AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's University head volleyball coach Mary DeJute announced the signing of six players Friday for the NCAA's early signing period, which began Wednesday.

DeJute signed four Texans, a player from Louisiana and one from Minnesota in a highly-decorated and diverse class. Two middle hitters, two defensive specialists, one setter and an outside hitter will join SEU in 2018.

Natalie Abowd (Friendswood, Texas) and Kerstynn Grobe (Grapevine, Texas) will join the Hilltoppers in the middle while Camille Dedeaux (Mandeville, La.) will provide depth on the outside for SEU.

Liberos Nicole Grant (Magnolia, Texas) and Estafania "Steffy" Walls (Dallas, Texas) will join the back row, and combo libero / setter Emily Tran (Eagan, Minn.) rounds out the class of six.

"I think it's a very strong signing class. It not only fills the depth that we need, but raises the level of competition in our gym," DeJute said. "The character of this group is second to none. If you add their athleticism and their quality as human beings, we're proud to have them on the hilltop for the next four years."

St. Edward's will lose its top offensive player Katie Martin and senior Madison McClurg at the conclusion of the 2017 season.

Below is more on the 2018 St. Edward's Volleyball Signing Class:
 

• Voted Vype Houston Middle Blocker of the Year 2016 • Friendswood High School's All-Time Leader in Blocks	• 2016 District's Defensive MVP • 2016 People's Choice All-County
• All-District Honorable Mention as a junior • Three-Time Academic All-District	• 3-Time Louisiana State Champion • District MVP; All-State, All-Metro MVP
• Played with USA High Performance Select A2 Team	• Eagan Senior High School (Minn.) Ranked the No. 1 in the state by MaxPreps.com • Won AAU national championship in 2015 at the 15U level