TOWSON, Md. – Towson University volleyball has announced that Kelsie Bothof, Sarah Callender, Laura Detweiler, Kendall Minta and Ginger Truncale will join the Tigers' squad next season, announced Monday by head coach Don Metil.
 
Callender joins Towson after playing two seasons at William & Mary. The outside hitter has appeared in 124 sets across 34 matches. The Yorktown, Va. native has totaled 309 kills, averaging 2.49 kills per set. Last season, Callender ranked second on the Tribe in kills with 231, including a career-high 25 kill performance against Campbell. She had ten matches with double-digit kills. Callender ranked third on the team in digs, totaling a career-high 230 and averaged 2.61 per set. She finished eight matches with a double-double and had a five-match streak of double-doubles. Callender added 34 blocks and 23 service aces last season.
 
"Sarah is one of those athletes that you'd rather have playing for you as opposed to seeing her across the net from you. She has showcased her abilities within our conference already and posted impressive numbers against other quality programs within the Coastal Athletic Association. We are excited to bring her talents as a six rotational OH to Tigertown," said Metil.
 
Minta joins the Black & Gold after playing two seasons at Bradley. Minta appeared in 208 sets across 57 matches for the Braves. The Eden Prairie, Minn. native accumulated 227 total blocks, including a team-high 125 last season. In the last two seasons, Minta has led the Braves in blocks per set, averaging over one block per set. Last season, the middle blocker totaled 210 kills, the third most on the team, and averaged 1.86 kills per set.
 
"Kendall has natural blocking instincts and a net presence that we were seeking with the departure of our graduating class," said Metil. "She has averaged over one block per set since her freshman campaign and we are excited she accepted the invitation to join our middle blockers. She has size, experience, and range and will also allow us to spread out our offense and will give us an option behind our setter."
 
Laura Detweiler joins the Tigers after one season at Arizona. The Purcellville, Virginia native was a two-year letterwinner at Woodgrove High school, where she was named an All-Potomac-District performer. The defensive specialist helped Woodgrove get 14 wins, a program record.
 
"We evaluated Laura while she was playing club ball and had a great deal of quality information on her. When we saw her enter the portal, we thought what a great opportunity to bring her back close to home and play for the Gold & Black attack! She will be a great addition to our tiny Tiger unit," said Metil.
 
Bothof comes to Towson after one season at Azusa Pacific University. The defensive specialist appeared in all 29 matches in 2022 and accumulated 94 digs, finishing nine matches with five or more digs. The Kailua, Hawai'i native totaled 11 service aces and had a season-high three aces against Hawai'I Hilo.
 
"After watching Kelsie's video and talking with those that have worked with her during her career, we have every indication that Kelsie will be a great addition to our squad," said Metil. "She's a hard worker, both on the court and in the classroom, and she will continue to move our program in the right direction both culturally, and competitively."
 
Truncale joins the Tigers after stops at Lenoir-Rhyne University and Young Harris College. As a freshman at Young Harris, the setter appeared in 77 sets across 23 matches and led the team with 299 assists, including a career-high 39 against Claflin. The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina native tallied 136 digs, including a season-high 19 digs against Lees-McRae. Truncale moved to Lenior-Rhyne for her sophomore season and appeared in two sets.
 
"Ginger has a focused mindset and a willingness to just get after it.  She wants to be in the gym and have the opportunity to train at our level. Being part of our squad will allow her to become the best version of herself on the court. I'm excited for Ginger's future and I am ready to work by her side to develop her into a quality setter within the CAA," said Metil.