Volleyball Signs Three On 2022 National Signing Day

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Carolina volleyball head coach Joe Sagula and his staff are excited to announce the signing of three incoming players to National Letters of Intent: Sydney Nolan, Romani Thurman and Safi Hampton.

"We're all very excited to welcome this special class to Chapel Hill. They're one of the most athletic and high-level classes to come to Carolina and will make an immediate impact on the court, in the classroom and in our campus community. It's a distinguished group of talented players, excellent students and high-character people. They have all been part of the USA pipeline and will bring that experience to the court for the Tar Heels.

This entering 2023 class is ranked as a top-15 class in the country. This impressive group along with the impact that the 2022 class of freshmen have already made will be significant. Together, these student-athletes will pave the way for the future of Carolina volleyball to compete for championships," – head coach Joe Sagula

Name: Sydney Nolan
Position: Outside Hitter
Height: 6'4''
Hometown: Florence, Ky.
High School: Notre Dame Academy
Club Team: NKYVC 18 Tsunami

2022 AVCA High School All-America Second Team
2022 Kentucky State Tournament MVP
2022, 2021 Kentucky All-Region team selection
2022 KVCA First Team All-State
2022 Kentucky All-District MVP
Ranked as No. 70 recruit on Prep Volleyball's Top-150
2020, 2021, 2022 Academic All-State Honorable Mention honoree

"Sydney is going to be an impact player who will be able to play at either pin. Her length makes her a legit scorer and blocker. She has grown her game in the past year every time we have seen her compete and is ready to take her game to another level as a Tar Heel. She is a natural leader and has helped her High School and NKYVC club team capture numerous championships earning MVP honors. In addition, she has earned top-level academic awards," – head coach Joe Sagula.

Name: Romani Thurman
Position: Right Side Hitter/Opposite
Height: 5'10''
Hometown: Little Rock, Ark.
High School: Little Rock Christian Academy
Club Team: Elite Volleyball Academy

2022 AVCA High School All-America Third Team
2021 All-Arkansas Preps Volleyball Team
2021 5A All-State Tournament team
Helped lead Little Rock Christian to first-ever 5A volleyball state title
2021, 2019 5A All-State
2021, 2019 5A All-Conference

"Romani will enroll this spring and begin training immediately. She is a tremendous athlete and competitor. She is left-handed and will be a natural playing in the right side/opposite position and can play six rotations. Romani is such a dynamic attacker with a quick jump and great versatility. She has worked hard on her overall game in high school and training with the Elite Volleyball Academy to prepare herself to make an impact with Carolina and in the ACC. In addition, she has distinguished herself as a top-notch student in the classroom." – head coach Joe Sagula

Name: Safi Hampton
Position: Right Side Hitter/Opposite
Height: 6'1''
Hometown: Jessup, Md.
High School: Hammond High School
Club Team: Metro Volleyball Club of DC

2022 AVCA High School All-America First team
2022 AVCA All-Regional Team
2022 USAV NTDP Fall Training Camp, U18 Roster
2021, 2019 First Team All-County-Howard County Maryland
2021 Howard County All-Decade

"Safi Hampton is a terrific player and dynamic attacker/blocker who can play six rotations. She will be an exciting player to coach and watch develop with her high-flying attacking skills. She is going to make an impact along with Romani and Sydney with their leadership and commitment to hard work athletically and academically. We have followed Safi for years and seen her grow with her high school and the Metro Volleyball Club in DC to become one of the most impressive attackers in the country. She brings a lot of energy to the court and is committed to being an elite student and will distinguish herself in the Chapel Hill community as well." – head coach Joe Sagula

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