Demon Deacon Volleyball, Coach Smart Announces Four Signees in Class of 2023
11/9/2022 10:31:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Wake Forest volleyball welcomes four new faces to the program!
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – As athletes around the country officially ink their way into collegiate programs this time of the year, Wake Forest volleyball has announced a group of four Class of 2023 members.
Ava Carney, Olivia Fish, Dior Charles, and Elena Dragani all signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI) on Wednesday (Nov. 9).
“We are really looking forward to this class and can't wait for them to get here,” said head coach Randi Smart. “They add physicality, competitiveness, and a drive that will continue to grow this program. They will make an impact as soon as they step foot onto campus!”
Ava Carney | 6-2 | Outside Hitter | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball Club
A standout performer for Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball Club, Ava brings a highly impactful presence to the Demon Deacons’ group of hitters and has elite experience on the national scene. She currently plans to major in Marketing/Business but also holds interest in Sports Management. Ava is the daughter of Shelton and Renee Carney and has two siblings, Devin and Donovan. Her father, Shelton, is a former men’s basketball player at Robert Morris while Devin is a freshman for the Duquesne Dukes’ men’s basketball team.
Ava Carney Standout Individual/Team Accomplishments
- Currently ranked No. 57 in the Class of 2023 on PrepVolleyball.com
- Received an invitation to the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program
- Listed on VBallrecruiter.com 2023 National Player Rankings & Players to Watch
- Member of Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball Club
- Qualified for 2022 USAV Nationals
Why Wake?
“I chose Wake Forest because, as soon as I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home,” Ava explained. “Additionally, the coaches and players are very welcoming. The program is continuously growing on a daily basis. The high academic reputation, beautiful campus, surrounding community, and opportunity to grow the volleyball program all were factors that drew me to Wake.”
Ava has what it takes physically, mentally and as a student of the game to succeed at this level and beyond. She is a dynamic attacker and tremendous competitor. She immediately makes our gym better.Head Coach Randi Smart on Ava Carney
Pittsburgh ?? DEACTOWN
— Wake Volleyball (@WakeVolleyball) November 9, 2022
?????????????? ???? ????????, @AvaCarney2023 ! ?? #NationalSigningDay ?? #GoDeacs ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/eZG93BnoFb
Olivia Fish | 6-2 | Outside Hitter | Seymour, Ind. | Seymour High School
An accomplished hitter who has earned multiple accolades, Olivia holds varsity program records in single-season kills at Seymour High School as a multi-year team captain and was tabbed a back-to-back all-state selection over the last two seasons. She plans to study Business/Sports Management. Olivia is the daughter of Eric and Alyson Fish and has a younger sister named Anna.
Olivia Fish Standout Individual/Team Accomplishments
- Three-time team MVP at Seymour High School (2019, 21-22)
- Two-time Indiana All-State selection (2021-22)
- Four-time Hoosier Hills First Team All-Conference selection (2019-22)
- Four-time team captain at Seymour High School (2019-22)
- 2021 All Star selection
- Holds program record for most kills in a single season at Seymour High School (493)
- Member of KIVA Volleyball Club
- AAU 14 Open National Champion in 2018
- 2021 Under Armour MVP
- 2019 JVA All-National Team selection
Why Wake?
“I chose Wake Forest because I want to make a difference in the program,” Olivia said. “In my personal goals, I want to make history for the volleyball program and make an impact on the university itself. I love the coaches, players and community surrounding the beautiful university. Throughout my four years there, I have plans to claim the ACC Conference Title and make a run in the NCAA tournament. I love my classmates coming in with me and the girls currently there! I hope to make program history for the Wake Forest community.”
Olivia is an exceptional competitor, a physical force and a great teammate. She will add another physical presence to this recruiting class and the program. We are very excited about her upside and know she will be an impact player here on campus.Head Coach Randi Smart on Olivia Fish
Seymour, Ind. ?? DEACTOWN
— Wake Volleyball (@WakeVolleyball) November 9, 2022
Excited to have Olivia join the Deac fam! ?? #NationalSigningDay ?? #GoDeacs ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/BAmvNqk90D
Dior Charles | 6-1 | Middle Blocker | Los Angeles, Calif. | Marymount High School
Dior hails from the West Coast, takes pride in her defensive prowess, and brings championship pedigree to the Deacs’ program. She plans to center her education around Finance, Accounting, and African-American studies. Dior is the daughter of Ranika Woodard and Daniel Morgan and has a younger sister named Darielle.
Dior Charles Standout Individual/Team Accomplishments
- 2021-22 MaxPreps National Champion at Marymount High School
- 2021-22 CIF State Champion at Marymount High School
- Named to AVCA All-America Watchlist
- Member of Sunshine Volleyball Club
- Team placed second at JVA West Coast Cup
- Team finished second at USAV Windy City Qualifier
Why Wake?
“So, the question of ‘why Wake Forest?’ has been a frequently asked one since I verbally committed,” Dior noted. "After three years spent at Sunshine (Volleyball Club), I came to the realization that I wanted to continue to push myself to the limit and be able to consistently perform at 100%. In my eyes, that is exactly the mindset that Wake Volleyball embodies, and I know I can be the best player I can possibly be at Wake. I can’t wait to play for the program.”
Dior is a fantastic addition to the team and to our middle blocker group. She has won at every level with successful high school and club programs. She understands the game and will make an immediate impact on the court from day one.Head Coach Randi Smart on Dior Charles
Los Angeles ?? DEACTOWN
— Wake Volleyball (@WakeVolleyball) November 10, 2022
Can’t wait to see Dior in the Black and Gold ????#NationalSigningDay ?? #GoDeacs ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/DmOvcCSHfa
Elena Dragani | 5-9 | Setter | Brookfield, Wis. | Catholic Memorial High School
A high school varsity veteran and captain for both her school and club squad, Dragani has impressive nods on her resume, including a national championship won in club competition. She plans to major in Business and Enterprise Management at Wake Forest. Coming from an athletic family, Elena is the daughter of Patrick and Stephanie Dragani, as the latter played women’s basketball at Marquette University. Elena’s siblings, Ben and Caroline, have played collegiate baseball and volleyball, respectively.
Elena Dragani Standout Individual/Team Accomplishments
- Member of Milwaukee Sting
- 2022 USAV National Champion
- Named to All-Tournament Team at 2021 President’s Day Classic
- Team Captain - 2021 16s Black
- Four-year high school varsity letterwinner
- Team leader in assists and service aces
- Prep Dig Sizzle Top Performer
- Team Captain as a senior
Why Wake?
“I chose Wake Forest because I love the vision that the coaches have for their volleyball program,” said Elena. “I am excited to be part of the competitive nature in both the gym and the classroom at Wake.”
In Elena, we have another very good setter who can run a fast offense. Her decision making, volleyball IQ, and versatility are what we look for in players. Additionally, Elena is another player who knows how to win.Head Coach Randi Smart on Elena Dragani
Brookfield, Wis. ?? DEACTOWN
— Wake Volleyball (@WakeVolleyball) November 9, 2022
Can’t wait to have you here in Winston-Salem, Elena!#NationalSigningDay ?? #GoDeacs ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/AI1unsvyKh
