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Ulmer Signs Another Elite Class for 2019
11/15/18 | Women's Volleyball
EUGENE, Ore. – The Oregon volleyball team has secured an elite recruiting class for the second straight year as head coach Matt Ulmer announced the signing of five players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.
The Ducks' 2019 class is made up of five players who are all ranked inside the top 80 on prepvolleyball.com's Senior Aces list, including three ranked in the top 30 and two Under Armour all-Americans.
"This is a terrific group of young women that are going to represent our University and program at the highest level," said Ulmer. "We have found five student-athletes that enhance our culture, competitiveness, physicality, and IQ. I'm extremely grateful to be able to work with and mentor this dedicated class."
ELISE FERREIRA
Setter | Bakersfield, Calif. | Liberty HS | Senior Aces: No. 80
About Elise: A familiar name for longtime Oregon volleyball fans, Ferreira is the daughter of Carl Ferreira, who was the Ducks' head coach from 2000 to 2004. A three-time all-conference selection in the Southwest Yosemite League, Ferreira is a versatile setter who has also been utilized as a right-side hitter in Liberty's 6-2 offense. Liberty head coach Amy Parker described Ferreira as "one of the most dedicated, focused and hardworking athletes that I have ever had the privilege to coach." Ferreira is the lone setter coming in for the Ducks in 2019, helping offset the loss of current senior August Raskie.
Ulmer: "Elise is a leader. She has a championship level work ethic and her feel for the game is off the charts. She is an excellent setter and court general. She is going to make everyone around her better."
Elise: "When I think of the University of Oregon, I think of home. I think of the passionate community and its relationship with Duck athletics. I think of athletic excellence and one of the best programs in the nation. I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to return to Eugene and play at a higher level for a school that means so much to me."
ALEX LAITA
Outside Hitter | Pacific Palisades, Calif. | Palisades Charter | Senior Aces: No. 56
About Alex: Laita is considered one of the most improved players in the class, rising up the rankings despite having only a couple years of high-level experience under her belt. Laita helped her Sunshine club team take bronze in the 17 Open over the summer, establishing herself as the team's go-to hitter. According to prepvolleyball.com, "Laita's natural athleticism and nimbleness make her an exciting player to watch, whether she's attacking at the net, defending or hitting bics with extreme range from the back row."
Ulmer: "Alex has one of the all-time great personalities. She's perfectly quirky and so fun to be around. She possesses a unique blend of goofiness off the court and tough intensity on the court. Alex has all of the physical gifts to be a high level attacker combined with smooth back court skills."
Alex: "I chose to come to Oregon because I loved the fun-loving yet competitive nature of the volleyball program. The coaching staff is extremely talented and the campus and facilities are amazing. I know at Oregon I'll be able to reach my full potential as an athlete while earning a great education. Can't wait to be a Duck!"
MORGAN LEWIS
Middle Blocker/Right-Side Hitter | Carlsbad, Calif. | La Costa Canyon HS | Senior Aces: No. 25
About Morgan: An Under Armour second-team all-American, Lewis is regarded as one of the biggest hitters in the class and is ranked 25th nationally by prepvolleyball.com. The Carlsbad, Calif., native competed for the Wave VBC club team, where she was coached by Oregon alumna Rachel Morris, while also racking up more than 1,000 career kills for La Costa Canyon High School. Prepvolleyball.com describes Lewis as a "hammer" who has "been known to rip swings that people two courts away could hear" since she was 15 years old.
Ulmer: "Morgan is as likeable as they come. She has the ability to put everyone around her at ease and be a calming and confident presence. Morgan is going to be a force on the court and has the skillset to make an impact at multiple positions."
Morgan: "I chose the University of Oregon because the moment I first stepped off the plane in Eugene, I felt like I was home and was certain that Oregon was the school for me. The school spirit is incredible and the volleyball program is outstanding, and I couldn't be happier to spend the next four years of my athletic and academic career at the University of Oregon."
GEORGIA MURPHY
Libero | The Woodlands, Texas | The Woodlands HS | Senior Aces: No. 27
About Georgia: The top-ranked libero in the 2019 class, Murphy is a first-team Under Armour all-American who has starred for the nationally-ranked Texas Tornados club team since she was in eighth grade. Hailing from The Woodlands, Texas, Murphy piled up more than 2,000 career digs for The Woodlands High School, and she was recently named the 2018 District 15-6A most valuable player. Prepvolleyball.com says of Murphy: "A player who is nothing if not smooth, Murphy's high volleyball I.Q. and athletic grace allow her to make the game look easy."
Ulmer: "Georgia has been the best libero in this class since eighth grade. She makes the game look so easy and uncomplicated. She is always around the ball and is going to be a headache for our opponents. Georgia always has her teammates' and coaches' full trust and confidence."
Georgia: "From my first moments on campus, I knew that Oregon was the place for me – strong academics, amazing facilities, awesome coaches and the opportunity to compete with and against the best in the country, all in a beautiful place. I feel so blessed and excited to be a Duck!"
TAYLOR WILLIAMS
Outside Hitter | Eugene, Ore. | Churchill HS | Senior Aces: No. 23
About Taylor: It seems as though Williams was meant to end playing for Oregon, as the Eugene native grew up rooting for the Ducks and her father and uncle both competed for Oregon track and field. Described as a "late blooming Monster (with a capital 'M')" who is "just starting to reach the very tip of her enormous potential" by prepvolleyball.com, Williams was a second-team all-state selection for Churchill in 2017 before being selected as the 2018 Midwestern League player of the year after a stellar senior season. Williams is the Ducks' highest-ranked recruit in the 2019 class at No. 23 on the Senior Aces list.
Ulmer: "I love that we will have a homegrown Duck on our roster. Taylor represents our community so well and bleeds green and yellow. I'm excited to see our fans embrace Taylor as she follows her dream of competing for Oregon. Taylor has all of the tools to become one of the most feared players out there."
Taylor: "Growing up in Eugene, I cheered for the Ducks and always dreamed of being a part of the Duck community. After being offered this once in a lifetime opportunity to play for the University of Oregon and meeting the coaching staff and team, I knew I had to be a part of this amazing family. Once a Duck, always a Duck!"
The Ducks' 2019 class is made up of five players who are all ranked inside the top 80 on prepvolleyball.com's Senior Aces list, including three ranked in the top 30 and two Under Armour all-Americans.
"This is a terrific group of young women that are going to represent our University and program at the highest level," said Ulmer. "We have found five student-athletes that enhance our culture, competitiveness, physicality, and IQ. I'm extremely grateful to be able to work with and mentor this dedicated class."
ELISE FERREIRA
Setter | Bakersfield, Calif. | Liberty HS | Senior Aces: No. 80
About Elise: A familiar name for longtime Oregon volleyball fans, Ferreira is the daughter of Carl Ferreira, who was the Ducks' head coach from 2000 to 2004. A three-time all-conference selection in the Southwest Yosemite League, Ferreira is a versatile setter who has also been utilized as a right-side hitter in Liberty's 6-2 offense. Liberty head coach Amy Parker described Ferreira as "one of the most dedicated, focused and hardworking athletes that I have ever had the privilege to coach." Ferreira is the lone setter coming in for the Ducks in 2019, helping offset the loss of current senior August Raskie.
Ulmer: "Elise is a leader. She has a championship level work ethic and her feel for the game is off the charts. She is an excellent setter and court general. She is going to make everyone around her better."
Elise: "When I think of the University of Oregon, I think of home. I think of the passionate community and its relationship with Duck athletics. I think of athletic excellence and one of the best programs in the nation. I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to return to Eugene and play at a higher level for a school that means so much to me."
ALEX LAITA
Outside Hitter | Pacific Palisades, Calif. | Palisades Charter | Senior Aces: No. 56
About Alex: Laita is considered one of the most improved players in the class, rising up the rankings despite having only a couple years of high-level experience under her belt. Laita helped her Sunshine club team take bronze in the 17 Open over the summer, establishing herself as the team's go-to hitter. According to prepvolleyball.com, "Laita's natural athleticism and nimbleness make her an exciting player to watch, whether she's attacking at the net, defending or hitting bics with extreme range from the back row."
Ulmer: "Alex has one of the all-time great personalities. She's perfectly quirky and so fun to be around. She possesses a unique blend of goofiness off the court and tough intensity on the court. Alex has all of the physical gifts to be a high level attacker combined with smooth back court skills."
Alex: "I chose to come to Oregon because I loved the fun-loving yet competitive nature of the volleyball program. The coaching staff is extremely talented and the campus and facilities are amazing. I know at Oregon I'll be able to reach my full potential as an athlete while earning a great education. Can't wait to be a Duck!"
MORGAN LEWIS
Middle Blocker/Right-Side Hitter | Carlsbad, Calif. | La Costa Canyon HS | Senior Aces: No. 25
About Morgan: An Under Armour second-team all-American, Lewis is regarded as one of the biggest hitters in the class and is ranked 25th nationally by prepvolleyball.com. The Carlsbad, Calif., native competed for the Wave VBC club team, where she was coached by Oregon alumna Rachel Morris, while also racking up more than 1,000 career kills for La Costa Canyon High School. Prepvolleyball.com describes Lewis as a "hammer" who has "been known to rip swings that people two courts away could hear" since she was 15 years old.
Ulmer: "Morgan is as likeable as they come. She has the ability to put everyone around her at ease and be a calming and confident presence. Morgan is going to be a force on the court and has the skillset to make an impact at multiple positions."
Morgan: "I chose the University of Oregon because the moment I first stepped off the plane in Eugene, I felt like I was home and was certain that Oregon was the school for me. The school spirit is incredible and the volleyball program is outstanding, and I couldn't be happier to spend the next four years of my athletic and academic career at the University of Oregon."
GEORGIA MURPHY
Libero | The Woodlands, Texas | The Woodlands HS | Senior Aces: No. 27
About Georgia: The top-ranked libero in the 2019 class, Murphy is a first-team Under Armour all-American who has starred for the nationally-ranked Texas Tornados club team since she was in eighth grade. Hailing from The Woodlands, Texas, Murphy piled up more than 2,000 career digs for The Woodlands High School, and she was recently named the 2018 District 15-6A most valuable player. Prepvolleyball.com says of Murphy: "A player who is nothing if not smooth, Murphy's high volleyball I.Q. and athletic grace allow her to make the game look easy."
Ulmer: "Georgia has been the best libero in this class since eighth grade. She makes the game look so easy and uncomplicated. She is always around the ball and is going to be a headache for our opponents. Georgia always has her teammates' and coaches' full trust and confidence."
Georgia: "From my first moments on campus, I knew that Oregon was the place for me – strong academics, amazing facilities, awesome coaches and the opportunity to compete with and against the best in the country, all in a beautiful place. I feel so blessed and excited to be a Duck!"
TAYLOR WILLIAMS
Outside Hitter | Eugene, Ore. | Churchill HS | Senior Aces: No. 23
About Taylor: It seems as though Williams was meant to end playing for Oregon, as the Eugene native grew up rooting for the Ducks and her father and uncle both competed for Oregon track and field. Described as a "late blooming Monster (with a capital 'M')" who is "just starting to reach the very tip of her enormous potential" by prepvolleyball.com, Williams was a second-team all-state selection for Churchill in 2017 before being selected as the 2018 Midwestern League player of the year after a stellar senior season. Williams is the Ducks' highest-ranked recruit in the 2019 class at No. 23 on the Senior Aces list.
Ulmer: "I love that we will have a homegrown Duck on our roster. Taylor represents our community so well and bleeds green and yellow. I'm excited to see our fans embrace Taylor as she follows her dream of competing for Oregon. Taylor has all of the tools to become one of the most feared players out there."
Taylor: "Growing up in Eugene, I cheered for the Ducks and always dreamed of being a part of the Duck community. After being offered this once in a lifetime opportunity to play for the University of Oregon and meeting the coaching staff and team, I knew I had to be a part of this amazing family. Once a Duck, always a Duck!"
Players Mentioned
S/RS
/ Women's VolleyballTrent Kersten | Postgame vs. Michigan State
Monday, November 10
Trent Kersten & Alanah Clemente | Postgame vs. UCLA
Friday, November 07
Trent Kersten & Sophia Meyers | Postgame vs. Wisconsin
Monday, October 27
Valentina Vaulet & Cora Taylor: "Working off of one another."
Friday, October 24
