Bulldog Volleyball Inks Five for 2021 Season

University of Montana western head volleyball coach Katie Lovett has announced the signing of five student-athletes to NAIA letter's of intent for the 2021 season.

Kaylee Fritz (5-7 - S - Glacier HS - Kalispell, Mont.)

Kaylee Fritz is a setter from Kalispell, Mont. and will graduate from Glacier High School this spring.

The team captain and 2019 all-star is a three-time all-conference selection and was named second-team all-state. She holds multiple school records: Aces in a four-set match (8), Career-Assists (1829), and a 0.365 Attack Efficiency. The multi-sport athlete was also team captain of the basketball team her junior year and has won letters in basketball, volleyball and track. She also excels in the classroom, being named Academic All-State selection seven times.

"We are excited to have a player like Kaylee joining this program. Her efforts to contribute on and off the court are unmatched by most," Lovett said. "She is a phenomenal athlete and brings the type of grit that we are all about."

Kelsey Goddard (5-7 - L/DS - Shadow Ridge HS - Las Vegas, Nev.)

Kelsey is a defensive specialist from Las Vegas, Nev. and will graduate from Shadow Ridge High School this spring. Her senior season was cut short to due COVID. As a junior, she was named second-team all-conference and second-team all-region. As a freshman, she received the Mustang award for the highest caliber of play.

"Kelsey is a quick defender who reads well, and has solid serve receive,' Lovett said. "She is a player that will help elevate our defense and will be a great fit on and off the court with our team."

Taylor Peterson (5-8 - S - Evanston HS - Evanston, Wyo.)

Taylor is a setter from Evanston, Wyo. and will graduate form Evanston High School this spring. The team captain received 4A West All-Conference honors as a senior and is a two-year letter winner. She is also the team captain of her club team, MP (Millennial Program).

She is an officer in the National Honors Society and will graduate in the top five percent of her class

"Taylor is a great setter with a ton of potential. She has a great touch and can place the ball consistently," Lovett said. "We are very excited for Taylor to grow with this program in the upcoming years."

Jazmine Smith (5-11 - OH/MB – McMinnville HS – Mossyrock, Wash.)

Jazi is an outside hitter and middle blocker from Mossyrocky, Wash. and will graduate from McMinnville High School this spring. In 2019 she was named all-state honorable mention, first-team all-league, player, and athlete of the year. In 2018 she was named first-team all-league and received player of the week honors.

"We can't wait for Jazi to join the team next year," Lovett said. "She has a quick, heavy arm swing that will help our offense and she brings a high level of play to the program."

Josie Thomas (5-11 - OH - Gardiner HS - Gardiner, Mont.)

Josie is an outside hitter from Gardiner, Mont. and will graduate from Gardiner High School. She is a three-time all-state and all-conference selection in volleyball and also earned all-conference honors in basketball. Academically she is a member of the National Honor Society and is a three-time academic all-state selection.

"Josie is a great person who will elevate everyone around her," Lovett said. "She is hardworking and is someone who will never settle for anything less than her best."