Mitch Garver has carved out a reputation as one of the most dynamic catchers and designated hitters in modern baseball. Since bursting onto the Major League scene in 2017, he’s combined power at the plate with an unorthodox catching stance that immediately drew attention.
Fans know him for towering home runs and a laid-back, approachable personality off the field. As he enters the 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners, Garver’s journey-from a dual-sport high school star in Albuquerque to a Silver Slugger Award winner and World Series champion-offers both inspiration and entertainment.
Mitch Garver’s Biography
Detail
Information
Full Name
Mitchell Lynn Garver
Date of Birth
January 15, 1991
Age
34 years
Education
La Cueva High School; University of New Mexico
Nationality
American
Height
6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight
220 lb (99 kg)
Turned Pro
Drafted in 2013 (9th round by Minnesota Twins)
MLB Debut
August 19, 2017
Net Worth
$10 million
Salary
$11.5 million (base), $12.5 million total
Career Earnings
$33.6 million
Wife
Dr. Sarah Garver
Instagram
@mgarver
Twitter
@MitchGarver
Early Career
Mitch Garver’s journey to the big leagues began in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he grew up as a standout two‐sport athlete at La Cueva High School. From the moment he picked up a baseball glove, Garver showed an uncanny feel for the bat, and by his junior year he was leading his team to state championships both on the mound and in the outfield.
At the same time, he anchored his school’s soccer team as a center back, helping secure a second straight state title with his steady defensive play. Coaches and scouts alike took notice of Garver’s athleticism and competitive drive, but despite an offer to pursue soccer in England, he chose to focus on baseball-a decision driven by childhood dreams of one day playing in the majors.
Garver accepted a scholarship to the University of New Mexico, where he immediately made an impact for the Lobos. He split time between catcher and first base, but it was his left‐handed swing that drew most of the attention.
Over three collegiate seasons, he refined his approach at the plate, learning to work counts, drive the ball to all fields and pull the trigger on fastballs in the zone. Each summer he further tested his skills in wood‐bat competition, most notably with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League.
There, he polished his power stroke against some of the nation’s top pitching prospects, earned league all‐star honors and was even named MVP-credentials that put him firmly on the radar of Major League scouts.
The Minnesota Twins selected Garver in the ninth round of the MLB Draft. He signed with a modest bonus and reported to the Elizabethton Twins in rookie ball, where he wasted no time flashing the raw power that would become his trademark.
Even as a newcomer to professional pitching, he displayed above‐average plate discipline, drawing walks and barreling balls deep into the outfield gaps. Coaches in Elizabethton worked with him on framing and blocking, laying the groundwork for his eventual transformation into one of the game’s most intriguing receiver prospects.
Professional Career
Since his Major League debut in August 2017, Mitch Garver steadily evolved from a late‐season call‐up into one of baseball’s premier power‐hitting backstops. The Twins promoted him on August 18, 2017, and he made his first appearance the next day, finishing his rookie showing with a .196 average and three RBIs across 23 games.
Garver broke camp as Minnesota’s primary backup catcher and hit his first career homer on April 5. Over 103 games he slashed .268/.335/.414 with seven home runs and cemented himself as a formidable right‐handed bat while sharing duties behind the plate.
Garver’s offensive breakout. Despite missing six weeks after spraining his left ankle in a May home‐plate collision with Shohei Ohtani, he returned to club a total of 31 homers in just 311 at‐bats, adding 67 RBIs and earning the American League Silver Slugger Award for catchers.
His blend of patient plate discipline and raw power made him one of the game’s most dangerous hitters against fastballs, and his prowess contributed to the Twins setting a new single‐season home run record that year.
Garver’s momentum was stalled by injuries in the pandemic‐shortened 2020 campaign. He appeared in only 23 games due to a right intercostal strain, batting .167/.247/.264 before the season ended early.
He rebounded posting a .256 average with 13 home runs in 68 games even as he dealt with a groin contusion, back tightness and the birth of his first child. On July 27, 2021, he etched his name in the history books by hitting a grand slam the same day opposing catcher Eric Haase did, marking the first time two catchers on opposing teams each hit slams in one game.
Wife
Mitch Garver is married to his high-school sweetheart, Dr. Sarah Garver, whom he met in their sophomore year at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque.
Sarah earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State University in 2018 and practices small-animal medicine. They wed on December 19, 2015, and have two children together: their daughter Gamble Lynn, born July 22, 2021, and a second child born in late 2023.
The Garvers share two dogs-Chupi and Rip-and in 2021 established an endowed scholarship at Oregon State’s veterinary college in memory of their late boxer, Benny. Sarah maintains a private Instagram account under the handle @jogster while balancing her veterinary career with family life.
Mitch Garver’s Net Worth Details
Mitch Garver’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025.
Contract
Mitch Garver signed a two-year, $24 million guaranteed contract with the Seattle Mariners on December 28, 2023. The agreement carries a $2 million signing bonus and stipulates base salaries of $10.5 million in 2024 and $11.5 million in 2025, resulting in $11.5 million total cash each season after proration. Additionally, the deal includes a mutual option for the 2026 season worth $12 million, with a $1 million buyout if the option is not exercised.
Salary
Mitch Garver’s 2025 salary pays him a base of $11.5 million, plus a $1 million prorated signing bonus for a total payroll value of $12.5 million. That compensation ranks him as the fifth–highest–paid catcher in Major League Baseball for the season.
Career Earnings
Year
Earnings
2013
$40,000
2017
$131,535
2018
$547,500
2019
$575,000
2020
$229,630
2021
$1,875,000
2022
$3,335,000
2023
$3,900,000
2024
$11,500,000
2025
$11,500,000
Total
$33,633,665
Endorsements
Mitch Garver’s approachable personality and family-first image have led to several regional and national endorsement partnerships. He remains tied to OMNI Brewing through his “Garv Sauce” branded lager, a nod to his swing that first launched during his Twins years.
Garver also collaborates with a leading glove manufacturer on a signature catcher’s mitt line and appears in MLB’s youth baseball clinic campaigns, helping coach kids on fundamentals.
Off the diamond, he’s teamed up with a pet-care brand-reflecting his and his wife’s veterinary background-to promote responsible pet ownership.
MLB Career Stats
Statistic
Total
Games Played (GP)
579
At Bats (AB)
1,827
Runs (R)
258
Hits (H)
430
Doubles (2B)
87
Triples (3B)
6
Home Runs (HR)
97
Runs Batted In (RBI)
281
Walks (BB)
241
Hit by Pitch (HBP)
24
Strikeouts (SO)
564
Stolen Bases (SB)
3
Caught Stealing (CS)
2
Batting Average (AVG)
.235
On-Base Percentage (OBP)
.330
Slugging Percentage (SLG)
.449
On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)
.779
FAQs
1. What is Mitch Garver’s birthplace and early athletic background?
Mitch Garver was born on January 15, 1991, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He attended La Cueva High School, where he excelled as both a catcher on the baseball team and a center back in soccer. Despite a coach’s suggestion to pursue soccer in England, Garver chose to focus on baseball and helped his high school teams win state championships in both sports as a junior.
2. Which college did Mitch Garver attend, and what records did he set there?
Garver played college baseball at the University of New Mexico, where he became the program’s all-time Iron Man by starting 181 consecutive games. In his senior season, he hit .390 with six home runs and 68 RBIs, recorded a 26-game hitting streak, and earned Mountain West Co-Player of the Year honors and two consecutive Johnny Bench Award finalist nods.
3. How did Mitch Garver begin his professional MLB career?
Garver progressed through the Twins’ minor league system. He made his major league debut on August 19, 2017, as a pinch hitter and recorded his first hit the following day. He soon became the Twins’ primary catcher and finished his rookie year with a .268 batting average over 103 games.
4. Which MLB teams has Mitch Garver played for to date?
Garver spent the first six seasons of his career with the Minnesota Twins (2017–2022), then signed with the Texas Rangers for the 2023 season, contributing to their World Series title. In December 2023, he joined the Seattle Mariners, where he serves as a catcher and designated hitter, wearing jersey number 18.
5. What are Mitch Garver’s career batting statistics through early 2025?
Garver has compiled a career batting average of .235, hit 97 home runs, and driven in 283 runs. He bats and throws right-handed, stands 6 feet 1 inch tall, and weighs 220 pounds. His career on-base plus slugging percentage sits near .782, reflecting his power and plate discipline.
6. What made Mitch Garver’s 2019 season a breakout year?
Garver hit a career-high 31 home runs and drove in 67 runs over 311 at-bats, earning him the American League Silver Slugger Award for catchers. His power display placed him among the league leaders for home runs by a catcher, and his performance solidified his reputation as one of the game’s premier offensive backstops.
7. What significant injuries has Mitch Garver faced, and how did they affect him?
Garver has battled several injuries, including a left high-ankle sprain sustained in May 2019 that sidelined him for weeks, a right intercostal strain in the shortened 2020 season, and groin and lower-back issues in 2021. These setbacks limited his playing time and production in affected seasons but did not derail his overall career trajectory.
8. Which awards and honors has Mitch Garver earned throughout his baseball career?
Garver’s accolades include multiple minor-league honors-MiLB.com Organization All-Star and Arizona Fall League All-Prospect Team-and the Twins’ Charles O. Johnson Most Improved Award in 2019. At the major-league level, he won the American League Silver Slugger for catchers in 2019 and became a World Series champion with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
9. What contract details define Mitch Garver’s tenure with the Seattle Mariners?
Garver signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Seattle Mariners in December 2023, covering the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with a mutual option for 2026. His 2024 salary was in excess of $10 million, reflecting his established track record as a power-hitting catcher.
10. What is known about Mitch Garver’s personal life off the field?
He and his partner welcomed their first child in 2021. Off the field, he maintains an active presence on social media, sharing insights into family life and community involvement. He has also been recognized for academic achievements, earning Academic All-Mountain West honors four times during college.
JAMESTOWN — Julia Skari has a history with excellence when it comes to athletics.
Northern State University is hoping history keeps repeating itself.
Skari, a Jamestown High School Class of 2025 graduate, is currently training and competing for the Northern State University track and field team.
“I was so excited to go to college and have a little bit of change,” Skari said. “I knew going into college I wouldn’t know anyone since no one from Jamestown went to NSU (Northern State University), so I was a bit scared for that, but I was excited to meet new people. … Within the first week at Northern State it was clear that I made the best academic and athletic decision, I can’t imagine not being there.”
Skari began running track in 2021 as an eighth grader. She is a five-time state placer in the 300 hurdles and a two-time state placer in the 100 hurdles. Skari also competed in triple jump and the sprint relays when she was with the Blue Jays.
In her senior year, Skari was crowned the WDA champion in the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles at the West Region Track and Field Meet. Skari clocked times of 15.59 and 45.62 seconds, respectively, in her races. The senior sprinter also placed eighth in the 100-meter dash and fifth in the 200.
At State, Skari placed third in the 300 hurdles, posting a season-best time of 45.35 seconds. In the 100 hurdles, the Blue Jay senior finished second 0.38 seconds behind Fargo Davies’ Kate Laqua who crossed the finish line at 14.38 seconds.
Her resume made her a natural recruit target for Northern State’s track coaches. The Wolves announced Skari’s signing via social media in May. Skari is planning to compete in both the 100- and 400-meter hurdles. The freshman said she is also hoping to compete in some relays but is open to wherever her coaches put her.
“It is both nervewracking and exciting to be a freshman,” Skari said. “I have a lot to learn, improve and build on throughout this year and the following years. Being a freshman is nervewracking because I know I have to prove myself to not only coaches but my teammates. It’s exciting because it’s a fresh new start with whole new experiences with a new team, coaches and level of competition. The upperclassmen are so willing to take time, critique my form and give advice.”
Northern State opened the indoor track and field season on Nov. 24 with the school’s Maroon vs. Gold Meet. Skari and the Wolves competed again on Dec. 5 at South Dakota State University’s Holiday Meet.
“Coming into my first collegiate meet I was very nervous,” Skari said. “The thought of competing against not only (Division) two athletes but also (Division) one made the nervous go up more. After I competed in my first event … I had a huge sign of relief realizing it’s not much different then high school, just more teams and more competitive.”
Julia Skari, second from left, is enjoying her first season with the Northern State University track and field team.
Contributed / Julia Skari
In her first meet, Skari competed in the 60-meter hurdles and the 4-by-400 meter relay.
“For my first meet I knew I just had to get my nervousness out of the way so my standards weren’t very high besides I just wanted to get my first meet done and get the feeling of how the meets feel,” Skari said. “My time in the 60-meter hurdles was almost my PR (personal record) in high school which means I only plan on getting faster.”
Skari’s continual progression is a testament to how hard she trains with her team.
Skari said as a team, the Wolves train Monday through Saturday with days switching either from a hurdles to sprinting to cross-training on her own time. The team lifts on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“I train hurdles on Monday and Thursday,” Skari said. “Tuesday is normally a sprinting workout which is our hard workout. On Wednesday and Saturday we train on our own and on Fridays we switch from sprinting or either hurdle work again. We normally practice around three or three and a half hours a day when we lift and practice.
“Workouts became more intense than high school, so it definitely was a good change,” she said. “College track differs from high school track because practices started back in the beginning of September and it lasts til May. It takes more time than any of my other sports did because it is a bigger commitment.”
The Wolves’ next indoor meet is scheduled for Jan. 15 against the University of Jamestown.
Northern State’s conference indoor track and field season will conclude at the end of February. The NCAA Division 2 Indoor Championships will be held March 13-14. The outdoor season will begin with a three-day invite in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
“No matter how I do (this season), I know I can always get better but I think my main goal is to just train hard, believe in myself and give it my best effort,” Skari said. “I think that’s would make me have a successful first year of colligate track and field athlete. In order for me to be at my best I need to have a positive mindset and be willing to do the hard stuff.”
Katie Ringer is a sports reporter for the Jamestown Sun. Katie joined the Sun staff in the summer of 2019 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a degree in journalism. She can be reached by email at kringer@jamestownsun.com or by phone at 701-952-8460.
Isabelle Hoppe, a 2026 setter prospect, has flipped her commitment from Pittsburgh to Wisconsin.
Hoppe fills the roster spot of former backup setter Addy Horner, who transferred to TCU.
She was ranked as the No. 2 setter in her class by Prep Dig and was named an Under Armour All-American.
Wisconsin volleyball has found its backup setter.
Class of 2026 setter Isabelle Hoppe has flipped her commitment from Pittsburgh to Wisconsin, she announced on Dec. 23 via Instagram.
She fills the void left by Addy Horner – Wisconsin’s 2025 backup setter and the starter while Charlie Fuerbringer was out – who announced her plans to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 19 and committed to TCU earlier on Dec. 23.
Hoppe was rated No. 21 nationally and No. 3 among setters in Prep Dig’s 2026 recruiting rankings. Her outlook at Pitt recently changed as the Panthers signed former Penn State setter Izzy Starck, who was the 2024 AVCA national freshman of the year.
Hoppe is 5-foot-8 and hails from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. She was named an Under Armour All-American and competed on USA Volleyball’s 2025 U19 world championship team. When she signed with Pitt earlier this year, Pitt coach Dan Fisher said she was a “proven setter at the high school, club and USA Volleyball levels.”
She is the fifth incoming freshman for the Badgers in 2026, joining outside hitters Halle Thompson and Audrey Flanagan and middle blockers Lynney Tarnow and Kymora Scott.
The Homewood High School volleyball team finished as one of the top eight teams in Class 6A this fall, making its appearance at the state volleyball tournament Oct. 28 at the Birmingham CrossPlex.
The Patriots matched up with a stout Saraland team in the opening round of the tournament, falling in three sets to close the season with a 25-20 record.
Homewood was in the state tournament for the first time since 2021. The Patriots won three straight matches in the North Super Regional Tournament last week to advance.
“I’m so grateful for our community, our kids and for this to be the new standard; to expect to be here and want to be here,” Homewood head coach Grace Burgess said. “The kids worked so hard with that in mind the whole season, but without talking too much about it. They believe in themselves and they’re confident kids.
Saraland won the state tournament match in straight sets: 25-20, 25-21, 27-25. The Spartans put forth a tremendous rally to draw even late in the third set and eventually prevailed.
For Homewood, Mary Ellis Jarmon led the offense with 12 kills, adding a pair of aces. Walker Binkley added seven kills and four blocks. Kamryn Coleman directed things with 34 assists, also compiling eight digs and four aces. Sarah Johnson nearly had a double-double, finishing with nine kills and nine digs. Addison Wood had six digs and an ace as well.
The Patriots will conclude their season as the only team from Alabama to knock off 7A favorite McGill-Toolen. They also defeated 6A semifinalist Saraland during the year. They won the area championship, finished runner-up at regionals and advanced to the gold bracket in all but one of their tournaments this year.
“The season was up and down, but they never stopped working when things weren’t going well,” Burgess said. “They didn’t listen when people said they couldn’t accomplish anything. The fact it worked out for them makes me really happy for them.”
Photos: Wisconsin volleyball 2025 season in photos
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) serves against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) is greeted by fans after taking the floor prior to a match against Southern California at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin defenders jump to block a spike by Kansas outside hitter Jovana Zelenovic (9) on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
The Wisconsin student section reacts after Wisconsin wins the third set against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball for a spike against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) sets the ball against Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wiss.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan, left, and middle blocker Carter Booth, right, go up for a block against UC-Davis Sept. 4.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL ARCHIVES
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) and Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) yell after a block to win the first set against Purdue on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) elevates to contest a ball at the net against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the match against Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) high-fives kids lined up before playing UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) hits the floor after saving the ball from touching the ground against Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) helps setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) off the floor after losing a point to Texas on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield huddles with his senior players following the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) watches as the ball flies in the air before a serve against Notre Dame on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) goes up for a spike against UC-Davis on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin players react after a Minnesota touch goes out of bounds on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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The Wisconsin bench celebrates after a point against UW Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) attempts to spike over three Iowa defenders on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Nebraska middle blocker Rebekah Allick (5) yells after a block on Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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A young fan smiles after getting a high-five from a Wisconsin player during introductions against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Una Vajagic (1) dives for a ball flying out of bounds against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) is introduced prior to the teamÕs non-conference match against Florida at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
JOHN HART,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) blocks a spike against Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Madison Quest (10) emerges from the locker room before playing Michigan on Saturday, Oct.5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin right side hitter Addy Horner (2) and Wisconsin middle blocker Natalie Wardlow (12) collide trying to set the ball against Nebraska on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin outside hitter Mimi Colyer (15) extends to hit a ball going out of bounds against Minnesota on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew (17) and right side hitter Wisconsin setter Charlie Fuerbringer (24) put up a block against Indiana outside hitter Jaidyn Jager (24) in the first set of a match at the UW Field House in Madison, Wis. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. AMBER ARNOLD, STATE JOURNAL
AMBER ARNOLD STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin outside hitter Grace Egan (32) lines up a bump after a return by Iowa on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 at UW Field House in Madison, Wis.
OWEN ZILIAK,STATE JOURNAL
Wisconsin middle blocker Carter Booth (52) reacts after a point against Kansas on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
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Wisconsin players, including Wisconsin middle blocker Alicia Andrew, left, and libero/defensive specialist Kristen Simon (7) celebrate the teamÕs win over UNC during a second round NCAA Tournament match between the teams at the Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison, Wis. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Just two days after winning a national championship, Jamie Morrison and Aggie volleyball announced the signing of two Division One transfers.
Texas A&M added graduate transfer and All-American Natalie Ring from Marquette and Ohio State’s Kaia Castle.
Volleyball is one of six revenue-sharing sports at Texas A&M, and following the national title match, Morrison acknowledged the university’s financial commitment to recruiting.
“Our administration’s really stepped up and said, hey, we really want you to be competitive on the national landscape. And I couldn’t be more grateful for that,” Morrison said.
Ring led the Golden Eagles to the second round of the NCAA Tournament and landed on the All-America third team. She was also named a unanimous All-Big East selection. She had a career-high 29 kills in a close loss to No. 2 Louisville in the NCAA Tournament.
The Madison, Wisconsin native ranked No. 16 in the nation with 4.60 kills per set.
“We are excited to add Natalie to our Aggie family here in Aggieland,” Morrison said. “She brings a wealth of experience as a well-rounded outside hitter and is a relentless competitor who consistently raised her level against the best competition. The 12th Man is going to love her fire, spirit and the way she plays the game.”
Castle is a redshirt sophomore and averaged 1.94 kills per set as a middle blocker.
“We value speed at the middle blocker position and it’s rare to see someone with Kaia’s length who can move the way she does,” Morrison said. “Beyond the physical tools, she is an incredible human. I truly enjoyed every part of the recruiting process with Kaia and can’t wait to have her here in Aggieland.”
Castle recorded 91 blocks this year for the Buckeyes and broke the program’s single-match block record with 15 against Troy.
The Aggies were quick to get to work on building for next season and remaining at the top of the college volleyball landscape.
“We’re going to sit down, and we’re going to enjoy this as much as we possibly can,” Morrison said. “And then we’re going to get to work and go do it again.”