OKLAHOMA CITY – Mid-America Christian volleyball head coach Kevin Fitzgibbon is proud to announce the signing of five newcomers to the program for the 2020 season. Joining the Evangels next season will be Cierra Guerrero, Emily McKamie, Tiana Nihipali, Ashlin Punneo and Elissa Stewart.
"I'm excited to welcome all five of these young ladies to the MACU volleyball family," said Fitzgibbon. "I'm very confident that these five are not only good volleyball players, but are more importantly good human beings. I am confident they will represent the program and the institution of MACU well as we seek to build on the success of last year both on the court and in the classroom."
Guerrero comes to MACU after a stellar high school career with UME Prep Academy in Dallas, Texas. Guerrero is a defensive specialist that is talented both on the court and in the classroom, earning District Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as the President's Award, an academic honor. Guerrero has been selected as an All-Star, All-State and named to the All-District Team.
"When I went for my recruiting visit, I knew this would be my home for the next four years," said Guerrero. "My plan is to continue my education after MACU and eventually become a trauma surgeon. The players and coaching staff at MACU made me feel like I was at home so I can't wait to learn from each of them."
McKamie will look to keep within the both the literal and MACU family as she will join her mother, Holly McKamie, the current assistant coach at MACU. McKamie competed for the Oklahoma City Storm, where she was named the NCHVC Regional and National Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. McKamie led the Storm to three straight NCHVC National Championships, earning All-Tournament honors in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
"I chose MACU because the minute I stepped on campus, I felt like part of the family," McKamie commented. "Everyone was so welcoming, and I am proud to call MACU home."
While solidifying the backline, the Evangels also added a stellar high-flying attacker in Nihipali. The Honolulu, Hawaii native was named an AAU Academic All-American while competing for the Manulani Volleyball Club, leading her squad to the AAU National Championships in 2019. Despite being just 5'6" in stature, Nihipali can fly with a 9'4" approach jump and 8'11" leap on the block.
The Evangels also added another local talent in Punneo. The Oklahoma City native competed on the Oklahoma City Knights home school volleyball team, where she led the Knights to a first place finish in the Silver Division of the National Homeschool Volleyball Tournament, also picking up wins at the Community Christian School Tournament. Punneo is the very definition of a student-athlete, being named to the National Honors Society with a 3.91 cumulative GPA.
"I am planning to study accounting at Mid-America Christian," said Punneo. "I have always loved math and would love to further my education in this field. I'm excited to meet new people and become closer to God at MACU."
Stewart rounds out the signees as she is a setter that comes to MACU from Cypress Ranch High School in Houston, Texas. Stewart also set for the Texas Tornados, one of the top volleyball club teams in the nation as well as the Winter Park Volleyball Club out of Orlando, Fla.
"I chose MACU because of how nice the people are and how welcomed I felt just taking my tour there," said Stewart. "I didn't feel out of place at all and I felt like I fit right in."
Mid-America Christian is coming off one of its most successful seasons in program history, as the Evangels finished the campaign with a 15-14 record and turned in their best finish ever in Sooner Athletic Conference play with a 12-8 record for fifth in the league. MACU also advanced to its first NCCAA National Championship Tournament since the 2004 campaign and with a 3-0 sweep of Piedmont International, picking up its first win at nationals since 2003.
