SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist volleyball is expected to sign five new athletes on National Signing Day.
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Katelyn FinchÂ
Katelyn Finch is set to join Oklahoma Baptist after a standout career at Obra D. Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas, where she played for Coach Allison Merrell.
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Finch is a 5-11 outside hitter that was a four-year letterman, four-time First Team All-District selection and won a Co-District Championship. She was named to the Houston Fab 50 for all four years of her high school career, earned Most Valuable Hitter and All-Tournament Team honors at the Katy / CyFair Tournament, named All-Tournament at the Ragin Rattler Tournament, and was the team captain and winner of the team MVP award for four years.
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Playing for the Texas Tornados Volleyball Club, Finch finished second and third in the nation at the USAV National Championships. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been named First Team All-Academic three times.
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Katelyn's parents are Clint and Michelle Finch.
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She was also recruited by Kansas State, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State and Northern Colorado.
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"I want to be a part of a great Christian college and a volleyball program that wins," said Finch. "When I met the coaches and the team, I knew I found where I need to be. My goals are to grow closer to God through my education and win a national championship with OBU."
Taryn Weber
Taryn Weber is a 5-9 volleyball player that played at Prosper High School for Coach Erin Kauffman in Prosper, Texas.
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Weber won a Bi-District Championship and was crowned Area Champion at Prosper. The incoming freshman has experience as an outside hitter, right-side hitter and defensive specialist.
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She was also recruited by Arkansas Tech, Southern Arkansas and Arkansas-Monticello, but chose OBU because "I knew I was home."
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"I really liked the nursing opportunities that OBU provided. I also loved the environment of the team and the school as soon as I stepped on campus," said Weber.
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Taryn's parents are Sara and Todd Weber.
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Rilee Arey
Rilee Arey is a Columbia, Missouri, native that attended Rock Bridge High School and played for Coach Aaron Kincaid.
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Arey is a 6-0 opposite-side hitter and middle hitter who earned First Team All-Region honors, was named All-District honorable mention and varsity team captain.
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"When I visited OBU, it felt like a second home, unlike all of the other colleges I have visited. The coaching, players and community were all welcoming and made me feel like I already belong. I also loved the Christian focus throughout the sports and campus," said Arey.
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Rilee is the daughter of Tracy and Beth Arey.Â
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Kyndall Ellis
Kyndall Ellis is a 5-9 outside hitter from Spring, Texas, that attends Houston Christian High School, where she plays for Kris Lartigue and Courtnee Rhodes.
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Ellis was a member of the 2016 District Championship team, was named All-SPC South Zone, won the Newcomer Award and earned Academic "A" Honor Roll.
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She was also recruited by Colorado Christian, East Texas Baptist and Hendrix, but chose OBU "because of its outstanding volleyball program."
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"I wanted to attend a Christian university where I can continue to grow in my faith," said Ellis.
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Kyndall is the daughter of Rick and Brenda Ellis.
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Delayna Mills
Dalayna Mills is a 5-5 libero from Magnolia, Texas, that played at Magnolia West High School for Coach Emily Buckley.
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Mills lettered for three years and earned Academic All-Tournament team twice. She led Magnolia West to the program's first-ever playoff appearance and won Districts in 2015 and returned to the playoffs in 2017. The incoming freshman was a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Math Honor Society.
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Playing with her club team, Mills won the 2017 USA Volleyball Junior National Championship and was named to the All-Tournament team.
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Delayna's parents are Michelle and Shannon Mills.
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"I chose OBU because I wanted to be in a Godly environment. I also loved how the team is like one big family," said Mills.
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