Valparaiso volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that Catherine Ament, Kayla Currier and Taylor Graboski have all signed with the Crusader volleyball program during the early signing period and will join the team as freshmen for the 2014 season.

Ament is a 5'7" defensive specialist out of New Prairie [Ind.] H.S. A two-time All-Conference honoree, Ament twice ranked among the top-15 in the state in digs and finished her career as the Cougars' all-time leader in digs. She helped New Prairie capture sectional and regional titles as a senior, the program's first-ever regional championship, as well as three conference titles over her four years. Ament plays her travel volleyball for Dunes Volleyball Club.

"We are very excited that Catherine will be joining our program," said Avery. "We love having local talent on our roster. She is an excellent passer and defender, and we are fortunate that she decided to stay close to home to further her volleyball career. She is from a good high school program and knows how to win."

Currier is a 6'0" middle hitter out of Lincoln-Way East [Ill.] H.S. A three-year varsity starter, Currier missed her senior season due to an injury suffered at the end of the last club season. She earned spots on a pair of All-Tournament teams as a junior in 2012 and was chosen as an All-Area selection that season by the Southtown Star. Currier plays her travel volleyball for Ultimate Volleyball Club.

"Kayla is a great middle hitter," said Avery. "She is quick and has great instincts when it comes to blocking. She is a tremendous competitor and a great teammate who will bring a good personality to this team. After her ACL tear, she is more determined then ever to come back ready to go next year."

Graboski is a 6'2" middle hitter/outside hitter out of Upper Sandusky [Ohio] H.S. A three-time All-State honoree, Graboski concluded her career by earning First Team All-State honors this year as a senior. Also a four-time First Team All-District and All-League recipient, Graboski ranks 12th in Ohio volleyball history with 1,509 career kills. She was a member of the PrepVolleyball.com Freshman Fab 59 and Soph 79 selections as well. Graboski plays her travel volleyball for Blackswamp Volleyball Club, where she helped her squad to the title at USA Nationals in 2011, earning tournament MVP honors in the process.

"Taylor is a great athlete, and we are so excited to have her here," said Avery. "We are excited to get such a versatile player - we think Taylor has the ability to play several different positions, depending on what we need. She is not only a dynamic athlete, but a tremendous teammate and competitor as well, which is what drew me to her in the first place."