STEPHENVILLE – Head coach Mary Schindler has announced the addition of four transferring student-athletes to the Tarleton Volleyball roster this fall.
“I can’t wait for the fall to be able to work with all four of these student-athletes,” said Schindler. “Obviously, they are very talented young ladies but I’m excited for the leadership and experience that they will bring to the gym day in and day out. As we prepare for our move to the [Western Athletic Conference], this group will be vital for us.”
The transfers include three players with Division I experience – Hali’a Hogan (Oklahoma), Lorin McNeil (Abilene Christian) and Courtnie Roberts (Delaware) – as well as junior college transfer, Ana Costas, from Western Nebraska.
Courtnie Roberts • Setter • Krum, Texas
One of the best setters in Krum High School history is coming home to Texas following a three-year stint at the University of Delaware.
Courtnie Roberts became the first member of Tarleton’s inaugural Division I recruiting class as a mid-year transfer last January.
“Courtnie is a setter who brings a high volleyball IQ, a lot of experience and a huge competitive drive,” said head coach Mary Schindler. “She wants to contribute, work hard and win – we need that.
“As a setter, she will touch the ball every play,” she continued. “She understands her role as a leader is to improve the ball and put her team in situations to be successful. We have had the opportunity to work with Courtnie this spring and she is a person who is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.”
Roberts returns to the lone star state where she led Krum to back-to-back state championships at two different levels (3A in 2013 and 4A in 2014). She was a two-time All-State selection and led Krum to a 72-12 record in her career.
From there, she ventured north to the University of Delaware. As a Blue Hen, she made an immediate impact by starting 13 matches as a true freshman. In her career, she appeared in 193 sets and dished out 1,368 assists. She topped the 50-assist mark five times as a sophomore, including two 58-assist efforts against Marist and Bryant. She was a CAA Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection last year.
“Courtnie brings a high volleyball IQ, experience and a competitive drive … she understands her role as a leader is to improve the ball and put her team to in situations to succeed” – Mary Schindler
Hali’a Hogan • Outside Hitter • Kilauea, Hawai’i
From the isles of Hawai’I to Stephenville – by way of Norman, Oklahoma – outside hitter Hali’a Hogan brings power-five experience, toughness and resiliency to Tarleton.
“Hali’a is going to be huge for our transition,” said Schindler. “After talking to her, it’s clear that she is a fantastic student-athlete who will elevate our program. I am excited to have her energy and work ethic in the gym. Her personality is contagious and her versatility will help us right away.
“Coming from OU, Hali’a has seen the highest level of college volleyball and understands what it will take to be successful. She can play in the middle and has the ball control to be a great pin hitter, as well. I’m looking forward to adding her leadership and volleyball IQ,” Schindler added.
Hogan suffered a season-ending injury as a true freshman but battled back to letter in each of the next two seasons for the Sooners. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in criminology.
Prior to her time as a Sooner, Hogan starred on the court for ‘Iolani School in Honolulu where she was a three-year varsity letter winner and a team captain as a dual-sport athlete (track and field). She was an all-state selection and led her teams to the 2015 ILH Volleyball Championship and 2016 Volleyball State Championship.
“…(Hali’a) is a fantastic student-athlete who will elevate our program … Coming from OU, she has seen the highest level of (college) volleyball and understands what it takes to be successful.” – Mary Schindler
Lorin McNeil • Middle Blocker • Rockwall, Texas
Lorin McNeil is trading purples.
The 6-0 middle blocker from Rockwall is coming from former Division II rival Abilene Christian over to Stephenville as a key member of Tarleton’s transition to NCAA Division I next season.
“Lorin is a dynamic middle who moves well, is very offensive and will be a great addition to the chemistry of our team,” said Schindler. “She had a lot of on-court experience at ACU and I am excited about the experience she will bring.”
McNeil is a three-year standout at Abilene Christian, where she etched her name into the Wildcat record book as the single season assisted blocks (111) holder as a true freshman in 2017. In her career, she appeared in 234 sets and totaled 432 kills and 259 total blocks. She boasted a career-high in kills (17) and blocks (10) in her first double-double performance against Oral Roberts on Sept. 8, 2018.
Prior to her time at Abilene Christian, McNeil was a star for Heath High School in Rockwall. She was a two-sport athlete in volleyball and track. She led her volleyball to four straight district championships and racked up district newcomer of the year and defensive MVP honors.
“Lorin is a dynamic middle that moves really well … She has a lot of on-court experience from her time at ACU and I’m excited for her to bring that experience to our team.” – Mary Schindler
Ana Costas • Libero • Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Ana Isabel Costas Gallardo, also known as Ana Costas, comes to Tarleton following a spectacular two-year junior college career as one of Western Nebraska Community College’s top liberos.
“Ana is a firecracker and plays with a lot of energy,” said Schindler. “I believe she will contribute immediately to our defense. She communicates well and makes it easy to play alongside her. She has a solid platform and should help solidify our serve-receive.
“Ana comes from a top-notch volleyball program (WNCC),” she added. “They are well-coached and play at a very high level.”
Costas finished her WNCC career No. 5 on the all-time digs list with 1,163. She had 22 career 20-dig performances, including three matches with at least 30. She’s a two-time all-region selection and was the 2019 Libero of the Year. She came to WNCC from Puerto Rico, where she was a four-sport athlete (volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball).
“Ana is a firecracker and plays with a lot of energy … She comes from a well-coached, top-notch program at Western Nebraska and I believe she’ll make an immediate contribution to our defense.” – Mary Schindler
Roberts, Hogan, McNeil and Costas become the first four members of Tarleton’s inaugural Division I volleyball signing class. The Texans finished last season 22-12 and will join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and NCAA Division I this fall.
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