George Mason women's volleyball adds four freshmen for the 2015 fall season, announced by first-year head coach Jackie Simpson. The incoming class will join 12 returners.
Catie Espinoza (Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial High School)
Outside hitter
A three-year letterwinner in volleyball and basketball at First Colonial High School, Espinoza helped lead the FCHS Patriots to the 2014 6A State Championships after finishing as the 2013 State Runner Up. Following the championship run, Espinoza was recognized as the 6A State Player of the Year, VHSL Player of the Year and the Colonial High School Female Athlete of the Year. The 6-footer is also a two-time recipient of the Colonial High School MVP Award, 6A South Region Player of the Year Award and the Coastal Conference Player of the Year award, earning each following both the 2013 and 2014 seasons. While at FCHS, Espinoza was a member of the National, English and German Honor Societies.
“Catie is a versatile athlete who has great all-around skills. Most importantly, Catie is winner,” Simpson said. “She has won at every level in many different events. It is important to the growth of our program and for youth volleyball in our region to get premier players like Catie here to George Mason.”
Maddie French (Richmond, Va. /Atlee High School)
Outside/Middle Hitter
French played four years of volleyball, earning three letters at Atlee High School where she was named to the 2014 All-Region First Team, 2014 All-State Second Team and 2014 All-Conference First Team in addition to the 2014 Showcase MVP. The two-time All-Conference Academic honoree helped lead the Raiders to the 2013 Conference and 5A State Championships and the 2012 District Championship.
“Maddie is a fantastic regional talent who will add more dimension to our line-up,” Simpson said. “She has tremendous front row and back row skills. Maddie has also won at a high level and has always been the anchor of her team. Her experience will help raise the competition level in our gym.”
Montana Green (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada/St. Patrick High School)
Setter
A multi-sport athlete at St. Patrick High School, Green earned multiple honors throughout her career including recognition as Athlete of the Year in each of her four years of competition and was named the 2013-14 volleyball team captain and MVP. In addition to four years of volleyball, Green competed in basketball, cross country and both indoor and outdoor track. She was named Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field MVP following the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons for her performance in the high jump. As a well-rounded student-athlete, Green was a four-year member of the Honor Roll.
“Montana can dish. She is a gutsy setter with great skills, keen senses and a strong will,” Simpson said. “She has played at a high level and trained in the men's system which has allowed her to develop a highly competitive court persona and will adapt quickly to our fast-paced offensive system.”
Erica Partridge (Charlotte, N.C./ Marvin Ridge High School)
Libero/Defensive Specialist
A three-year letterwinner at Marvin Ridge High School, Partridge was named the 2013 Defensive Player of the year. In addition to varsity competition, Partridge played with the Carolina Union Volleyball club from 2012-15 earning the Hokie Regional Tournament MVP.
“Erica is a tenacious defender who is intelligent, instinctual and gritty on the back line,” Simpson said. “Her passing is very consistent and she has excellent platform control. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to communicate as a Libero. She holds herself to the highest of standards on and off the court.”
