South Charlotte Today

University of North Carolina-Charlotte Athletics issued the following announcement on Dec. 9.

A mix of local and international talent highlight Charlotte Volleyball's fall signing period with the addition of five student-athletes to join the roster in 2022. Sydney Bahm, Camilla Ferrari, Layla Hassell, Gabriela Ortiz and McKenna Zelna will all dawn the green and gold next fall.

"We are thrilled about this recruiting class," began Head Coach Karen Weatherington. "They are a great addition to the nationally-recognized group we added in the last recruiting cycle. We are excited to welcome this group to our program."

SYDNEY BAHAM

6-3 ∙ MH/MB ∙ Roswell, Ga. ∙ Centennial HS

Baham turned second team all-region honors in her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons into first team accolades during her senior year. Baham also departs from the Knights as the school's all-time leading blocker becoming a GVCA all-star. In addition to her on the court performances, Baham was a four-time scholar-athlete in the classroom.

Weatherington on Baham

"Sydney comes from the nationally ranked A5 Volleyball Club in Atlanta. She is a smooth, agile middle with great blocking ability and runs a stealth slide attack. She will add tempo, size and physicality to the roster."

CAMILLA FERRARI

6-0 ∙ OH ∙ Reggio Emilia, Italy

Ferrari will bring plenty of international experience to the 49ers after playing in Sassuolo getting championship experience I U16, U18 and Serie B before two years at the Serie A level. The powerful outside hitter has professional experience running in the family as her dad Zoldan was a professional marathon runner while mom Anna played pro volleyball.

Weatherington on Ferrari

"Camilla is a fierce competitor who will impact our gym right away. She brings a wealth of international experience to the roster as a six-rotation attacker. We are happy to welcome Camilla and her family to Niner Nation."

LAYLA HASSELL

6-3 ∙ MH/MB ∙ Charlotte, N.C. ∙ Ardrey Kell HS

Hassell comes to Charlotte by way of Markham, Ontario playing for powerhouse Ardrey Kell in her senior season leading the Knights to the 4A State Finals winning the SoMeck Conference, conference tournament and 4A West Region title. In Canada, Hassell was a two-time Pakmen VBC Team MVP and twice played for Team Ontario winning the Ontario Summer Games Gold Medal in 2018.

Weatherington on Hassell

"Layla brings a great deal of size and athleticism to our pin hitters. She is a high-level international recruit that spent time training on Team Ontario in the Canadian National team pipeline. She adds a wide range of experience and drive to the roster.

GABRIELA ORTIZ

5-2 ∙ L/DS ∙ McDonough, Ga. ∙ Union Grove HS

The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year at Union Grove in Georgia will put on a 49ers uniform as a four-time member of the varsity squad. Ortiz popped up 270 digs a season ago with 55 aces and 20 kills. Ortiz helped guide the Wolverines to a 37-8 record that first season followed by a 29-13 mark during her sophomore campaign. With Ortiz on the back row, Union Grove finished as a top-20 program all four years in the state of Georgia which included a 5A Region Championship.

Weatherington on Ortiz

"Gabriela is a fast, efficient defender with a fresh touch on the ball. She brings great backcourt play and will impact our ball control."

MCKENNA ZELNA

5-8 ∙ L/DS ∙ Cary, N.C. ∙ Middle Creek HS

Zelna heads to Charlotte after leading the conference during her senior season with 353 digs averaging right at five per set. A varsity player from her freshman season on, Zelna was named a first team all-conference performer in 2020. Zelna was also featured in a Dick's Sporting Goods Female Athlete Spotlight. A four-time academic award winner, AP award with distinction and AP capstone certificate all highlight her academic achievements at Middle Creek.

Weatherington on Zelna

"McKenna brings the added ball control we need from NC Academy, the club that produced Emani' Foster. We are so proud the top players in the state chose Charlotte Volleyball as the up-trending competitive program and academic institution in North Carolina for Architecture. Zelna is a high-quality scholar and will be a great addition to the team."

Original source can be found here.