TEMPE, Ariz.—Arizona State University and head volleyball coach Jason Watson announced the signing of two National Letters of Intent for the class of 2015 on Thursday.
The student-athletes joining the Sun Devil program are 6-0 middle blocker Jasmine Koontz (Tomball, Texas/Klein HS) and 6-1 setter/right side hitter Kylie Pickrell (Coppell Texas/Coppell HS).
“I’m excited about our recruiting class,” Watson said. “Both of Jasmine and Kylie are outstanding volleyball players. Their abilities on the court are only exceeded by the qualities as students and people. Our program is extremely fortunate to have them join our team. As future Sun Devils, they’ll be joining a team that is committed to building on the legacy of athletic excellence at Arizona State University.”
Koonts, a three-year varsity player and 2014 team captain for the Klein High School Bearcats led the team in block as a sophomore with 66, and was named to the 1st Team All-District in 2014. In her career, Koonts recorded 416 kills, including 240 as a senior, along with 275 total blocks. Koonts also competed in basketball and track, and intends to major in physical therapy at ASU.
Koonts comes from an athletic family with her father, Derek Koonts competing on the track and field team for Sam Houston State. He also coached a number of track and field All-Americans at TCU, while her mother, Carol Koonts, was a hurdler at Texas Tech and Sam Houston State.
Pickrell, the 2014 Coppell High School team captain and member of three Texas 5A State Championship teams, was named to the 2014 Max Preps National Volleyball Player of the Year Watch List, and was a three-time Lonestar Player of the Week Honorable Mention selection this year.
In 2013 Pickrell was named Setter of the Year and a District 5-5A First-Team selection. In her career, Pickrell recorded 4,045 assists, 1,163 digs, 525 kills, and 352 digs.
A Max Preps All-American and Preseason All-American as both a junior and sophomore, Pickrell was named to the Texas Girls Coaching Association All-State Team, and was a Prep Volleyball All-American.
Pickrell intends to major in communications and minor in film, and her sister Cassidy Pickrell currently plays volleyball for UC Irvine.