Hoosiers Sign Nationally Ranked Trio
11/15/2024 2:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Behind a strong three-year run of form on the court, Indiana head volleyball coach Steve Aird added an outstanding trio of talented players on National Signing Day (Nov. 13). The Hoosiers will add an additional player at a later date as part of an exceptional four-player freshman class.
"I am proud of our program and staff for recruiting what we believe to be one of the best classes in the country," Aird said. "It is class built on the shoulders of some great players and so many people that have worked hard to steadily build this program."
IU's initial wave of signees features a pair of dynamic, nationally ranked outside hitters and a middle blocker who continues to shoot up the recruiting rankings. The Hoosiers will need to replace seven seniors from this year's roster and will greatly benefit from the addition of next year's freshmen. All three of the signed freshmen were top-85 recruits in the last release of Prep Dig's 2025 rankings.
Charlotte Vinson, a 6-2 outside hitter from Yorktown, Ind., comes to Bloomington as the highest-ranked recruit in program history. The No. 15 overall recruit by Prep Volleyball, Vinson overcame a life-threatening illness in the spring and continues to showcase her strength as a person and player. She recovered in time to contribute to her high school program, leading the Yorktown Tigers to the IHSAA 4A State Title game.
Vinson racked up over 1,900 kills in her career including a state-leading 759 kills as a junior in 2023. She also recorded 199 aces, 968 digs and 134 blocks. During her four years with the varsity program, she led Yorktown to a 123-16 record and multiple runner-up finishes in the state's highest class.
She is a finalist for the Max Preps National Player of the Year and was a 2023 All-American by both Max Preps and Volleyball Magazine. She plays her club volleyball with Munciana and was teammates with current Hoosiers Ramsey Gary and Ava Vickers in 2023.
In IU program history, Vinson is the third top-35 overall recruit to sign with the Hoosiers. She joins Ashley Benson (2007 – No. 17) and Tommi Stockham (2020 – No. 32) as one of the top-three highest ranked recruits in school history. If she remains in the top-16 of the Prep Volleyball rankings, she will come to town as the top-ranked signing in IU history.
Jaidyn Jager, a 6-1 outside hitter from Carlsbad, Calif., forms the other half of an exciting duo of attacking options for next year's roster. The No. 40 overall recruit by Prep Volleyball played at La Costa Canyon under current IU associate head coach Rachel Morris. She was teammates with IU opposite hitter Avry Tatum in 2021.
Jager plays her club volleyball for Coast Volleyball Club, one of the top programs in the entire country. Last season, she played up an age group with the 18's and helped lead her team to multiple club tournament titles. In 2021 at La Costa Canyon, Jager and Tatum combined for 694 kills as the Mavericks powered their way to a 30-13 season.
For the first time in program history, IU has signed a pair of top-40 recruits. Vinson and Jager will be tasked with replacing the production of veterans Mady Saris and Morgan Geddes. With the return of Tatum and outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles, IU will have a prolific set of pin attackers to choose from next season.
Victoria Gray, a 6-2 middle blocker from Bedford, Mich., has shot up the recruiting rankings over the past two years. Originally a basketball player, Gray has transformed into a premier volleyball recruit. She's been used in a number of positions growing up but is expected to settle in the middle at the collegiate level.
As of the last release of recruiting rankings by Prep Volleyball, she was the No. 115 overall recruit. She has recorded over 1,000 kills at a .411 hitting percentage in her high school career. She is a finalist for Michigan Miss Volleyball after putting up 4.00 kills per set as a senior. She added over 400 blocks and 100 aces for Bedford High School. At the time of this announcement, Gray led her team to a Regional Title in Michigan.
When all is said and done, the Hoosiers are expected to sign a program record class. IU's 2020 recruiting class – which featured alumni Savannah Kjolhede and Grae Gosnell – was ranked No. 15 by Prep Volleyball and was the highest ranked class in school history at the time. With a pair of top-40 recruits in 2025, IU's signing class is expected to pass that mark.
Charlotte Vinson • 6-2 • Outside Hitter • Yorktown, Ind./Yorktown (Munciana)
• No. 15 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball, No. 8 Outside Hitter (Sept. 2024)
• No. 25 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig (Nov. 2024)
• Career Stats: 1,940 kills, 968 digs, 199 aces, 134 blocks
• Yorktown Career Kills Leader (1,940)
• 2024, 2022 IHSAA 4A State Finalist
• 2024 AVCA Third Team High School All-American
• 2024 Finalist for IHSVCA Miss Volleyball
• 2024 Finalist for Max Preps National Player of the Year
• 2023 Volleyball Magazine Honorable Mention High School All-American
• 2023 Max Preps First Team High School All-American
• 2023, 2024 IHSVCA First Team All-State
• 2023, 2024 18U Open National Champions (Munciana)
• 2023 State Leader in Kills (759)
• Overcame Toxic Shock Syndrome – was on life support in May of 2024
Vinson – Why IU: "I chose IU because of the hunger and drive of the players and coaches to be great. Everyone here wants to succeed. The culture and environment here will push me to be my best."
Aird on Vinson: "Charlotte's story is nothing short of a miracle. Her and her family are very near and dear to everyone in our program and sharing some thoughts on her joining our program is an emotional thing to do. This is a special young woman and it will be an honor to coach her. She obviously has a tremendous perspective on life and that will be so important for the entire program. As a volleyball player, she has greatness in her. I believe she can become one of the better players in the country and her drive and commitment to chasing great are unmatched. She recovered to have a fantastic high school season. She will be a dominant player this club season and will be chomping at the bit next August. She can score from all over the court, can pass, defend and is not afraid to take the big swing. I am so proud of her and can't wait until she gets to campus."
Jaidyn Jager • 6-1 • Outside Hitter • Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon (Coast)
• No. 31 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig (Nov. 2024)
• No. 40 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball (Sept. 2024)
• Stopped Playing High School Volleyball after Sophomore Season – Focused on Club
• 2024 18U Elite Triple Crown Champions – Coast Volleyball
• 2021 All-Coastal League Player of the Year
• 2021 Prep Volleyball Second Team All-American
• 2021 All-CIF Girls Volleyball First Team
Jager – Why IU: "Choosing which college I wanted to go to was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make. But Indiana made it easy. Being that far away from home made me a little nervous. Family is so important to me and I felt that from the moment I stepped on campus."
Aird on Jager: "Jaidyn is a phenomenal six-rotation outside hitter that is among the best players in this class. She has control of every skill and competes with a confidence and poise well beyond her years. She has high end skill and has played up in age for several years, finding success at every stage of her career. She competes with a steady energy and can impact a match in so many ways. Her ability to score will be crucial but her ball control, defense, serving, and volleyball IQ are all elite. She will contribute from her first day on campus and we could not be more excited to get her to Bloomington and get rolling."
Victoria Gray • 6-2 • Middle Blocker • Temperance, Mich./Bedford (Michigan Elite)
• No. 82 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig (Nov. 2024)
• No. 115 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball (Sept. 2024)
• 2024 AVCA Third Team High School All-American
• 2024 Finalist for Michigan Miss Volleyball
• MHSAA All-State Volleyball and Basketball Selection
• Michigan Monroe County Player of the Year in Volleyball and Basketball
• Career Stats: 1,112 kills, .411 hitting percentage, 102 aces, 423 blocks, 660 digs
Gray – Why IU: "Choosing Indiana wasn't a question at all. When I stepped into Bloomington, it was like my decision was already made. I couldn't be happier to be a Hoosier."
Aird on Gray: "Victoria is an elite, multi-sport athlete that fell in love with volleyball, and for good reason. She is a tough competitor and has developed a skill set that will translate very well in the Big Ten. She jumps and moves laterally with ease and has a great feel for blocking the ball. Offensively she has a great motor and works hard to be available. Her personality is infectious and her compete level is through the roof. I am certain she will compete like crazy from her first day on campus and she will develop quickly. People like Vic often do well at everything in life. She is not afraid to grind and work. She is an important part of this program's future and I know our entire ecosystem will love who she is both on and off the court."
"I am proud of our program and staff for recruiting what we believe to be one of the best classes in the country," Aird said. "It is class built on the shoulders of some great players and so many people that have worked hard to steadily build this program."
IU's initial wave of signees features a pair of dynamic, nationally ranked outside hitters and a middle blocker who continues to shoot up the recruiting rankings. The Hoosiers will need to replace seven seniors from this year's roster and will greatly benefit from the addition of next year's freshmen. All three of the signed freshmen were top-85 recruits in the last release of Prep Dig's 2025 rankings.
Charlotte Vinson, a 6-2 outside hitter from Yorktown, Ind., comes to Bloomington as the highest-ranked recruit in program history. The No. 15 overall recruit by Prep Volleyball, Vinson overcame a life-threatening illness in the spring and continues to showcase her strength as a person and player. She recovered in time to contribute to her high school program, leading the Yorktown Tigers to the IHSAA 4A State Title game.
Vinson racked up over 1,900 kills in her career including a state-leading 759 kills as a junior in 2023. She also recorded 199 aces, 968 digs and 134 blocks. During her four years with the varsity program, she led Yorktown to a 123-16 record and multiple runner-up finishes in the state's highest class.
She is a finalist for the Max Preps National Player of the Year and was a 2023 All-American by both Max Preps and Volleyball Magazine. She plays her club volleyball with Munciana and was teammates with current Hoosiers Ramsey Gary and Ava Vickers in 2023.
In IU program history, Vinson is the third top-35 overall recruit to sign with the Hoosiers. She joins Ashley Benson (2007 – No. 17) and Tommi Stockham (2020 – No. 32) as one of the top-three highest ranked recruits in school history. If she remains in the top-16 of the Prep Volleyball rankings, she will come to town as the top-ranked signing in IU history.
Jaidyn Jager, a 6-1 outside hitter from Carlsbad, Calif., forms the other half of an exciting duo of attacking options for next year's roster. The No. 40 overall recruit by Prep Volleyball played at La Costa Canyon under current IU associate head coach Rachel Morris. She was teammates with IU opposite hitter Avry Tatum in 2021.
Jager plays her club volleyball for Coast Volleyball Club, one of the top programs in the entire country. Last season, she played up an age group with the 18's and helped lead her team to multiple club tournament titles. In 2021 at La Costa Canyon, Jager and Tatum combined for 694 kills as the Mavericks powered their way to a 30-13 season.
For the first time in program history, IU has signed a pair of top-40 recruits. Vinson and Jager will be tasked with replacing the production of veterans Mady Saris and Morgan Geddes. With the return of Tatum and outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles, IU will have a prolific set of pin attackers to choose from next season.
Victoria Gray, a 6-2 middle blocker from Bedford, Mich., has shot up the recruiting rankings over the past two years. Originally a basketball player, Gray has transformed into a premier volleyball recruit. She's been used in a number of positions growing up but is expected to settle in the middle at the collegiate level.
As of the last release of recruiting rankings by Prep Volleyball, she was the No. 115 overall recruit. She has recorded over 1,000 kills at a .411 hitting percentage in her high school career. She is a finalist for Michigan Miss Volleyball after putting up 4.00 kills per set as a senior. She added over 400 blocks and 100 aces for Bedford High School. At the time of this announcement, Gray led her team to a Regional Title in Michigan.
When all is said and done, the Hoosiers are expected to sign a program record class. IU's 2020 recruiting class – which featured alumni Savannah Kjolhede and Grae Gosnell – was ranked No. 15 by Prep Volleyball and was the highest ranked class in school history at the time. With a pair of top-40 recruits in 2025, IU's signing class is expected to pass that mark.
Charlotte Vinson • 6-2 • Outside Hitter • Yorktown, Ind./Yorktown (Munciana)
• No. 15 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball, No. 8 Outside Hitter (Sept. 2024)
• No. 25 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig (Nov. 2024)
• Career Stats: 1,940 kills, 968 digs, 199 aces, 134 blocks
• Yorktown Career Kills Leader (1,940)
• 2024, 2022 IHSAA 4A State Finalist
• 2024 AVCA Third Team High School All-American
• 2024 Finalist for IHSVCA Miss Volleyball
• 2024 Finalist for Max Preps National Player of the Year
• 2023 Volleyball Magazine Honorable Mention High School All-American
• 2023 Max Preps First Team High School All-American
• 2023, 2024 IHSVCA First Team All-State
• 2023, 2024 18U Open National Champions (Munciana)
• 2023 State Leader in Kills (759)
• Overcame Toxic Shock Syndrome – was on life support in May of 2024
Vinson – Why IU: "I chose IU because of the hunger and drive of the players and coaches to be great. Everyone here wants to succeed. The culture and environment here will push me to be my best."
Aird on Vinson: "Charlotte's story is nothing short of a miracle. Her and her family are very near and dear to everyone in our program and sharing some thoughts on her joining our program is an emotional thing to do. This is a special young woman and it will be an honor to coach her. She obviously has a tremendous perspective on life and that will be so important for the entire program. As a volleyball player, she has greatness in her. I believe she can become one of the better players in the country and her drive and commitment to chasing great are unmatched. She recovered to have a fantastic high school season. She will be a dominant player this club season and will be chomping at the bit next August. She can score from all over the court, can pass, defend and is not afraid to take the big swing. I am so proud of her and can't wait until she gets to campus."
Jaidyn Jager • 6-1 • Outside Hitter • Carlsbad, Calif./La Costa Canyon (Coast)
• No. 31 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig (Nov. 2024)
• No. 40 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball (Sept. 2024)
• Stopped Playing High School Volleyball after Sophomore Season – Focused on Club
• 2024 18U Elite Triple Crown Champions – Coast Volleyball
• 2021 All-Coastal League Player of the Year
• 2021 Prep Volleyball Second Team All-American
• 2021 All-CIF Girls Volleyball First Team
Jager – Why IU: "Choosing which college I wanted to go to was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make. But Indiana made it easy. Being that far away from home made me a little nervous. Family is so important to me and I felt that from the moment I stepped on campus."
Aird on Jager: "Jaidyn is a phenomenal six-rotation outside hitter that is among the best players in this class. She has control of every skill and competes with a confidence and poise well beyond her years. She has high end skill and has played up in age for several years, finding success at every stage of her career. She competes with a steady energy and can impact a match in so many ways. Her ability to score will be crucial but her ball control, defense, serving, and volleyball IQ are all elite. She will contribute from her first day on campus and we could not be more excited to get her to Bloomington and get rolling."
Victoria Gray • 6-2 • Middle Blocker • Temperance, Mich./Bedford (Michigan Elite)
• No. 82 Overall Recruit by Prep Dig (Nov. 2024)
• No. 115 Overall Recruit by Prep Volleyball (Sept. 2024)
• 2024 AVCA Third Team High School All-American
• 2024 Finalist for Michigan Miss Volleyball
• MHSAA All-State Volleyball and Basketball Selection
• Michigan Monroe County Player of the Year in Volleyball and Basketball
• Career Stats: 1,112 kills, .411 hitting percentage, 102 aces, 423 blocks, 660 digs
Gray – Why IU: "Choosing Indiana wasn't a question at all. When I stepped into Bloomington, it was like my decision was already made. I couldn't be happier to be a Hoosier."
Aird on Gray: "Victoria is an elite, multi-sport athlete that fell in love with volleyball, and for good reason. She is a tough competitor and has developed a skill set that will translate very well in the Big Ten. She jumps and moves laterally with ease and has a great feel for blocking the ball. Offensively she has a great motor and works hard to be available. Her personality is infectious and her compete level is through the roof. I am certain she will compete like crazy from her first day on campus and she will develop quickly. People like Vic often do well at everything in life. She is not afraid to grind and work. She is an important part of this program's future and I know our entire ecosystem will love who she is both on and off the court."
Players Mentioned
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Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
/ Women's Volleyball
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/ Women's Volleyball
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