Story Links HUNTSVILLE– The volleyball program at Sam Houston along with head coach Brenda Gray have revealed the recruitment of six student-athletes who will join the Bearkats for the upcoming 2025 season. This signing group features outside hitters Isabella Mae Wood and Cloe Monson; middle blockers A’Miyrie Anderson and Ava Kostroun; setter Carleigh Schluter; and […]
HUNTSVILLE– The volleyball program at Sam Houston along with head coach Brenda Gray have revealed the recruitment of six student-athletes who will join the Bearkats for the upcoming 2025 season.
This signing group features outside hitters Isabella Mae Wood and Cloe Monson; middle blockers A’Miyrie Anderson and Ava Kostroun; setter Carleigh Schluter; and libero Avery Pruitt.
Volleyball Signing Class
Coach Brenda Gray shared her insights on this year’s recruitment class …
“For every new class, we establish ambitious goals. This group stands out because many already possess a strong connection with each other and the Sam Houston volleyball program. Our responsibility as coaches is to enhance their abilities and foster their development as athletes, scholars, and individuals.”
A’Miyrie Anderson / MB/RS/ Cypress, Tx/ Cypress Ranch
Anderson has celebrated three district championships and two area championships, receiving first-team accolades and a position on the Clear Creek Varsity All-Tournament Team. In her travel ball experiences, she achieved double qualification for the 2024 USA Division Nationals and won first in the Liberty Division in 2023. An Honor Roll student, she will graduate with both her associate of science degree and her high school diploma.
Anderson on her decision to join Sam Houston …
“I decided to join Sam Houston volleyball due to the program’s emphasis on structure and players exemplifying respect and manners, which resonates with my upbringing. Additionally, every person I encountered on campus was incredibly friendly and inviting. Genuine kindness has a huge impact, and it made me enthusiastic about becoming a part of this fantastic program.”
Gray on Anderson …
“A’Miyrie brings explosive energy and demonstrates remarkable lateral movement. Her athletic build, innate talent, and determination will pave the way for great opportunities as she becomes accustomed to our training environment.”
Isabella Mae Wood / OH / Frisco / Wakeland High School
Wood is a diverse athlete and leader, having received academic all-district accolades in volleyball and softball while captaining her volleyball team. As a four-year letterwinner in softball, she also plays for Drive Nation VBC, where she’s been a team leader and earned All-Tournament recognition at the West Coast Cup.
Wood on her choice of Sam Houston …
“I chose Sam Houston due to the harmonious blend of a familial atmosphere and a competitive spirit. I believe this program will push me to improve and grow as both an athlete and a person.”
Gray on Wood…
“Bella just came off winning the 5A Division II State Volleyball Championship and will commence her Bearkat journey this spring. As a skillful outside hitter, Bella is intrinsically motivated and a fierce contender. We are delighted she opted to enroll early, which allows her to adapt to our training methods and strength conditioning from the onset.”
Carleigh Schluter / S / Spring / Concordia Lutheran High School
Schluter is a four-year varsity letterwinner and the 2024 team captain, having received numerous honors throughout her tenure. Their accolades include TAPPS All-State honorable mention and TAPPS District 4 second team All-District in 2023, as well as District 15-6A honorable mention in 2022. She played a pivotal role in guiding Concordia Lutheran High School to the TAPPS Final Four in 2023 and received the Heart of the Team Award that year.
A distinguished club player, Schluter has been recognized as a PrepDig Top Performer on two occasions and has appeared on the AVCA Phenom List from 2021-23. She also secured a place on the AVCA All-American List for 2024 and 2025 during her captaincy. Additionally, she participated in the USAV GJNC in both 2021 and 2022.
Schluter on her choice of Sam Houston …
“I selected Sam Houston for its familial team vibe and the impressive work ethic demonstrated within the program.”
Gray on Schluter…
“Carleigh is a versatile athlete and a prominent leader on the court. She possesses exceptional confidence and thrives in high-pressure situations, always desiring to be the go-to player. We are thrilled to incorporate her talents and competitive drive into our training environment.”
Chloe Monson / OH / San Antonio / Pieper High School
Chloe Monson is a distinguished student-athlete, shining both in academics and on the court. As a National Honor Society member, she has received academic all-district honors for three straight years and ranks in the top 2 percent of her class. Athletically, she is a two-time first team all-district selection for 26-5A and was named Most Valuable Player in her junior year. She was also honored as her team’s MVP and Most Reliable Teammate during her sophomore and junior seasons.
A record-setting player, Monson has achieved 1,000 kills and 500 digs in her high school career. Within club volleyball, she has been recognized with All-Tournament honors at the GJNC during her 15s age group and has held the role of team captain.
Monson on why she chose Sam Houston …
“I selected Sam Houston volleyball because I admire the team’s competitive mindset and their familial connection, as well as the dedication of the coaches and staff towards helping each player reach their highest potential. An added advantage is that my family can easily visit for my games.”
Gray on Monson …
“Chloe concluded her high school journey as the district MVP. She excels in serve receive, showcasing smoothness, power, and reliability, able to effectively swing from all areas of the net. Her fearless nature and ability to make significant plays at critical junctures makes her an ideal candidate for the outside hitter role.”
Ava Kostroun / MB / Georgetown / Liberty Hill High School
Kostroun has performed exceptionally both academically and athletically throughout her time. As a National Honor Society member, she received academic all-district recognition in 2022 and 2023. On the court, she was named Blocker of the Year and gained all-district second team honors in 2022, followed by first team selection in 2023. She made the Westwood All-Tournament Team and achieved 200 career blocks in 2024. In club volleyball, she has competed at Nationals in both 2022 and 2023.
Kostroun on her choice of Sam Houston …
“Sam Houston is my top choice for academics, and I found the team to be welcoming and competitive. The coaches appeared to be fantastic and challenging. I am determined to embrace these challenges and make the most of the opportunity.”
Gray on Kostroun…
“Ava is a remarkable blocker with a commanding presence at the net. We anticipate developing her offensive capabilities and skill set further as her strengths will greatly enhance our middle position group.”
Avery Pruitt / DS/L / Fulshear / Fulshear High School
Pruitt has garnered multiple accolades throughout her volleyball career. She was awarded Defensive Player of the Year for both Houston Skyline’s 12 Royal team in 2018 and for the 15 Black team in 2021. Her club achievements feature a third-place finish at the Lone Star Regionals in 2019 with 13 Royal and participation in the 13s National Division at GJNC that same year. She has been listed on the AVCA Phenom Watch List for 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2022, she was honored as Offensive Player of the Year with 18 Adidas-Texas Legacy, and in 2023, she earned Most Valuable Player of 17 Elite-Texas Legacy. Furthermore, she was a first team all-district selection in 2023.
Pruitt on her choice of Sam Houston …
“I selected Sam Houston volleyball due to the feeling of belonging I experienced upon stepping onto campus. The coaches exhibit a strong sense of community and competitive spirit, which greatly influenced my decision. The overall energy from the team is fantastic, and I am eager to become a part of the family.”
Gray on Pruitt…
“Avery finished her high school career as a state finalist. She is athletic and adaptable, capable of playing various positions, but we intend to train her as a libero. Avery’s passion and genuine love for the game make her an exciting asset to our squad.”