George Washington University Athletics
Volleyball Welcomes Six Recruits in 2018
5/21/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
"The importance of this recruiting class is highlighted on many levels," said Bernson. "Not only will these student-athletes be the first recruits from this coaching staff, they are integral in continuing the team culture and training we have implemented here at GW. These six freshmen will add depth to every position and contribute their athleticism to our dynamic gym environment.They are all outstanding women who value the educational opportunities at George Washington and want to help our program continue to make an impact in the Atlantic 10 in the coming years."
Bella Bowman
5'7
Fr.
Libero
Louisville, Ky./Assumption/KiVA
High School/Club: Helped Assumption to a 42-3 overall record and the Kentucky State Championship as a senior ... totaled 183 service aces and 135 digs over 80 sets .... earned All-Tournament honors during the District and Regional Championship tournaments ... competed for Kentucky Independent Volleyball Association (KIVA).
Why I chose GW: "I chose GW because I knew I would be pushed here to be the best student-athlete I could possibly be. I can't wait to experience GW as a student-athlete!"
Daria De Carvalho Peixe
6'3
Fr.
Middle Blocker
Beausolei, France/FANB/Association Sportive de Monaco
High School/Club: Competed for club teams Federation Franaise de Volleyball (2012-17) and Association Sportive de Monaco (2012-18) ... played for national French junior team for three years and competed in the Eight Nations Tournament where she helped her team to third place ... helped team to first-place finish in the "Volleyades" Tournament and was recipient of the Best Middle Blocker award for the tournament ... recipient of Ambassador of Sports Award (2015) and the Honor Price award (2015-16).
Why I Chose GW: "GW is the right place for me to make a transition into professional volleyball. Moreover, GW can help me develop and put my volleyball skills to good use. I will also be able to continue my curriculum as a student-athlete. I look forward to this thrilling and life-changing experience!"
Paz Dozie-Nnamah
Fr.
6'0
Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter
Murfreesboro, Tenn./Blackman/Middle Tennessee Volleyball Club
High School/Club: Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Honorable Mention selection as a senior at Blackman High School ... was also an All-Region and Second Team All-Area pick in senior season ... named to TSSAA All-District Team as a junior after totaling 201 kills, hitting .310 and posting 67 blocks and 26 aces ... helped Blackman to first State Championship appearance since 2003 as a freshman by totaling 155 kills, 50 blocks and 20 digs ... competed for Middle Tennessee Volleyball Club ... member of National Honor Society and Science National Honors Society ... valedictorian of Blackman High School ... also member of Blackman High Collegiate Academy.
Why I Chose GW: "George Washington took time, energy and a risk to recruit me in my senior year and I could not be more honored and appreciative. It was an easy choice to pick GW because I felt like I meant something to them and that I was going to be cared for. I can't wait to show what I'm all about!"
Noelle Dwyer
6'1
Fr.
Outside Hitter
Delray Beach, Fla./Atlantic Community/Developmental Volleyball Academy
High School/Club: Four-year starter and team captain as a senior at Atlantic Community High School ... helped team to back-to-back District Championships (2014, 2015) and a regional finals appearance as a sophomore in 2015 ... All-County Team Palm Beach County Honorable Mention pick as a sophomore ... has competed for Developmental Volleyball Academy (2017-18) and Tribe Volleyball Club (2011-17).
Why I chose GW: "I chose GW because I want to be part of a vibrant metropolitan city and international community of people working to fulfill their academic and professional passions. Being able to walk, bike or use public transportation to get anywhere is something I highly value and GW makes that possible."
Heather Merryman
Fr.
5'8
Setter
Fairfax, Virginia/Fairfax/Dulles Volleyball
High School/Club: First Team All-State and All-Conference selection as a senior at Fairfax High School ... helped Hawks three consecutive VHSAA State Championships (2015-2017) and two conference titles (2016, 2017) ... also helped lead Fairfax to National runner in NCSAA Tournament (2017) and third-place finish (2016) ... was named MVP of NCSAA Tournament in 2017 ... totaled 352 assists, 215 kills, 379 digs and 135 aces as a senior ... three-time First Team All-Conference pick (2014, 2016-17) ... posted 711 assists, 64 kills, 246 digs and 155 aces as s junior ... has competed for Northern Virginia Comets (2014-15), Northern Virginia Volleyball Association Ice (2015-17) and Dulles Volleyball (2017-18).
Why I Chose GW: "I was instantly drawn to George Washington due to its high-quality academics, unique and extremely diverse community, and location in vibrant D.C. I am so proud to call GW home and I eagerly look forward to growing as a person and improving as a player under a talented coaching staff."
Melody Williams
6'0
Fr.
Opposite
Uniondale, N.Y./St. Anthony's/Academy Volleyball
High School/Club: Competed for St. Anthony's High School and Academy Volleyball club team ... helped team to second place in the gold bracket of the KSA Disney 2017 Volleyball Tournament ... posted a double-double of 11 kills and 10 blocks in the Catholic High School Athletic Association semifinals ... also competed for B&B Volleyball Club (2013-16).
Why I chose GW: "I chose GW volleyball because the program and coaches will help me in becoming a better player, teammate and student."
