KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island volleyball head coach Angel Agu has announced the addition of three new players for the upcoming season as Lauren Nelson, Karlee Pinell and Ryleigh Powers all will come to Kingston as freshman for the 2022 season.
   
Lauren Nelson – Freshman – Outside Hitter – 5-11 – Stafford, VA/Mountain View High School
 
Chose to attend URI over Virginia Tech, James Madison and Tennessee... Knew Rhode Island was the place for her as soon as she left her campus visit... Was excited about the opportunity to continue her volleyball career playing for Coach Agu and her staff, as well as alongside players who made her feel like she had known them forever.
 
Before URI: Was a three-year member of the varsity volleyball team at Mountain View High School, after spending her freshman year at Oronwood Ridge High School... Also played club volleyball for Core Volleyball and Virginia Juniors... Captained her high school team as both a junior and senior... Helped lead Mountain View to an impressive 27-1 record, as well as a district championship, her senior year... Was a three-time All-Region First Team selection... Also earned Free Lance Start All-Area honors as a senior... Received her team's Coaches Award as a sophomore and Most Improved Player Award as a freshman... Off the court, was a member of the Principal's Honor Roll and participated in the class spelling bee as well as the Disneyland Choir competition... Was named Best All-Around Student and collected the Best Science Award... Also was a member of the National Spanish Honors Society, the National Science Honors Society DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, Chess Club, Choir and Orchestra, in addition to holding a job as a lifeguard.
 
Personal: Born April 6, 2004... Daughter of Nancy and Brent Nelson... Has two brothers (Zach and Blake) and one sister (Haley)...  Enjoys going to the beach and baking... Plans to major in Psychology with hopes of pursuing a career as a neurologist.
 
Agu on Nelson: "Lauren Nelson is a high energy pin hitter who will challenge opponents with her speed and quick arm. Personality wise, Lauren brings such a contagious, upbeat attitude that will add momentum to our group of returners who have already begun to develop their cohesive identity.  Her desire to make an impact and become part of championship culture and family made her a perfect fit for our program."
   
Karlee Pinell – Freshman – Outside Hitter – 5-11 – Colorado Springs, CO/Cheyenne Mountain High School
 
Chose Rhode Island because of the incredible coaching staff, the strong academics and the beautiful campus.
 
Before URI: Was a two-time team captain at Cheyenne Mountain High School, leading her team to the state semifinals (2019-21) as well as a runner-up finish (2021-22)... Also played club volleyball for Colorado Juniors... Finished her high school career with 1,004 kills, 591 digs, 112 service aces and 111 total blocks through 357 sets played... Was a three-time All-State and three-time All-Conference honoree, as well as a three-time Academic All-State First Team selection... Was an AVCA All-America Honorable Mention as a senior... Also earned All-Pikes Peak Area recognition and received Cheyenne Mountain's Offensive Player of the Year Award... Off the court, was a member of the National Charity League, DECA, the Pickleball Club, and the Baking Club... Also was on the Principals/Distinguished Honor Roll, receiving Academic Letter (2019-2020), 1st Academic Bar (2020-2021) and 2nd Academic Bar (2021-2022).
 
Personal: Born Dec. 2, 2003... Daughter of Jodi and Charly Pinell... Has an older sister, Sydnee, and an older brother, Caden...  Enjoys music, hiking, traveling and spending time with friends... Favorite athlete is Michael Jordan... Favorite team is the Denver Broncos... Undecided on a major.
 
Agu on Pinell: "Karlee is a dynamic, six-rotation player who is going to be an exciting addition to our program. She puts a mean trigger on the ball in addition to her great court vision, which will allow her to be an effective attacker at the college level. She also has great court awareness and fearlessness in the back row, which will allow her transition into the serve receive phase quickly and seamlessly. Karlee plays the game with undeniable passion and joy. We can't wait to have her in our gym!"
   
Ryleigh Powers – Freshman – Libero – 5-6 – Oldsmar, FL/Tarpon Springs High School
 
Chose to attend URI over Florida Gulf Coast, Lees McRae and Lincoln Memorial... Selected Rhode Island because it felt like a second home. During her visit everyone was so nice and welcomed her with open arms. At that point, she should truly see herself becoming a Ram. The opportunity to continue her volleyball career while studying to further her passion in the veterinary field sealed the deal.
 
Before URI: Played volleyball and beach volleyball in high school... Captained her team as a senior... Also was a member of the Pinellas Heat Elite (11's-18's)... Combined for 650 receptions, 476 digs, 74 service aces and 72 assists during her junior and senior years... Registered 45 digs and 47 receptions in a match against Osceola her senior season... Received Tarpon Springs' Defensive MVP Award for three straight seasons (2019, 2020, 2021)... Also received her team's overall MVP Award in 2021... Collected Pinellas County Player of the Week Accolades as well as a Team Florida nominee in 2021... Was a PCAC First Team and Senior All-Star (2021-22)... Earned the University of Tampa Volleyball Camp All-Star Award in 2019 after receiving the Camp's "On the Brink Libero Award" in 2018... Helped head her Tarpon Springs teams to a District Championship as well as the State Finals in 2018, the Regional Finals in 2019, and District Runner-Up finishes in 2020 and 2021... Off the court, was a member of the Tarpon Springs High School Veterinary program all four years, as well as the National Honors Society as a junior and senior... Volunteered at Day and Evening Pet Hospital, with the Pinellas Heat Volleyball Club, and with the Summer Bridge Program at Dunedin Elementary.
 
Personal: Born June 11, 2004... Daughter of Tawnya and Jeff Powers... Has an older brother, Jordan, and three older sisters, Shana, MaKayla and MaKenzie... Enjoys beach volleyball, hiking with her dogs, snorkeling and sewing... Favorite athlete is Mason Briggs... Favorite team is the Tampa Bay Rays... Majoring in Animal Sciences and Technology with future career plans of becoming a veterinarian.
 
Agu on Powers: "Ryleigh is a high IQ and steady athlete that comes to us from Florida and will be a great back court player. She has a desire to be great on and off the court. Her consistency and composure will provide balance for us in the back line. Her drive, work ethic, and academic focus are a perfect balance and fit for Rhody Volleyball."