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University of North Florida Athletics

Volleyball cover for signing day

Volleyball Inks Six Freshmen Signees to 2025 Signing Class

Incoming Ospreys Tout Three POTY Honorees

1/29/2025 12:00:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida volleyball is excited to announce the additions of freshmen Haleina Bowers, Katelyn Bowman, Sofia Dawson, Fallon Humphries, Leah McDonald and Kendall Newbold to the Osprey '25 signing class, as announced by head coach Kristen Wright and staff.

"My staff and I are excited about this class," said Wright. "We see this class as a stepping stone to greatness and an elevation over the next few years in conference finish and championship caliber student-athletes."


Haleina Bowers

Hometown: Queen Creek, Ariz.
Position: Middle Blocker
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-3
High School: Queen Creek HS

Honors and Statistics
  • Second in total blocks in state (6A-Fiesta) Arizona (2024)
  • 2x Arizona Region Finalist (2021, 2024)
  • 3x 6A state quarterfinalist (2022, 2023, 2024)
  • 2023 AAU championship Finalist
Fun Facts and Personal Info
  • Born on Sept. 16, 20006
  • Plans to major in marine biology
  • Daughter of Andrew and Michele Bowers
  • Has six siblings, Lilia (21), Ronan (20), Aila (16), Tucker (14), Thane (12) and Emma (10)
  • Andrew Bowers, father, played football at Utah and for the Arizona Cardinals
  • Livia Niu, cousin, played volleyball at USF, and Carrie Niu, aunt, played volleyball at BYU
Coach Wright on Haleina
"Haleina [Bowers] is one of the best athletes we've recruited. She's physical and still learning and growing! We project her to develop quickly and be a force in the ASUN. Her size, speed, arm, strength, and competitiveness is what we love and cannot wait to bring together."

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF not only for the volleyball program but the community. The people here uphold strong expectations and exhibit such a positive sense of togetherness. The coaches have created an environment for players to enhance their physical and mental skills to be successful in both volleyball and life outside of athletics. I had no difficulty choosing such and well rounded and tightly knit university."


Katelyn Bowman

Hometown: Allen, Tex.
Position: Middle Blocker / Outside Hitter
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-1
High School: Allen HS

Honors and Statistics
  • Academic All-District (2022-24)
  • THSCA 2024 Volleyball Academic All-State Honorable Mention
  • 2024 Sportswoman of the Year
  • AVCA All-American watchlist 
  • Allen All-Tournament Team
  • AVCA All-Region
  • TVI Game changer
  • Captains honor award 
  • Top 15 finish in 17U Open at Nationals
Fun Facts and Personal Info
  • Born on Jun. 4, 2007
  • Plans to major in sport management
  • Daughter of Eric and Bonnie Bowman
  • Has three siblings, Kylie (28), Alyssa (25) and Tyler (22)
Coach Wright on Katelyn
"Katelyn [Bowman] is one of the most competitive, driven, inspiring recruits we've brought to UNF. She plays at an elite club with high expectations which will prepare to have an immediate impact. We're excited to get Katelyn in our gym."

Why UNF?
"I was immediately drawn to the coaching staff at UNF and the culture that they have created. It is evident that family values are of utmost importance here. It was a priority of mine to find a program that was interested in developing me as a player as much as developing me as a person and I strongly felt that UNF was the right place to do that. Jacksonville already feels like home to me and I am very excited to spend my college career as an Osprey!"


Sofia Dawson

Hometown: Decatur, Ga.
Position: Setter
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-1
High School: Marist HS

Honors and Statistics
  • 2021 GHSA 4A State Champions
  • 6A First All-Region Team
  • Three-year Varsity Captain 
  • First Region Team (Junior Year) 
  • AVCA All State Team (junior year)
  • AAU All Star team (2024)
  • Placed Third at AAU Nationals (2024)
  • All American Award (2024 USAV Nationals) 
  • 4A First Team All Region (2024)
  • 4A Region 5 - Player of the Year (2024)
  • 2024 Georgia Gatorade POTY Nominee
Fun Facts and Personal Info
  • Born on Nov. 18, 2006
  • Plans to major in business management
  • Daughter of Dave and Lisa Dawson
  • Has one sibling, Elizabeth (25)
Coach Wright on Sofia
"Sofia [Dawson] is a competitor and has worked hard to be a starting setter at open level for a top club in the country. She's driven and determined. She works hard and will add tremendous strength at the setting position."

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the people and the location. In the volleyball program, not only the coaches, but the team as well, push you to become the best version of yourself both on and off the court. Jacksonville will always have my heart for the city itself and the weather."


Fallon Humphries

Hometown: Ridgeland, Miss.
Position: Outside Hitter
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-1
High School: Madison Ridgeland Academy

Honors and Statistics
  • 2024 Gatorade "Player of the Year" 
  • 2024 MaxPreps Mississippi State Player of the Year
  • Led school to first ever state championship in 2024
  • 3x All-MAIS Preseason First Team
  • 4x All-MAIS First Team
  • MAIS All Star Game MVP
  • 2024 MAIS Player of the Year
  • Madison Ridgeland Academy all time kills leader (1,092)
  • Madison Ridgeland Academy single season kills leader (513 in 2024)
  • 3x Under Armour Next invite
Fun Facts and Personal Info
  • Born on Aug. 10, 2007
  • Plans to major in business
  • Daughter of Shane and Tracie Humphries
  • Has one sibling, Cameron (19), who plays beach volleyball at UNF
Coach Wright on Fallon
"Fallon [Humphries] will be a force on the floor right away at outside. She has an excellent arm, she's competitive, driven and is a dedicated athlete. She will work to become a six-rotation main stay for our program. We're excited about high her floor her already is but how high her ceiling is also."

Why UNF?
"North Florida immediately felt like home when I visited. The coaching staff was so caring and I felt like one of their own. The campus is beautiful and love how it is by the beach. I know the staff will help and push me to thrive academically and physically."


Leah McDonald

Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Position: Outside Hitter
Class: Freshman
Height: 5-11
High School: Bishop Moore Catholic

Honors and Statistics
  • 2023 Orlando Magic January Student Athlete Spotlight
  • 2023 Spectrum News 13 Athlete of the Week
  • 2023 Bishop Moore November Student Athlete of the Month
  • 2023 4A State Runner-up
  • 2024 4A State Champion
  • 2024 State (Class 4A) Player of The Year
  • Prep Dig 28th Overall Ranking in Florida
  • Ranked 14th in Florida Overall for Kills
  • Ranked first in Class 4A for Kills
Fun Facts and Personal Info
  • Born on Jan. 15, 2007
  • Plans to major in child psychology
  • Daughter of Rob and Johanna McDonald
  • Has two siblings, Brendan (20) and Luke (15)
  • Brother, Brendan, plays football at Rochester
  • Father, Rob, played hockey at Fredonia State
Coach Wright on Leah
"Leah [McDonald] is a winner. She can do it all. She is a ball control powerhouse. If she is not in the pin position she'll contend at Libero or DS. Her tenacity and court sense are going to bring much needed depth."

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because of the amazing opportunities it offers on and off the court. The passion and dedication Coach Wright has is unmatched, as she pushes everyone to be their best, while supporting us like family. The program has a culture like no other, with the most welcoming girls and encouraging atmosphere."


Kendall Newbold

Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Position: Outside Hitter / Opposite
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-3
High School: Global Impact Academy

Honors and Statistics
  • 2022 USAV All-American & 2023 AAU All-American 
  • 2023 AAU All-Tournament Team
  • Second-place 2023 AAU 
  • Third-place 2022 USAV Nationals (USA division)  
  • Third-place 2024 USAV Nationals (National division)
  • 2022 GA 7A All-Region Team
  • 2022 GACA 7A All-State Team
  • 2023 GA 7A All-Region First Team
  • 2023 GA 7A Region 2 Player of the Year 
  • 2024 GA 6A All-Region First Team
  • 2024 GA 6A Region 2 Player of the Year
Fun Facts and Personal Info
  • Born on May 17, 2007
  • Plans to major in sport management
  • Daughter of Anthony and Wendy Newbold
  • Four-time Honor Roll Student
  • Student Government Association Member
  • Health Occupations Students of America Member
  • National Honors Society Member
  • Principal's List Honors Student
Coach Wright on Kendall
"Kendall [Newbold] is a dedicated, focused pin that we're thrilled to be at UNF. Her size and loyalty are two of my favorite things to build off of. As one of our first commits we've built our class around her. She will challenge right away as well and we can't wait to develop her. We see her as someone that can become a go-to in our program."

Why UNF?
"I picked UNF because of its culture and environment. I feel like I will learn so much while I am here and form so many connections. I also picked UNF because of the people and when I stepped on campus it felt like home."
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