ROCK HILL, S.C. -- Winthrop University volleyball Head Coach
Heather Gearhart has announced two transfers to Rock Hill for the 2026 squad, Kimanni Rugley, a middle blocker from Pearland, Texas and Cami Roberts, a setter from Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Kimanni Rugley | Middle Blocker | 6'1 | Pearland, Texas | North Dakota
Rugley is joining the Eagles after spending her freshman season at North Dakota, where she appeared in 66 sets, totaling 77 kills, 107.0 points, 42.0 total blocks all while hitting a .232 clip.
Rugley hit a career-high .818 with nine kills against UT Martin, for the highest hit percentage in a five-set match in UND history and achieved seven games with five or more kills.
In her high school career, finished as a senior with a .449 attack percentage, ranking among the top 45 marks nationally and fourth in the state of Texas. She was a three-time All-District selection, earning first-team honors in 2022 and 2023, and was named conference offensive player of the year twice (2022, 2023) after being tabbed conference defensive player of the year in 2021. She was named conference MVP in 2023, earned two All-America selections, and was part of 143 wins over four seasons at PHS.
Rugley on why she chose Winthrop:
"The campus and gym are really gorgeous, after talking with Coach Heather and hearing about the goals she has for the team it was not only best for her but best for me and the team and I'm so excited to become a part of the group."
Gearhart on Rugley:
"I am excited to have Kimanni join us after a strong start to her collegiate career. She will strengthen our middle group and be a great physical presence on both sides of the ball. The energy she plays with is infectious, and we are excited to have her personality join our group. She is going to add a lot to our program on and off the court right away."
Cami Roberts | Setter | 6'0 | Myrtle Beach, S.C. | Johnson County CC
Roberts is joining Winthrop after a year at Johnson County Community College in Kansas, after playing in 29 sets, totaling 148 assists for 5.10 assists per set.
Roberts collected a career-high 38 assists against Central Methodist University JV in just three sets.
The South Carolina native won districts with Grand Strand Juniors/Coast United and punched a ticket to the national tournament and was ranked 9th nationally.
Off the court, Roberts was the vice president and one of the founders at my club called the One Love club in high school and went to Washington D.C. to speak to representatives to get it placed in all high schools and I was a leader at FCA at my previous university.
Roberts on why she chose Winthrop:
"I chose Winthrop because I absolutely fell in love with the campus and the people when I went my junior year and also, I wanted to be closer to home because I'm a big family girl. And I just love the environment and Rock Hill in general."
Gearhart on Roberts:
"I am looking forward to adding Cami to our program after having known her for several years. She is a very steady competitor and will add a calm demeanor on the second contact for us. Cami has a ton of potential still left in her game, and I am excited to see her development take off in our gym. She is a well-rounded person in general that will fit right in with our culture, and I am so happy to have her back in her home state."
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