ROCK HILL, S.C. – Head coach
Heather Gearhart has announced the signing class of four players. The class includes
Teagan Sychterz,
Reece Rhoads,
Alyah Cadavid and
Jessica Cinci.
"I am very excited about the incoming 2023 class. As a whole, they are going to raise our level of volleyball right away," Gearhart said. "They are all capable of playing multiple positions and understand the game of volleyball at a high-level. They come from respected programs and are used to carrying a lot of responsibility for their high school and club teams. Each player in this class adds something different that our program needs at this point. Who they are as students and as people will also fit right in and help maintain the culture and standard we are setting off of the court. They are all passionate about Winthrop and this program and ready to hit the ground running."
Teagan Sychterz | Middle Blocker | 6'0 | Benson, NC | NC Volleyball Academy
At the club level, Sychertz has been a member of NC Volleyball Academy's top Diamond team while competing at the Open level. Her 17's season, her Academy team finished 11th in Open at AAU Nationals. She was captain of her high school team and a member of multiple JVA Club Watchlists. She also trains beach volleyball in the Raleigh area and has finished 3rd at Grass Nationals. Sychterz intends to major in Clinical Psychology & Exercise Science.
Sychterz on why she chose Winthrop: "Coach Heather and Alyssa were so warm and welcoming to me. I had the feeling that we all had an instant connection with…I chose Winthrop because it felt like a place where I could truly be myself."
"Teagan is a cerebral middle and very well-rounded for her position," says Gearhart. "She has a lot of natural instincts blocking and attacking that have been heightened by playing all three front-row positions as well as playing beach aside from her indoor training. She is constantly training and developing at a quick rate and we are excited to see how she will complement and round out our middle group."
Reece Rhoads | Outside Hitter | 5'10 | Cumming, GA | A5 Volleyball Club
A co-captain for her high school team, Rhoads has built quite a resume during her high school campaign. She was most recently named a 2022 AVCA High School Honorable Mention All-America. She was the first player in school history to surpass the 1,000 career kill mark, holding the career record and single season kill record for West Forsyth. She was also named Offensive Player of the Year and twice named team Most Valuable Player. She also earned Freshman of the Year nods, Second Team All-Region and was named First Team All-Region three times. On the club scene, Rhoads competed for A5 Volleyball Club out of Atlanta and was a 2021 USA Volleyball National Champion. Rhoads plan to major in Graphic Design & minors in marketing or business.
Rhoads on why she chose Winthrop: "It not only has a great volleyball program but everything I need as a student to receive a good education. The coaches all made me feel so wanted and important."
"Reece is a very fiery competitor and a workhorse," says Gearhart. "As an 'undersized' outside she plays and competes bigger than what you'd think. She's got a really big arm, a diverse toolbox, and is used to taking big swings in big situations. She's constantly working on both sides of the ball and will add a lot of power to our pin group. Her will to win is something that I'm excited to see impact our gym and the way we do things."
Alyah Cadavid | Libero | 5'7 | Miami, FL | Miami Elite & 305 Volleyball Club
As a four-year starter on the Westminster Christian High School team, Cadavid made it to four straight indoor state championships and a beach state championship appearance, winning a state beach title in 2021. She was named First Team All-Dade County her senior year in both indoor and beach, capping off a Third Team nod, and four Second Team All-Dade County awards. She was also named to the AVCA Phenom Watchlist three times, and was recognized by Prep Volleyball as a member of the Frosh 59 which recognizes the best varsity playing freshmen in America. She amassed over 1,000 digs in her high school indoor career. On the club circuit, she was a two-time AAU All-American and a member of Team Florida High Performance. Cadavid plans to major in sports management.
Cadavid on why she chose Winthrop: "I loved the campus and loved the instant connection I made with Coach Heather and Coach Alyssa."
"Alyah is an incredibly steady competitor and has a very high volleyball IQ," says Gearhart. "She has played outside in club and made it to multiple state championships in both indoor and beach. She has a very natural touch on the ball and a great read of the game. She will steady our team's ball control and add a competitive calmness on the court for us."
Jessica Cinci | Outside/Opposite Hitter | 6-0 | Lighthouse Point, FL | Tribe Volleyball Club
A four-year varsity starter and two time team captain, Cinci is joining the Eagles fresh off of her second District Championship. In 2020, she was a Southeast Florida High School Sports Award Honoree while making it to the Class 4A State Championship. She also earned First Team All Broward County and Second Team All-County during her career as well as twice earning the Coaches Award. On the club circuit, Cinci has played for Tribe's top team while being team captain at the 16s and 17s level. In 2020, Cinci was an AAU All-American while winning the AAU Open National Championship. Her team also earned 2nd place in the American division at the 2019 JJVA Nationals. Cinci plans to major in product design engineering.
Cinci on why she chose Winthrop: "I fell in love with Winthrop when I visited over the summer. The campus had an amazing vibe and was beautiful. Winthrop has very strong academics which is very important to me. And lastly, the volleyball family sealed the deal."
"Jessica will bring a lot of options for us as a 6-rotation player who has played on both pins at a high-level," says Gearhart. "She can do all of the skills and will have the ability to contribute in a myriad of ways. She is also a tireless worker and competitor with a steady demeanor on the court. I'm excited to see how her versatility will impact our gym and add a lot of possibilities in several position groups."
