VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Villanova University volleyball program will welcome three newcomers for the 2023 season, head coach Josh Steinbach announced this week.
Outside hitters Abby Harrell (Ellensburg, Wash.) and Marly Smith (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) and middle blocker Annika Veurink (Eden Prairie, Minn.) will each join the Wildcats' roster.
"We're excited for this class," Steinbach said. "They each have the ability to compete to play immediately on arrival and fill some needs to help us get back to where we expect to be in the league."
Abby Harrell
Outside Hitter / 5'10
Ellensburg, Wash. / Ellensburg H.S.
Ellensburg High School: Earned four varsity letters in volleyball as an outside hitter … Chosen as Class 2A Player of the Year in 2022 … Named Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore, junior and senior, also earning the team's varsity MVP award … Selected as 1st Team All-League in three straight years while earning two all-state honors … Mentioned on AVCA Phenom Watch List and Ultra Ankle JVA Watch List in 2020 … Served as team captain for three seasons … Named to Principal's List all four years … Member of National Honor Society and served as NHS treasurer … Recorded a 4.0 GPA in scholastic years.
Personal: Born 3/23/05 in Yakima, Washington … Youngest of two children of Troy and Heather Harrell … Younger sister of Colton … Enjoys farming, animal showing, working with children at a local childcare facility and leading Fellowship of Christian Athlete huddles … Plans to major in business … Chose to attend Villanova because of "the people, exceptional academics, competitive athletics and beautiful campus" … Looks forward to engaging with Villanova's Augustinian community and meeting like-minded Christian individuals.
Steinbach on Harrell: "Abby is a complete player. She comes in with the ability to pass, defend, attack and block at the level we need to compete with the best in our league. And she's got a work ethic that is infectious."
Marly Smith
Outside Hitter / 5'11
Manhattan Beach, Calif. / El Segundo H.S.
El Segundo High School: Four-sport athlete in scholastic career … Earned four varsity letters in volleyball as an outside hitter and two letters in beach volleyball … Named First Team All-League, All-Area and All-CIF in junior season … Earned second team all-league as a freshman and recorded most kills on team … Also participated in high jump and long jump, setting the school's high jump record … Played JV basketball as the team's center … Earned Principal's Academic Honor Roll all four years.
Personal: Born 12/29/04 in Torrance, California … Youngest of two children of Greg and Rainy Smith … Younger sister of Kalan, who plays water polo at George Washington University … Father played water polo at Pepperdine and mother was Pepperdine volleyball player … Plans to major in psychology … Chose to attend Villanova because "I fell in love with not only the campus but the community. I loved how they prioritize the student's mental and physical wellbeing. Villanova has a perfect balance of high level academics, an accepting social environment and high level athletics."
Steinbach on Smith: "Marly has been the go to attacker on her teams and has shown the ability to score against the best teams in the country. She's a high flyer and has a rapidly improving back court game."
Annika Veurink
Middle Blocker / 6'2
Eden Prairie, Minn. / Southwest Christian H.S.
Southwest Christian High School: Earned four varsity letters as a middle blocker … Two-time All-Conference selection and all-state winner … Totaled over 570 kills and 114 blocks during scholastic career … Notched 248 kills and 42 total blocks as a senior … Selected as a 2022 AVCA High School All-American and a PrepVolleyball All-American Honorable Mention … Also a four-time Honor Roll student and three-time member of National Honor Society … Earned recognition as a 2022 AAU VB National Academic All-American … Participated in all-state honors choir during three years of high school.
Personal: Born 4/25/05 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota … Youngest of three children of Craig and Christine Veurink … Younger sister of Hayden and Joey … Father and brother played basketball at Dordt University, mother played volleyball as an outside hitter at the University of Sioux Falls … Hobbies include music, percussion, singing, theater, film and fashion … Plans to major in public relations … Chose to attend Villanova because "I know Villanova will inspire and challenge me academically, as a volleyball team member, in music ensembles and other parts of college life. I look forward to being a part of a community where I can continue to grow in my beliefs and be a positive influence on others."
Steinbach on Veurink: "Annika is a long springy athlete that can attack and block at a high level. She's played on one of if not the best club teams in the country the last few years. She has experience that will translate into someone that will make our team better immediately."
