BOONE, N.C. - App State head volleyball coach Sarah Rumely Noble announced the signing of Victoria Hill, Claire Payne, and Izzy Perkins to the Mountaineers' 2025-26 class on Wednesday.
"I am super excited about our 2025 recruiting class. Victoria, Claire, and Izzy are all competitors who have played multiple sports in their careers and they all know how to win. I love recruiting winners into our program because it raises the level of our gym. Their athleticism, grit, and competitiveness will help us take App to the top." said Rumely Noble.
Victoria Hill | Outside Hitter | Oviedo, Fla. | Trinity Prep
Joining the Mountaineers as an outside hitter will be Oviedo, Fla. native Victoria Hill. Hill is a three-time Girls Private School Athlete of the Year and was a three-time Varsity Volleyball Servant Leadership Award (MPV) selection. Additionally, she competed on her high school track team and was a three-time track & field Athlete of the Year. Hill was part of the Gamepoint 18 Rox club team under the direction of Kevin Lopez and helped the team to a 2020 AAU Nationals title and runner-up finish in 2021. She was also named an AAU All-American in 2020 and 2021.
In addition to volleyball, Hill competed on the track team and recorded three podium finishes at the 2024 Florida State Track Championships. She finished first in the triple jump, second in the long jump, and third in the high jump.
While at App State, Hill plans on studying business. She also has a sister, Samarah, who plays collegiate volleyball at Rice. Hill enjoys volleyball and track & field.
Why Hill Chose App State: "I chose App State because of the amazing program and the wonderful coaches, who I know will make me a better player."
Rumely Noble on Hill: "Tori is a high-flyer with a lightning fast arm and a special athlete. She is a complete volleyball player who passes at a high-level, plays great defense and has every shot in the book. Her athleticism and offensive range is going to allow her to kill a lot of balls as a Mountaineer."
Claire Payne | Middle Blocker | Wakarusa, Ind. | NorthWood HS
Payne will join the Mountaineers as a middle blocker for the 2025 season. Payne was named an AVCA All-Region and Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association (IHSVCA) All-Region honoree for her efforts on the court during her high school career. She also earned second team all-state honors in 2023 and made the 2023 Indiana State All-Star Game. The Wakarusa, Ind. native competed on the NIVA club team under the direction of Adria Anderson and Kaitlyn Hickey. Payne helped the NIVA club team to an AAU 18U Patriot Division National Championship.
In addition to volleyball, Payne was a member of her high school's basketball team and led the team last season in points, rebounds, and blocks.
Payne enjoys reading and sports and was a two-time state track qualifier. She also has three siblings, two of which play collegiate volleyball and football.
Why Payne Chose App State: "I chose App State because of the location and because of the team atmosphere."
Rumely Noble on Payne: "Claire is a physical middle blocker with a fast arm and quick lateral movements. She is an elite attacker off of one foot who always finds ways to score. She is a hard worker, an all-around great athlete, and a winner. We couldn't we more thrilled that she is a Mountaineer"
Izzy Perkins | Libero/Defensive Specialist | Waxhaw, N.C. | Marvin Ridge HS
Waxhaw, N.C. native Izzy Perkins will join the Mountaineers as a libero/defensive specialist. Perkins is a four-time first team all-conference honoree and was named to the all-state team as a senior. Perkins helped her team finish second at the 2024 state tournament and surpassed 1,500 digs in her high school career. She also was a two-time second team all-conference selection for soccer. Perkins competed on the Carolina Union Volleyball club team and Milwaukee Sting club team. She helped her team to finish in the top-11 at Nationals in Las Vegas.
Perkins plans on studying business or criminal justice at App State. She enjoys shopping, working out, hanging out with friends, and baking.
Why Perkins Chose App State: "I chose App State because of the coaches and the family feel the environment gives. The community makes it feel like home and everyone there is so welcoming. On top of that it is such a beautiful place to live."
Rumely Noble on Perkins: "Izzy is lightning fast and a scrappy defender who App Nation is going to be excited to watch. She is all over the court and covers a lot of ground. Her athleticism, grit, and tenacity will immediately impact our team's defensive effort. She's a relentless competitor who knows how to win and we are excited she's a Mountaineer."
