Coach David McFatrich Has Announced Three Signees For The 2018 Season
MSU Volleyball Signs Three For 2018 Season
November 20, 2017 | Volleyball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – With another signing class in the books, Mississippi State coach David McFatrich has announced three new volleyball players for the 2018 season.
Joining the Bulldogs are outside hitter Mallory Hernandez, middle hitter Deja Robinson and middle hitter Gabby Waden.
"The most important area we needed to address with our fall signing class was adding physical attackers and we have done just that," third-year coach David McFatrich said. "Not only do these three hitters make us better physically and athletically, they also have very high volleyball IQ's and compete at the highest levels in club volleyball. They have three national club championships between them and have been awarded multiple individual honors throughout their high school and club careers. This group of attackers, along with others we'll announce in the spring, represent the best group of recruits we have brought in at one time. Each of them have the ability to make an immediate impact on our program and we're very excited they are joining us in StarkVegas."
The remainder of this year's signing class will be released at a later date.
Mallory Hernandez, 6-0, outside hitter from Fishers, Ind.
"We are very excited about Mallory's potential as a six rotation outside hitter for us. She jumps well, hits a heavy ball with range, has very good block timing, and her serve reception has become very good. Mallory and current Bulldog Gabby Zgunda were teammates together on the 2017 AAU 18 open national championship team. As a former right-side attacker, Mallory is also very adept at hitting behind the setter. Mallory is accustomed to stringent training and will arrive on campus polished and ready to contribute immediately."
— Coach David McFatrich
"I chose Mississippi State because it has a great family atmosphere that I immediately felt when I walked on campus. It also has an amazing coaching staff, a team that has a lot of potential that I know I will enjoy playing with, and is within a great conference that I'll be able to compete in. I know that I will continue to grow as a player and person. It was easy for me to decide that Mississippi State was the perfect place for me to do that. The culture here is amazing, and I can't wait to be a Bulldog."
— Mallory Hernandez
"Mal is the perfect blend of intelligence and diligence," said Mike Lingenfelter. "Cerebrally, she understands and manipulates the game very well. Physically, she is good for the grind, meaning she'll do the work necessary to be great. Intelligence and diligence are the key ingredients to success. Mal has both in bountiful amounts."
— Mike Lingenfelter, Head Coach, Munciana Samurai
Hernandez's Accolades
Deja Robinson, 6-1, middle hitter from Canton, Ga.
"Deja is one of the quickest middle blockers in the country. Standing 6-foot-1, touching 10' plus, and possessing great lateral quickness, we expect her to come in and improve our block and attack from day one. Deja can hit equally well in front of and behind the setter and has great vision as a blocker. Experience wise, Deja's has been a starting member of two national championship teams. Being a member of a very competitive club for several years, she has first-hand knowledge of what it takes to play against the best."
— Coach David McFatrich
"Becoming a part of the Mississippi State volleyball team is something that I don't take lightly nor for granted," Robinson said. "I am glad to be able to join an institution that molds young people into successful adults. A proven athletic department that will work their hardest to ensure that I safely push myself to higher limits while maintaining healthy habits for prevention to injury. I am blessed to be with a coach that is not ashamed nor afraid to call on the name of Jesus and who also realizes that it is only through Him that I have these gifts and abilities. I can't wait to be able to practice with my team. A team that knows what it feels like to win and to lose. A team that has continues to remain positive and encouraging through all situations. A team that already has accepted me as a family member and together we will do bigger and better things. I'm proud to be headed to StarkVegas and will continue to chase after greatness on and off of the court."
— Deja Robinson
"Deja is a well-rounded athlete with multiple skill sets and has a propensity to pick up the more advanced learning tools of the game. From her first days at A5 Deja has grown tenfold, with the abilities not only to dominate as a middle blocker, but serve, defend, set out of system, and a variety of small touch skills. She's one of the few middles in the club who can consistently attack out of system from the middle blocker position. We are very fortunate to have her at A5."
— Gabe Aramian, Coach, A5 Volleyball
Robinson's Accolades
Gabby Waden, 6-0, middle hitter from Blythewood, S.C.
"Gabby is another 6-foot-1 attacker touching 10-2 plus who can attack and block anywhere along the net. Gabby has made the decision to enroll at Mississippi State in January and get a jump on our training and practice methodologies. Gabby is a great hitter off one foot or both and with her physicality I believe she will become an elite level blocker. Gabby's competitive nature, her quickness off the floor, and her court vision and volleyball IQ will allow her to become an offensive force for us."
— Coach David McFatrich
"I chose Mississippi State because of the family atmosphere. Starkville loves its athletes win or lose, and I think that's what I like the most. All the girls want to be better and want to take the team to the next level. I've always wanted to be apart of a team who strives to become better, on and off the court. Mississippi State is exactly where I belong. I'm proud to be a Bulldog."
— Gabby Waden
"Gabby is one of the most dynamic athletes to come out of the SC Midlands program. Gabby's excitement for the game as well as her athleticism have made her fun to watch throughout the years. Having played for us since she was 13, and as one of her former coaches, I have no doubt that Gabby will be a strong contributor to Mississippi State. We are extremely proud of Gabby and the recognition she had received during her time at Midlands. We have no doubt that Mississippi State will take great care of her. Mississippi State will have a lot of fans from South Carolina and we look forward to cheering for Gabby as she transitions to play DI. Gabby has a great attitude and all of her coaches are very proud."
—Cynthia Dimapan, Club Director, SC Midlands Volleyball
Waden's Accolades
For more information on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
Joining the Bulldogs are outside hitter Mallory Hernandez, middle hitter Deja Robinson and middle hitter Gabby Waden.
"The most important area we needed to address with our fall signing class was adding physical attackers and we have done just that," third-year coach David McFatrich said. "Not only do these three hitters make us better physically and athletically, they also have very high volleyball IQ's and compete at the highest levels in club volleyball. They have three national club championships between them and have been awarded multiple individual honors throughout their high school and club careers. This group of attackers, along with others we'll announce in the spring, represent the best group of recruits we have brought in at one time. Each of them have the ability to make an immediate impact on our program and we're very excited they are joining us in StarkVegas."
The remainder of this year's signing class will be released at a later date.
Mallory Hernandez, 6-0, outside hitter from Fishers, Ind.
"We are very excited about Mallory's potential as a six rotation outside hitter for us. She jumps well, hits a heavy ball with range, has very good block timing, and her serve reception has become very good. Mallory and current Bulldog Gabby Zgunda were teammates together on the 2017 AAU 18 open national championship team. As a former right-side attacker, Mallory is also very adept at hitting behind the setter. Mallory is accustomed to stringent training and will arrive on campus polished and ready to contribute immediately."
— Coach David McFatrich
"I chose Mississippi State because it has a great family atmosphere that I immediately felt when I walked on campus. It also has an amazing coaching staff, a team that has a lot of potential that I know I will enjoy playing with, and is within a great conference that I'll be able to compete in. I know that I will continue to grow as a player and person. It was easy for me to decide that Mississippi State was the perfect place for me to do that. The culture here is amazing, and I can't wait to be a Bulldog."
— Mallory Hernandez
"Mal is the perfect blend of intelligence and diligence," said Mike Lingenfelter. "Cerebrally, she understands and manipulates the game very well. Physically, she is good for the grind, meaning she'll do the work necessary to be great. Intelligence and diligence are the key ingredients to success. Mal has both in bountiful amounts."
— Mike Lingenfelter, Head Coach, Munciana Samurai
Hernandez's Accolades
- Named Team Indiana All-Star
- AAU All American 2016,
- 16 open AAU 3rd place 2016
- 18 open AAU national champions
- HCC All conference 2014, 2016, 2017
- Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association (IHSVCA) 2nd team All-State 2017
- Offensive MVP Fishers high school 2014, 2016, 2017
- All district team 2017
- JVA Watch list 2014, 2016
- Academic All-State 2017
Deja Robinson, 6-1, middle hitter from Canton, Ga.
"Deja is one of the quickest middle blockers in the country. Standing 6-foot-1, touching 10' plus, and possessing great lateral quickness, we expect her to come in and improve our block and attack from day one. Deja can hit equally well in front of and behind the setter and has great vision as a blocker. Experience wise, Deja's has been a starting member of two national championship teams. Being a member of a very competitive club for several years, she has first-hand knowledge of what it takes to play against the best."
— Coach David McFatrich
"Becoming a part of the Mississippi State volleyball team is something that I don't take lightly nor for granted," Robinson said. "I am glad to be able to join an institution that molds young people into successful adults. A proven athletic department that will work their hardest to ensure that I safely push myself to higher limits while maintaining healthy habits for prevention to injury. I am blessed to be with a coach that is not ashamed nor afraid to call on the name of Jesus and who also realizes that it is only through Him that I have these gifts and abilities. I can't wait to be able to practice with my team. A team that knows what it feels like to win and to lose. A team that has continues to remain positive and encouraging through all situations. A team that already has accepted me as a family member and together we will do bigger and better things. I'm proud to be headed to StarkVegas and will continue to chase after greatness on and off of the court."
— Deja Robinson
"Deja is a well-rounded athlete with multiple skill sets and has a propensity to pick up the more advanced learning tools of the game. From her first days at A5 Deja has grown tenfold, with the abilities not only to dominate as a middle blocker, but serve, defend, set out of system, and a variety of small touch skills. She's one of the few middles in the club who can consistently attack out of system from the middle blocker position. We are very fortunate to have her at A5."
— Gabe Aramian, Coach, A5 Volleyball
Robinson's Accolades
- Class of 2018 Prep Volleyball Top 125 Senior Ace
- 2016 16 Open AAU Volleyball National Champion (A5 Volleyball Club)
- 2016 16 Open USAV Volleyball National Champion (A5 Volleyball Club)
- 2016 6AAAAAA Volleyball State Runner-Up (Sequoyah High School)
- 2016 All Area Volleyball First Team
- 2016 All County Volleyball First Team
- 2015 5AAAAA Volleyball State Champion (Sequoyah High School)
- 2015 All Area Volleyball First Team
- 2015 All County Volleyball Second Team
Gabby Waden, 6-0, middle hitter from Blythewood, S.C.
"Gabby is another 6-foot-1 attacker touching 10-2 plus who can attack and block anywhere along the net. Gabby has made the decision to enroll at Mississippi State in January and get a jump on our training and practice methodologies. Gabby is a great hitter off one foot or both and with her physicality I believe she will become an elite level blocker. Gabby's competitive nature, her quickness off the floor, and her court vision and volleyball IQ will allow her to become an offensive force for us."
— Coach David McFatrich
"I chose Mississippi State because of the family atmosphere. Starkville loves its athletes win or lose, and I think that's what I like the most. All the girls want to be better and want to take the team to the next level. I've always wanted to be apart of a team who strives to become better, on and off the court. Mississippi State is exactly where I belong. I'm proud to be a Bulldog."
— Gabby Waden
"Gabby is one of the most dynamic athletes to come out of the SC Midlands program. Gabby's excitement for the game as well as her athleticism have made her fun to watch throughout the years. Having played for us since she was 13, and as one of her former coaches, I have no doubt that Gabby will be a strong contributor to Mississippi State. We are extremely proud of Gabby and the recognition she had received during her time at Midlands. We have no doubt that Mississippi State will take great care of her. Mississippi State will have a lot of fans from South Carolina and we look forward to cheering for Gabby as she transitions to play DI. Gabby has a great attitude and all of her coaches are very proud."
—Cynthia Dimapan, Club Director, SC Midlands Volleyball
Waden's Accolades
- 3-year captain & 3x MVP – Blythewood HS
- 2015 South Carolina Class 4A - Region 4 Player of the Year
- 2016 South Carolina Class 5A - Region 5 Player of the Year
- 2017 South Carolina Class 5A - Region 5 Player of the Year
- 4x All Region 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- 3x South Carolina Coaches Association All State Team 2015, 2016, 2017
- Palmetto Region 1st Team 2014, 2015, 2016
- 2016 AAU All-American Team (18 Classic)
- AVCA Phenom List 2015, 2016, 2017
- South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year of Finalist 2016
- All Midlands Player of the Year 2016
- Highest Hitting Percentage in S.C. (.566%)
- Over 1000 kills & 500 blocks during high school career
- Principal's Honor Roll 2016, 2017
For more information on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
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