BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford University volleyball head coach Keylor Chan announced the squad's 2022 signing class, with the Bulldogs adding five to the roster for the upcoming season, Tuesday.
 
Kaleigh Meritt is a 6' 2" outside hitter who hails from Evansville, Indiana. Meritt played club volleyball for the Evansville United Volleyball Academy, and was prepped by Gene Cobbs at F J Reitz High School, where she was the all-time leader in kills, tallying 1326 kills. Meritt also had 764 digs and 157 aces in her high school career. In a personal best performance against Jasper High School, Meritt posted 30 kills and a 0.306 hitting percentage in four sets. Merritt was named the 2020 All-Metro Player of the Year, and to the 2020 Indiana All Star Team, behind a stellar junior campaign.
 
Coach Chan Spotlight: Kaleigh Meritt
 
"Kaleigh is a well-rounded six rotation outside attacker with a great deal of potential.  Her ability in the pass-to-attack game is a skill we highly value.  Kaleigh is a tremendous fit for Samford Volleyball and we anticipate she will find her way onto the floor quickly in her career."
 

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Sophia Plasman joins the Samford Bulldogs from Caldwell Academy in Greensboro, North Carolina, under the direction of Dan Bozarth. During her high school career, she recorded 1239 kills, 99 blocks, 429 digs and 163 aces, boasting a 0.410 hitting percentage. In a career best performance against Northern Guilford High School, Plasman posted 32 kills and 10 digs to go along with four aces. Plasman was invaluable in Caldwell's run to the 2020 2A State Championship Title, as well as playing for the Piedmont Volleyball Club National Elite Team for six years. In 2022, Plasman was named Caldwell Academy's Most Valuable Player, to the PTAC All-Conference Team, to the NCISSA All-State Team, and the conference Player of the Year.
 
Coach Chan Spotlight: Sophia Plasman
 
"Sophia is an explosive and dynamic attacker with a very bright future.  As she develops, we believe she will be a player able to score both in and out of system.  Sophia is a perfect fit and she will be a critical part of our program moving forward as an outside or opposite."
   
Samantha Horn hails from Plainfield, Illinois, and was prepped by Lakisha Cameron at Joliet Catholic Academy, where she amassed 451 assists, 179 digs, 25 blocks, 22 aces and 55 kills. Horn was also named team captain during her sophomore and seniors years, and in 2019 was the Joliet Catholic Academy MVP. In her club experience, Horn helped lead Sports Performance Volleyball to the 2021 Cup 18 Open Tournament Championship, the Tennessee Performance 18 Open Tournament Champions, and to a runner up finish at the 2021 AAU National Championships Open Division.
 
Coach Chan Spotlight: Samantha Horn
 
"Sam is a skilled and mobile setter that has been trained by one of the best clubs in the country.  She has all the intangibles we look for in a recruit and we believe she will continue our tradition of great setters."
 

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Amelia Johnston joins the Samford roster as a defensive specialist from Collierville, Tennessee. The 5'5" libero was prepped under coach Lindsey Vicknair at Collierville High School, racking up 273 digs and 55 aces in the 2021-22 season. Johnston was instrumental in leading her team to the Region 8 Tournament Championship, as well as the District 15 regular season and tournament titles during the 2021 season. In addition to her time at Collierville High School, she also played club volleyball for Memphis Metro Volleyball Elite.
 
Coach Chan Spotlight: Amelia Johnston
 
"Amelia is a quick and athletic libero that will provide depth and competition at her position.  Her drive to succeed and desire to be a part of our volleyball family will be a great asset to our program throughout her career."