FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason women's volleyball head coach Aylene Ilkson has announced the signing of three student-athletes, who will compete for the Patriots in fall 2022. 
 
The incoming class features Rachel Larsen (Ashburn, Va.), Haley Graetz (River Falls, Wis.) and Gabriella Gelfound (Lancaster, Calif.). 
 
"I am so proud to welcome these three amazing women into our program," said Ilkson. "I have enjoyed getting to know them both on and off the court through the recruiting process. I cannot wait for them to begin training with our team and watch the impact they will make on our program."
 
For more information on each student-athlete, see the individual capsules below (Position(s) and hometown adjacent to each name).
 
Rachel Larsen | Libero | Ashburn, Va.
A five-foot-five libero, Larsen was a four-year varsity letterwinner at Flint Hill. She was a three-time state champion, and was named All-Conference and All-State. She has recorded over 1,000 digs, 200 assists and 100 aces in her career. She plays club for Metro Volleyball Club where she finished fifth at nationals in 2020. 
 
What Coach Ilkson is saying: "We are thrilled to welcome Rachel and her family to the Mason family. Rachel has had an impressive career with local powerhouse Flint Hill. Her competitiveness and high-level experience are going to make her an extremely valuable part of our program. She has incredible defensive prowess and can cover a ton of ground in any backrow position. She will be an asset on serve-receive and will provide stability and consistency for our defensive unit. Rachel's passion for the game is contagious to all who have played with her and I cannot wait to see her contributions to the Mason program."
 
Haley Graetz | Middle Blocker | River Falls, Wis.
Graetz, a six-foot middle blocker, starred at River Falls High School where she was named Big Rivers Conference Player of the Year. She earned All-Conference and All-State honors and was a four-year state qualifier. She plays club for Minnesota Juniors where garnered AAU All-American accolades.
 
What Coach Ilkson is saying: "We could not be more excited to welcome Haley and her family to Fairfax! Coming from exceptional high school and club volleyball programs, Haley is going to be make a big impact on our program. Haley is one of the most athletic middle blockers in the state of Minnesota. She is explosive and agile and is a force at the net. Her blocking is only second to her abilities offensively. Haley can score in many different ways in the front row and will be an asset both in front and behind the setter. I have watched Haley really grow into a spark plug for any team she plays with and that energy will serve our program and the Mason community so well."
 
Gabriella Gelfound | Setter/Opposite Hitter | Lancaster, Calif.
Gelfound, the 2021 Golden League Player of the Year, is a six-foot-two dual threat setter-right side volleyball player. At Quartz Hill, she earned Most Valuable Player, All-Conference and View Point All-Tournament Team honors. In addition, she plays club for Sunshine LA and beach for Elite Beach Volleyball Club. 
 
What Coach Ilkson is saying: "Everyone in the Mason program is elated to welcome Gabby and her family to Fairfax. It isn't very common to find a player like Gabby who is a dual threat. She is both a gifted setter and right side attacker who is going to provide a unique look to our program. She has been trained by some of the best in California and uses her vision and high volleyball IQ to locate sets and provide her hitters with the best opportunities to score. Gabby also excels as a blocker; her length and vision provides an amazing combination that makes her one of the best. As an attacker, she is crafty and knows her way around a block. It is her hunger to better not only herself but those around her that we cannot wait to see when she has the Mason uniform on."