ball, serve and communicate at an elite level and will take ownership of any role we ask of her. Lastly, it is pretty special to coach an athlete from my home province and I am sure we will have a great time chasing greatness together."
"With coaches, teammates, and staff who all believe in the future success of this program and team, it was an easy decision," Armstrong said. "Top class training facilities, a reputable academic establishment, and endless support make IU the place to be. Not to mention, the campus is stunning and feels like a home away from home."
Sophie Oliphant
5-10 | Defensive Specialist | Carmel, Ind. | Carmel High School
Oliphant On the Court Accolades
• Played 132 varsity matches and finished high school career with over 1,400 digs and 140 aces
• 4-year varsity starter and 3-year libero at Carmel High School
• AVCA All-America nominee and multiple time All-MIC Conference and All-Hamilton County selection
• Club volleyball at Munciana and won the AAU Open National Championship three years (2015-17), finishing each season ranked No. 1 in the country by Prep Volleyball
Oliphant Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Jeff and Nancy Oliphant
• Father played basketball at IU and was on the 1987 national championship team
• Third generation in her family to attend IU
• Intended major is Informatics
• Brother Sam and sister Abby are both currently in the Kelley School of Business at IU
"Sophie comes from a passionate IU family with great tradition," Aird said. "She is an experienced player that can serve, pass and play defense. One of the traits of great programs is having highly competitive players that hate to lose and work hard every day. Sophie is not afraid to compete and knows exactly what she is getting into. When I took the job, she was very direct and told me she wanted to be here. I want players that want to be part of what we are building. She was a great fit for us in a variety of ways and we are excited for her to continue her family's tradition by wearing the Cream and Crimson."
"I chose IU because it has always been the first school I thought of when growing up," Oliphant said. "It was an easy choice when you think about the education, location, and the way the volleyball program is heading. Coach Aird and staff have come in with a different culture and have really given new life to the program. I am really excited to be a part of building something new."
Peyton Yelich
6-2 | Middle Blocker | Crown Point, Ind. | Crown Point High School
Transferring after one season at Virginia Tech
Yelich On the Court Accolades
• IHSAA All-State selection, two-time all-conference honoree, two-time All-Area selection, three-time Indiana All Star team
• 2016 AVCA Phenom List honoree
• PrepVolleyball.Com preseason High School All-American watch list and Under Armour All-American watch list
• Team was IHSAA State Runner-Up two years in a row
• School record holder for most blocks in a season at Crown Point
Yelich Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Al and Mylissa Yelich
• Brother Jake and sister Alyson
• Intended major is Exercise Science
"Peyton is a strong, physical kid with a big arm that will add more depth to our middle blocker position," Aird said. "She has good offensive range, can hit in front and behind the setter off one foot and has had a year of college experience to pull from. She is from the state and wanted to come home and compete in the Big Ten. We are excited to watch her develop and she will have plenty of opportunities to contribute as her career progresses."
"I chose Indiana because it felt like home to me," Yelich said. "I get to represent my state, play in the best conference in the country, and get a world class degree. This program is definitely turning around because there is now a great group of girls who all crave the same outcome. We all have the same goals and with the help of our coaches believing in us and pushing us it is very possible."
Kari Zumach
6-3 | Outside Hitter/Right Side Hitter | Buffalo, Minn. | Buffalo High School
Transferring after one season at Creighton
Zumach On the Court Accolades
• Two-time Big East Freshman of the Week
• Averaged 1.84 kills and 0.89 blocks per set on .308 hitting in CU's last 14 matches
• Hit .300 with 461 kills as a senior at Buffalo High School. She was named First Team All-State by the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association.
• JVA All-National Team pick in the summer of 2018
• In a high school match, had 37 kills while hitting .408 and 25 digs in a 3-2 win
Zumach Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Darin and Lauri Zumach
• Sister Kylee was a redshirt senior at Kansas State in 2018. She earned AVCA All-America Honorable Mention and Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2014.
• Four-time letter winner in track and field and high jump school record holder
• Intended major is Psychology
"Kari is an exceptional blocker and attacker at this level," Aird said. "She is long, physical, hard-working and plays with great energy and passion. She is outgoing, lively and I respect how she goes about her business. She is coming from a very good program that has played in meaningful matches and she is not afraid of the challenge the Big Ten offers. She has spent most of her career playing at the Opposite position but we will look to develop her at a variety of positions and let her gain experience in different roles."
"I chose IU because Coach Aird has a history of taking programs to the next level and I want to be part of that," Zumach said. "All the time and money they put into the new volleyball facilities and team just shows how dedicated they are to IU volleyball. It's always been a dream of mine to play in the Big Ten as well. As soon as Steve picked me up from the airport with my dad and started talking about the program I knew that's where I wanted to go."
Ashley Zulauf
6-0 | Outside Hitter | Wheaton, Ill. | St. Francis High School
Zulauf On the Court Accolades
• Six rotation player all three years at St. Francis High School
• 252 kills in senior year, 533 career kills and 370 career digs
• All-State senior season, All-Conference junior and senior seasons
• AVCA Phenom List in 2018
• Illinois Prep Volleyball Top Players in 2018
• Won the 2019 AAU National Championship – Premier Division
• 2019 AAU National MVP – Premier Division
Zulauf Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Jon and Tracy
• Father played basketball at Michigan State (1990-93) under Jud Heathcote
• Mother was Miss Michigan in 1985
• Cousin Emily Zulauf was an outside hitter for Indiana volleyball in 2005-06.
• Teammates with Kamryn Malloy at St. Francis in 2016
• Intended major is Finance
"This kid flat out competes," Aird said. "She is well trained, hardworking, cares deeply about the opportunity in front of her and I will not be shocked at all if she finds her way on the court. I think great programs have great depth and players that can do all the skills. It affects practice, provides competition for playing time and gives you options as a coach. Ashley can play the game. I trust that she will push everyone, every day in trainings and be an exceptional teammate. She is a bright kid, has a high volleyball IQ and we are excited about her."
"I chose IU because it has always been my dream to play in the Big Ten and Indiana allows me to be successful not only on the court but also in the classroom," Zulauf said. The people here are so genuine and really care about the success of the athletes. I am super excited to be a part of the future of IU Volleyball."
Jacqui Armer (MB, Bradenton, Fla.), Haley Armstrong (DS, Milton, Ontario), Sophie Oliphant (DS, Carmel, Ind.), Peyton Yelich (MB, Crown Point, Ind.), Kari Zumach (OH/RS, Buffalo, Minn.) and Ashley Zulauf (OH, Wheaton, Ill.) are set to join the Indiana volleyball program.
Those six join AVCA First Team Under Armour All-American Emily Fitzner (S, San Diego, Calif.), Megan Sloan (OH, Zionsville, Ind.) and Klaire Thoman (DS, Irvine, Calif.) on the Hoosiers roster.
Jacqui Armer
6-3 | Middle Blocker | Bradenton, Florida | Manatee High School
Transferring after three seasons at LSU
Armer On the Court Accolades
• Started at middle blocker in 19 of 21 matched played and finished fifth on the team in kills with 114
• Started 27 of 28 matches in junior season and registered 221 kills for the season
• In 2017 led LSU in blocks and finished fourth in the SEC in blocking at 1.22 blocks per set
• As a junior in high school led Manatee to its first ever volleyball state championship
• Named to the 2015 Bradenton Herald All-Area Team
Armer Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Chip and Michelle Armer
• Has two sisters (Kayla, Marisa) and brother Bo
• Father played basketball at Michigan with the fab five and mother was an All-American swimmer at Michigan
• Also lettered in basketball, weightlifting and track and field
• Intended major is Liberal Studies
"Jacqui is a physical, experienced athlete that has put up good numbers and understands what it takes at this level," Steve Aird said. "She had some really impressive options to continue her collegiate career and she felt IU was the best fit for her. She wants to compete professionally after her college career and our goal is to help her do just that. She gives us depth at the Middle Blocker position, but we will look to develop her overall game so it translates to the professional level. Her size and skill set will be a very welcome addition to our roster."
"I choose Indiana because I believe it's a great program and a good fit to finish my senior year," Armer said. "I'm excited about the opportunities that IU can give me, and experience of playing in the Big Ten."
Haley Armstrong
5-7 | Defensive Specialist | Milton, Ontario | Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School
Armstrong On the Court Accolades
• Member of 2017 and 2018 Canadian Junior National Teams
• 2018 Junior National Team Bronze Medalist 18U at the USA High Performance Championships
• 2018 Volleyball Canada National Silver Medalist 17U
• 2017 Volleyball Canada East National Champions 16U
• 2019 recipient of the Evelyn Holick Award, awarded at the Ontario Championships to a female youth division athlete in recognition of outstanding commitment, dedication to the sport of volleyball, leadership, sportsmanship and athletic ability
• 2018 All Star Award Volleyball Canada National Championship 17U
• Traveled to France twice to play and train with the U19 French National Team
Armstrong Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Kim and Chad Armstrong
• Intended major is Business
• Also lettered in basketball, soccer, track and field and cross country
• Certificates of highest academic standing for marketing, biology, French, business studies, dramatic arts and physical education
"Haley is exactly the type of student-athlete you want to coach," Aird said. "There is no question she can play. Shas been well trained both in club and with the Canadian National Pipeline. She has been honored a great deal back in Ontario and is highly respected by peers and coaches, but remains very hungry and humble. She has great leadership qualities, is a fantastic teammate and will contribute in a variety of ways. She can handle the ball, serve and communicate at an elite level and will take ownership of any role we ask of her. Lastly, it is pretty special to coach an athlete from my home province and I am sure we will have a great time chasing greatness together."
"With coaches, teammates, and staff who all believe in the future success of this program and team, it was an easy decision," Armstrong said. "Top class training facilities, a reputable academic establishment, and endless support make IU the place to be. Not to mention, the campus is stunning and feels like a home away from home."
Sophie Oliphant
5-10 | Defensive Specialist | Carmel, Ind. | Carmel High School
Oliphant On the Court Accolades
• Played 132 varsity matches and finished high school career with over 1,400 digs and 140 aces
• 4-year varsity starter and 3-year libero at Carmel High School
• AVCA All-America nominee and multiple time All-MIC Conference and All-Hamilton County selection
• Club volleyball at Munciana and won the AAU Open National Championship three years (2015-17), finishing each season ranked No. 1 in the country by Prep Volleyball
Oliphant Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Jeff and Nancy Oliphant
• Father played basketball at IU and was on the 1987 national championship team
• Third generation in her family to attend IU
• Intended major is Informatics
• Brother Sam and sister Abby are both currently in the Kelley School of Business at IU
"Sophie comes from a passionate IU family with great tradition," Aird said. "She is an experienced player that can serve, pass and play defense. One of the traits of great programs is having highly competitive players that hate to lose and work hard every day. Sophie is not afraid to compete and knows exactly what she is getting into. When I took the job, she was very direct and told me she wanted to be here. I want players that want to be part of what we are building. She was a great fit for us in a variety of ways and we are excited for her to continue her family's tradition by wearing the Cream and Crimson."
"I chose IU because it has always been the first school I thought of when growing up," Oliphant said. "It was an easy choice when you think about the education, location, and the way the volleyball program is heading. Coach Aird and staff have come in with a different culture and have really given new life to the program. I am really excited to be a part of building something new."
Peyton Yelich
6-2 | Middle Blocker | Crown Point, Ind. | Crown Point High School
Transferring after one season at Virginia Tech
Yelich On the Court Accolades
• IHSAA All-State selection, two-time all-conference honoree, two-time All-Area selection, three-time Indiana All Star team
• 2016 AVCA Phenom List honoree
• PrepVolleyball.Com preseason High School All-American watch list and Under Armour All-American watch list
• Team was IHSAA State Runner-Up two years in a row
• School record holder for most blocks in a season at Crown Point
Yelich Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Al and Mylissa Yelich
• Brother Jake and sister Alyson
• Intended major is Exercise Science
"Peyton is a strong, physical kid with a big arm that will add more depth to our middle blocker position," Aird said. "She has good offensive range, can hit in front and behind the setter off one foot and has had a year of college experience to pull from. She is from the state and wanted to come home and compete in the Big Ten. We are excited to watch her develop and she will have plenty of opportunities to contribute as her career progresses."
"I chose Indiana because it felt like home to me," Yelich said. "I get to represent my state, play in the best conference in the country, and get a world class degree. This program is definitely turning around because there is now a great group of girls who all crave the same outcome. We all have the same goals and with the help of our coaches believing in us and pushing us it is very possible."
Kari Zumach
6-3 | Outside Hitter/Right Side Hitter | Buffalo, Minn. | Buffalo High School
Transferring after one season at Creighton
Zumach On the Court Accolades
• Two-time Big East Freshman of the Week
• Averaged 1.84 kills and 0.89 blocks per set on .308 hitting in CU's last 14 matches
• Hit .300 with 461 kills as a senior at Buffalo High School. She was named First Team All-State by the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association.
• JVA All-National Team pick in the summer of 2018
• In a high school match, had 37 kills while hitting .408 and 25 digs in a 3-2 win
Zumach Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Darin and Lauri Zumach
• Sister Kylee was a redshirt senior at Kansas State in 2018. She earned AVCA All-America Honorable Mention and Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2014.
• Four-time letter winner in track and field and high jump school record holder
• Intended major is Psychology
"Kari is an exceptional blocker and attacker at this level," Aird said. "She is long, physical, hard-working and plays with great energy and passion. She is outgoing, lively and I respect how she goes about her business. She is coming from a very good program that has played in meaningful matches and she is not afraid of the challenge the Big Ten offers. She has spent most of her career playing at the Opposite position but we will look to develop her at a variety of positions and let her gain experience in different roles."
"I chose IU because Coach Aird has a history of taking programs to the next level and I want to be part of that," Zumach said. "All the time and money they put into the new volleyball facilities and team just shows how dedicated they are to IU volleyball. It's always been a dream of mine to play in the Big Ten as well. As soon as Steve picked me up from the airport with my dad and started talking about the program I knew that's where I wanted to go."
Ashley Zulauf
6-0 | Outside Hitter | Wheaton, Ill. | St. Francis High School
Zulauf On the Court Accolades
• Six rotation player all three years at St. Francis High School
• 252 kills in senior year, 533 career kills and 370 career digs
• All-State senior season, All-Conference junior and senior seasons
• AVCA Phenom List in 2018
• Illinois Prep Volleyball Top Players in 2018
• Won the 2019 AAU National Championship – Premier Division
• 2019 AAU National MVP – Premier Division
Zulauf Off the Court Notables
• Daughter of Jon and Tracy
• Father played basketball at Michigan State (1990-93) under Jud Heathcote
• Mother was Miss Michigan in 1985
• Cousin Emily Zulauf was an outside hitter for Indiana volleyball in 2005-06.
• Teammates with Kamryn Malloy at St. Francis in 2016
• Intended major is Finance
"This kid flat out competes," Aird said. "She is well trained, hardworking, cares deeply about the opportunity in front of her and I will not be shocked at all if she finds her way on the court. I think great programs have great depth and players that can do all the skills. It affects practice, provides competition for playing time and gives you options as a coach. Ashley can play the game. I trust that she will push everyone, every day in trainings and be an exceptional teammate. She is a bright kid, has a high volleyball IQ and we are excited about her."
"I chose IU because it has always been my dream to play in the Big Ten and Indiana allows me to be successful not only on the court but also in the classroom," Zulauf said. The people here are so genuine and really care about the success of the athletes. I am super excited to be a part of the future of IU Volleyball."
Players Mentioned
Middle Blocker
/ Women's Volleyball
Defensive Specialist
/ Women's Volleyball
Setter
/ Women's Volleyball
Outside Hitter
/ Women's Volleyball
Outside Hitter
/ Women's Volleyball
Defensive Specialist
/ Women's Volleyball
Middle Blocker
/ Women's Volleyball
Outside Hitter
/ Women's Volleyball
Outside/Right Side Hitter
/ Women's VolleyballVB: Vickers + Tatum - BTN Studio Set
Monday, July 28
VB: Steve Aird - BTN Studio Set
Monday, July 28
Big Ten Volleyball Media Days: Full Presser
Tuesday, August 01
IUVB at Big Ten Media Day
Monday, August 01