FAIRFAX, VA. – George Mason women's volleyball head coach Aylene Ilkson has announced the addition of Yanira Lopez-Barahon to the 2019 incoming class. 
 
Lopez-Barahon (Manassas, Va.) will join Marley Willard (Roanake, Va.), Stephanie Der (Chantilly, Va.), Sydney Gott (Quincy, Calif.), Cristen Ledet (Concord, N.C.), Christina Walker (Palmyra, Va.) and Jewel Clark (Ashburn, Va.).
 
"Yanira is one of the most physical athletes we have brought into our program," said Ilkson. "Although she hasn't been playing the sport for very long, she has progressed in her development so quickly. We cannot wait for her to bring aggressive offense and a quiet intensity to our program." 
 
The 5-foot-9 outside hitter wrapped up a decorated high school career at Manassas Park. She was named MVP and Second Team All-Conference her sophomore season. Junior year, her team made it to the State Quarterfinals for the first time in school history. 
 
Her senior campaign was capped off with First Team All-Conference and All-State honors. She tallied over 1,000 career kills, including a school record 36 kills in a match.
 
Lopez-Barahon rounds out the 2019 recruiting class for Ilkson. The seven incoming freshmen will join the 11 returning letterwinners for the 2019 season.