BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Christian Brothers University volleyball team had freshman Addie Waggoner and transfer Alma Solis named to the 2023 Gulf South Conference Top Newcomers list, and was picked to finish 11th in the Preseason Coaches Poll.

Waggoner, a native of Pickneyville, Ill., comes to CBU following a decorated prep career at Pickneyville High School, where she helped the Panthers earn three River-to-River Conference championships. Waggoner, who was also an All-State honoree also led the team in kills in each of her last two seasons, and finished with over 1,000 career kills. 

Solis comes to Midtown Memphis after spending one season at Oregon Tech (NAIA) where she appeared in 21 matches, finishing with 31 kills and 20 blocks. 

CBU returns nine players from its 2022 squad, including its top-five leaders in kills (Maddi Rowley, Maysen Bruschke, Calah Jackson, Tia Rizvi and Jordan Allen). Rizvi also led the team in assists last season, while Jackson led CBU in blocks. 

The Lady Bucs are scheduled to open their season on Friday, Sept. 1, when they travel to Monticello, Ark., for the Blossom Classic Invitational (Arkansas Monticello).  

2023 GSC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll

First-place votes in parentheses ( )

1. West Florida - 121 pts (11)
2. Mississippi College - 105 pts (1)
3. Montevallo - 97 pts
4. Union - 84 pts
5. Alabama Huntsville - 81 pts
6. Valdosta State - 70 pts
7. Auburn Montgomery - 65 pts
8. Shorter - 51 pts
9. Lee - 43 pts
10. West Georgia - 41 pts
11. Christian Brothers - 21 pts
12. West Alabama - 13 pts