Wake Forest Secures Three During National Signing Period
11/17/2020 9:10:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Wake Forest volleyball program grew by three after the 2020 National Signing Day. The Demon Deacons will welcome Anna Claire Nichol, Kalani Whillock, and Kendall Phillips for the 2021 fall season.
"We are thrilled to add Kalani, AC, and Kendall to the Deacon Family. They each will bring so much to this program and we cannot wait for them to get here," said head coach Randi Smart.
Anna Claire Nichol | Outside Hitter | Dallas, Texas
Coach Smart on AC –
"AC is a very explosive athlete. She will come into the gym and impact our offense and blocking right away. She is fast and physical; we see big things happening for her and the program as soon as she gets here."
Why Wake?
"From the moment I stepped foot on campus I knew Wake was the place for me. It's not only beautiful, but I know the value of a Wake Forest education. I love the ratio of student-athletes at Wake Forest; it really made the school stand out. I love how the students at Wake Forest come to support each other in all activities; it feels like family and coming from a close-knit family myself that is really important to me. Some people describe me as an old soul, so I think being a Demon Deacon is very fitting for me!"
Kalani Whillock | Libero | Keller, TX
Coach Smart on Kalani –
"Kalani is a multi-sport athlete and it shows in every aspect of her game. She has great feet and feel on the court, poise in big situations, and she knows how to win. Kalani will come into the program and make a difference on day one and we cannot wait."
Why Wake?
"I chose Wake because the coaches are amazing, and I have become very close with them over the past year. Even though I couldn't meet the team in-person, they made me feel comfortable and they went above and beyond to make Wake feel like my home away from home. I also believe in the team's philosophies and goals and I can't wait to see what the program will accomplish. In addition, I love the amazing educational opportunities that Wake provides as well as the chance to play Power Five volleyball."
Kendall Phillips | Defensive Specialist | Virginia Beach, VA
Coach Smart on Kendall –
"Kendall will add so much depth to what we are trying to build with our ball control, and it will be seen right away. She is disciplined, hardworking, and makes the players around her better. She will be an amazing addition to the Wake Volleyball program, and we're excited to see her develop."
Why Wake?
"I chose Wake Forest because it has always been my dream school. I absolutely love the campus, the strong academic programs, and the coaching staff. The coaches have been wonderful during my recruitment and have made me feel like part of the Wake family from the start. Finally, my family is from the area and we grew up Demon Deacon fans, so it just feels right!"
"We are thrilled to add Kalani, AC, and Kendall to the Deacon Family. They each will bring so much to this program and we cannot wait for them to get here," said head coach Randi Smart.
Anna Claire Nichol | Outside Hitter | Dallas, Texas
- Senior Captain of her high school team
- Four-year varsity letter winner
- 3x District Champions
- 3x Bi-District Champions
- Second team All-District 2019
- District Newcomer of the Year 2017
- District Outstanding Hitter of the Year 2018
- Played club for Skyline Volleyball Club, Royal 18s
- Instinct Volleyball Club Wild Gold 17s
- EXCEL Volleyball Club Red 16s
- Competed in US Junior Girls Nationals American Division and finished 3rd
- Texas Assault 15s
- Prep Digs Top 100 Class of '21
- Ranked 35th in Texas
Coach Smart on AC –
"AC is a very explosive athlete. She will come into the gym and impact our offense and blocking right away. She is fast and physical; we see big things happening for her and the program as soon as she gets here."
Why Wake?
"From the moment I stepped foot on campus I knew Wake was the place for me. It's not only beautiful, but I know the value of a Wake Forest education. I love the ratio of student-athletes at Wake Forest; it really made the school stand out. I love how the students at Wake Forest come to support each other in all activities; it feels like family and coming from a close-knit family myself that is really important to me. Some people describe me as an old soul, so I think being a Demon Deacon is very fitting for me!"
Kalani Whillock | Libero | Keller, TX
- 4x Academic All-District
- 2016 District Champions and Region semifinalists
- 2017 Bi-District finalists
- 2018 Bi-District finalists
- 2x All-District Second Team
- All-District Defensive player
- Club team TAV 2020 Sunshine Qualifier Champions
- Club team Madfrog 2018 Northwest Qualifier Champions
- 2018 USAV Open Championship finalists
Coach Smart on Kalani –
"Kalani is a multi-sport athlete and it shows in every aspect of her game. She has great feet and feel on the court, poise in big situations, and she knows how to win. Kalani will come into the program and make a difference on day one and we cannot wait."
Why Wake?
"I chose Wake because the coaches are amazing, and I have become very close with them over the past year. Even though I couldn't meet the team in-person, they made me feel comfortable and they went above and beyond to make Wake feel like my home away from home. I also believe in the team's philosophies and goals and I can't wait to see what the program will accomplish. In addition, I love the amazing educational opportunities that Wake provides as well as the chance to play Power Five volleyball."
Kendall Phillips | Defensive Specialist | Virginia Beach, VA
- Led her high school team in kills, digs, and assists over three seasons
- Team captain sophomore and junior year
- Reached USAV/AAU Nationals every year for nine years with club teams
- Co-Captain of club team Beach Elite 18 Black
- Led Beach Elite 18 Black with over 300 digs
- Selected to Old Dominion Region High Performance Team and made it to the Championship in 2017 and 2019
Coach Smart on Kendall –
"Kendall will add so much depth to what we are trying to build with our ball control, and it will be seen right away. She is disciplined, hardworking, and makes the players around her better. She will be an amazing addition to the Wake Volleyball program, and we're excited to see her develop."
Why Wake?
"I chose Wake Forest because it has always been my dream school. I absolutely love the campus, the strong academic programs, and the coaching staff. The coaches have been wonderful during my recruitment and have made me feel like part of the Wake family from the start. Finally, my family is from the area and we grew up Demon Deacon fans, so it just feels right!"
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