UAB Volleyball Signs Three For 2014

Dec. 6, 2013

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB volleyball team announced the addition of three players for the 2014 season on Friday.

“I think this class will bring a new look of athleticism to the UAB program,” assistant coach Bailey Coleman said. “All three athletes we recruited this year, stand out with their athletic capabilities. We will be a quicker, more dynamic, and well-rounded team next season with the addition of these players. “

Gabbi Moreno (Pearland, Texas/Dawson HS), Zahria Richard (South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon HS) and Victoria Young (Mobile, Ala./McGill Toolen HS) have each signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at UAB.

Moreno hails from Pearland, Texas, where she was the starting setter for Dawson High School. The 2012 and 2013 Texas UIL 24-4A Setter of the Year, Moreno finished her junior season with a school record 59 blocks and dished out 1,090 assists to rank second all-time at Dawson.

She has been an All-District selection in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Her other accolades include LoneStarVolleyball.com All-Texas Team Special Recognition twice and VYPE Magazine All-Greater Houston Team. Heading into her senior campaign, Moreno was named to the AVCA Under Armour Watch List and VYPE Magazine Preseason Volleyball Top 30 List.

“Gabbi is coming from Houston, where she plays at a high level club that will allow her to come in with a high level of experience as a freshman,” said Coleman. “We have high expectations for her to make an impact on the team and her leadership skills make us really excited about the future.”

Richard, a middle blocker, has been playing varsity volleyball since she was 12 years old. She attended Detroit Renaissance High School as a freshman and sophomore. There, Richard helped her team advance to the Detroit Public School League Volleyball Championships and finish as runner-up both years.

She moved to South Lyon High School for her junior and senior seasons. Richard was named the 2013 Offensive Player of the Year and MVP for her team, as a senior. She was also selected to the All-Conference and All-Region teams. Not only strong on the court, Richards received the Academic Gold Award with a 3.83 GPA.

“Zahria's is a strong player who will bring in some aggressiveness and tenacity to the program,” remarked Coleman. “Her jumping capabilities really stand out, which will only help her grow more into the powerhouse we know she can be.”

Young, a native of Mobile, Ala., is the lone signee from the state of Alabama. She attends McGill Toolen High School, where she played varsity volleyball for the past two seasons. Young helped lead her team to qualify for the State playoffs in the 2012 and 213 seasons.

During her two years, she was named to the 6A All-County team. Young also competed in club volleyball for the past five years. She was named to the Mobile Storm 18’s First-Club Team.

“Vicky's untapped potential and high ceiling is something we are looking forward to working with,” Coleman stated. “She is an all-around athlete who has just begun honing her skills as a high quality volleyball player. She has a demeanor at the net that can be a dominating force for our program.”

All three will finish out their senior years in high school before joining UAB for the 2014 season.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics

UAB Volleyball Signs Three For 2014

Players Mentioned

Gabbi Moreno

Zahria Richard

Victoria Young

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