Behind the Commitment

The Class of 2028 continues to make its mark on the recruiting landscape, with some of the nation's top prospects already announcing commitments to powerhouse Division I programs. While each athlete's journey looked a little different, one theme remained consistent: finding a school that matched both their athletic ambitions and personal values. In this edition, three standout recruits share what ultimately led them to their college decisions, the experiences that shaped their recruiting process, and the goals they're carrying into the next chapter of their volleyball careers.

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Elite Orange level setter Tristyn Ervin: North Pacific Juniors- Iowa State commit

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For Class of 2028 setter Tristyn Ervin, finding the right college meant looking beyond the volleyball court. "Throughout the recruiting process I realized that every school has great facilities, talented players and competitive volleyball, so I definitely had to look deeper than that," Ervin said. "For me, I think it was always the people first." That mindset ultimately led her to Iowa State, where she felt an immediate connection with the Cyclones' coaching staff. "Every interaction felt authentic, and I could see myself building lifelong relationships there," she said. "I wanted to be challenged and grow as an athlete, while also being valued as a person, and this program checked those boxes." Ervin also credited opportunities with UA Next Camp and the USAV NTDP for helping shape her into the player she is today. These experiences pushed her to play outside of her comfort zone, raising her play to a faster pace and allowing her to learn to communicate more effectively. “Competing alongside some of the best showed me that I belonged at that level, while also reminding me that there is always more to learn,” Ervin said. Now committed to the Cyclones, Ervin sees the decision as only the beginning. "Committing was a huge milestone for me and I see it as the start of a new chapter," she said. "As a setter, I want to continue becoming more consistent, making better decisions under pressure and finding ways to elevate the people around me." She also hopes to continue growing as a leader while proudly representing Iowa State, her family and her faith throughout her collegiate career.

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Red level MB Gillian Pfeiffer: HPSTL- Wake Forest commit

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Gillian Pfeiffer approached the recruiting process with a clear vision of what she wanted in a college program, evaluating schools far beyond what happened on the court. The Class of 2028 middle blocker said she paid close attention to the culture during camps, explaining, "I found that to be a big tell to how happy the players were in their program," while also valuing the intentionality behind how coaches structured each session. That search ultimately ended with Wake Forest, where she found a program that matched both her academic and volleyball aspirations. "Not only did Wake promise a great education, the way they supported their student-athletes was a huge deciding factor for me," Pfeiffer said, highlighting the staff's commitment to helping players succeed in every aspect of college life. Her time with USAV NTDP reinforced those priorities, as she learned to appreciate programs that value efficiency, strategy, and purpose. "I wanted somewhere that brought that same care," she said, noting that Wake's thoughtfully planned practices reminded her of the environment she experienced at NTDP. Looking ahead, Pfeiffer sees her verbal commitment as just another step in her journey. "It is nowhere near the end of my career—I would even argue that it's closer to the start," she said, as she turns her attention toward continued development, preparing for her upcoming high school and club seasons, and growing as a leader for younger players in her program.

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Elite Orange level libero/DS Carsyn Chitty: Mintonette- Ohio State commit

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For Class of 2028 libero/DS Carsyn Chitty, the recruiting process came down to finding a program that truly felt like home. As she traveled the country attending camps, she prioritized genuine relationships with coaching staffs and team culture, explaining, "I wanted to be somewhere that felt like home, where the coaches genuinely cared about me as both a player and a person." That search ultimately led the Ohio native to stay in-state and commit to Ohio State, where the opportunity to compete in front of family and friends made the decision even more meaningful. "Having the people who have supported me throughout my entire journey be able to watch me play at the next level means so much to me," Chitty said. She also knew the Buckeyes were the right fit after conversations with the coaching staff, who made their belief in her clear from the very beginning. "They made me feel incredibly wanted," Chitty said, adding that the program's culture and opportunities made her decision feel right. She credits experiences with UA Next Camp and USAV NTDP for accelerating her development, saying the events challenged her against elite competition, strengthened her confidence, and prepared her for the next level. Looking ahead, Chitty's goals extend beyond simply playing at the collegiate level. "I want to make an impact, compete for championships, and do everything I can to help create a winning culture," she said, with hopes of helping Ohio State continue its success while leaving the program better than she found it.