SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Volleyball added a pair of incoming freshmen to its 2023 roster on Wednesday, welcoming Kaieva Johnson and Skylar George to the program. The pair of signees join fellow incoming freshmen
Olga Musial and
Kamryn Gibadlo, along with sophomore transfer
Emrie Satuala as this upcoming season's newcomers.
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Kaieva Johnson • L/DS • 5-8 • Riverton, Utah (Riverton HS)
"Kaieva is one of the top passers and defensive players in the state of Utah and joins a large list of in-state players that have played for the Utes," said Launiere. "She is a skilled defensive player who has an ability to read the game well and plays with efficient movement. We can't wait to have her join the Utah Volleyball program."
Johnson joins the Utes as Riverton High School's all-time digs leader despite being forced to sit out her senior season after tearing her ACL and MCL before the season. She totaled 1,133 career digs during her three-year high school career and earned All-State honors twice. As a junior in 2021, Johnson posted a career-best 466 digs during the season (5.36 digs/s) after totaling 441 digs (5.25 d/s) the year before.
The Riverton, Utah native was also a strong server during high school play after nearly reaching 100 career aces in just three seasons of action. Johnson ended her career with 94 aces, highlighted by the 38 aces she tallied in 2020. Johnson plays club for Club V where she has been team captain for five consecutive years. She was named to the Far Western's Top Liberos list, as well as invited to the Under Armour All-American team camp and game.
The daughter of Derek and Julie Johnson is an Academic All-American and honor roll student at Riverton High School and is set to graduate this spring. Her father Derek also attended the University of Utah. Along with her time spent playing volleyball, Johnson was a videographer and social media manager for the Riverton football team. She has four siblings: Astraya, Asia, Makai, and Teva.
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Skylar George • OH • 6-1 • Houston, Texas (Stratford HS)
"Skylar is a player that will add value both on the court and off as a player and teammate," said head coach
Beth Launiere. "She plays the entire game with great back row skills to match her front row abilities. She is a dynamic player who plays with great energy and makes those around her better. We couldn't be more excited to have Skylar join our program."
George is an AVCA All-American and All-Region selection from Stratford High School. The Houston, Texas native was also a first team All-District selection all three years of her high school career. George totaled over 1,000 career kills, 1,000 career digs, and 100 career aces.
She was the Team MVP her senior season, and also earned a spot on the KISD All-Tournament Team and CFISD All-Tournament Team. In 2022, she totaled 455 kills (4.0 kills per set) and 66 aces (0.60 per set). George also plays club volleyball for Houston Skyline.
The daughter of Bianca and Stephen George will graduate this spring from Stratford High School where she has been a GHVCA postseason All-Academic Team honoree. She has two younger siblings, Sierra and Sterling.
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