Volleyball Inks Four on National Signing Day

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – On National Signing Day, the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi volleyball team had four players all sign their National Letters of Intent for the 2024 season Wednesday.

The signees are Maria Avendano, Hadley Burger, Ella Pallagi, and Olivia Stringer. Avendano and Stringer are Texas products while Burger and Stringer come to the Island from out of state.

“Each of these student-athletes are great people and will bring their own unique personalities and styles to our volleyball program,” said head coach Steve Greene. “They are all well accomplished and understand the game at a very high level. We are excited and happy to bring the magnificent and outstanding class to the Island.”

Avendano will come to A&M-Corpus Christi as a libero from San Antonio, Texas. There, she played for her varsity team at Cornerstone Christian Schools where she aided in a first place showing at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Tampa, Florida. She has played with her club team, South Texas Volleyball Academy, for three years which included a Nationals appearance. During her time at A&M-Corpus Christi, Avendano will major in computer science and minor in criminal justice.

“Maria is very mature and has a strong mental game already as a libero. She is a magnificent defender and a consistent passer. She motivates her teammates with her work ethic and making multiple memorable plays,” said Greene.

Burger joins the Islanders as a right-side hitter from Woodbury, Minnesota. A four-year letter winner at East Ridge High School, she has helped her team to three consecutive Conference Championships as well as State appearances in 2021 and 2022 where they placed second and third, respectively. She earned All-Conference honors in both years as well as an All-State accolade this year. In 2023, she led her club team, Northern Lights, to a third place showing at Nationals in the National division and a ninth-place finish at the AAU Nationals in the Open division. Burger will pursue a degree in business while on the Island.

“Hadley can hit shots from really high and has a lot of pace on the ball,” Greene said. “Her court vision allows her to hone in on holes in the block and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. She plays with a lot of heart and joy that brings happiness to her teammates.”

Pallagi is setter from Gilbert, Arizona. While also playing for Arizona College Prep’s varsity team, she has played at Spiral Volleyball Club for seven years. With Spiral, Pallagi has led her team to three first-place finishes including at the Arizona Region National Qualifier, at the 2023 Phoenix Festival, and at the 2023 Las Vegas Classic. She will specialize in a marketing and communications program while at A&M-Corpus Christi.

“Ella has established herself as an excellent setter. She is able to evaluate situations in the moment and help her team to excel. Her efforts in the entire game will help us with blocking, defense, serving, and of course her exceptional setting,” Greene said.

Stringer is an outside hitter from Lake Jackson, Texas. She will join the Islanders after playing for Brazoswood High School where she earned All-District honors in two seasons. In 2021, Stringer was named to the All-District First-Team while in 2022, she was tabbed as the All-District Co-Offensive MVP. With her club, Absolute Volleyball Academy, she helped her team earn a bid to Nationals. She intends to major in business once arriving on the Island.

“Olivia is an outstanding all-around player who can outplay her opponents offensively as well as with her defense,” said Greene. “She can orchestrate a wide array of shots to create opportunities over and over again. She brings an optimistic approach that keeps her teammates positive and competitive.”