NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Very few programs in any Ivy League sport have enjoyed the success of Yale Volleyball. Under head coach Erin Appleman's direction, the Bulldogs have won an unprecedented 10 Ivy League titles and made seven NCAA Tournament appearances. Most recently, Yale has captured Ivy championships in 2017, 2018 and 2019. There is every reason to believe that success will continue as the future looks bright with the addition of four talented newcomers in the Class of 2026. Chidera Chukwumerije, Lauren Kellen, Isabella Mendoza and Halle Sherlock all bring strong credentials on and off the court.
 
"I'm so excited these student-athletes are coming to Yale," Appleman said. "They're all great people, but they also all bring something unique and exciting to Yale Volleyball. I expect they will all have opportunities to impact our program in a positive way."
 
Chukwumerije, a 6-2 middle blocker from Atlanta, Ga., was a two-time Tri Valley League first team selection at the Cate School. She was the school's highest hitting percentage and the team's kills and blocks leader. Cate captured two Tri Valley championships during her career. In addition, she played for Sunshine Volleyball.
 
Kellen a 6-1 right side from Gulf Breeze, Florida, joins the Bulldogs after leading Gulf Breeze High School in kills, blocks and hitting percentage. She helped lead the team to a pair of District championships and was named to the Pensacola News Journal All Area first team. In addition, she was a USA Today Northwest Florida High School Sports Award nominee in volleyball. Kellen also excelled with the West Florida Volleyball Club.
 
Mendoza, a 5-11 outside hitter from Miami, Florida, was a second team All-America selection at Divine Savior Academy. She was selected to the AVCA Phenom List and was named to the Prep Volleyball Outside Hitter Watch List. At Divine Savior, she was a four-time Offensive MVP and three-time Miami Herald first team All-Dade County selection. She helped Divine captured the state championship as a first year and was a four-year team captain. Mendoza also excelled with the 305 VBC.
 
Sherlock, a 5-10 setter from Keller, Texas, was a 2021 Under Armour All-America selection. In addition, she was selected to the AVCA Phenom Watch List. At Timberline High School, she was a two-time first team All-District selection and two-time team most valuable player. Sherlock also starred for Muscle Volleyball and was a team captain of both her club and high school teams.