LOGAN, UTAH – Utah State head volleyball coach Grayson DuBose has announced the additions of four student-athletes as part of the 2019 signing class in Madi Brunatti (Draper, Utah/Corner Canyon HS), Kalena Vaivai (Wailuku, Hawaii/King Kekaulike HS), Grace DuBay (Casper, Wyo./Natrona County HS) and Hailey Cuff (Salem, Utah/Salem Hills HS).
"We are really excited about this incoming class, which addresses some needs for our program," DuBose said. "They all have great character and will represent our department and university well while they are here."
Brunatti, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter, recorded more than 750 kills during her prep career at Corner Canyon High School, leading her team to a fourth-place finish at state each of the past two seasons and a state runner-up finish as a sophomore. Brunatti logged a team-best 290 kills last season and hit close to .300 en route to earning first-team all-state honors and recognition as one of the top 150 senior volleyball players in the country. Brunatti was also the team captain at Corner Canyon each of her three years as she finished her career with 531 digs, 101 blocks, 93 service aces and 51 assists.
"We've known and watched Madi play for a while now and she keeps improving her level of play," DuBose said. "She's got a fun personality and a great work ethic, which will fit right in with our team."
Vaivai, a 5-10 setter, led King Kekaulike High School to three Maui Interscholastic League Championships over the course of her career en route to earning MIL Player of the Year honors as a sophomore. Vaivai was also recently recognized as one of the top 15 players in the state of Hawaii by the Star-Advertiser. Vaivai plays club volleyball with Hawaiian Style, capturing a club championship at the 2018 Summer Soiree.
"Kalena is an outstanding and athletic setter," DuBose said. "She has a great passion for the game. Being from Hawaii, she's going to have to invest in a jacket or two, but she is a great addition to our program."
DuBay, a 5-8 defensive specialist, rewrote the record book at Natrona County High School, finishing her career as the school record holder in digs with 1,645, including a single-season school-record 798 digs this past season. The single-season total led all players in the state of Wyoming in the 4A ranks, as she was named the 2018 East Conference Player of the Year. DuBay also earned a pair of first-team all-state honors and was named the 2016 West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to leading the state in digs, DuBay also led NCHS in kills and service aces as an outside hitter, finishing the year with 400 and 56, respectively. For her career, DuBay logged 835 kills, the third-most in NCHS history.
"Having Grace in our gym next fall is going to be a lot of fun," DuBose said. "She's a tireless worker and loves the game. On top of that, she's another young lady that will represent our university well."
Cuff, a 6-0 outside hitter, was named the Region 10 MVP after leading Salem Hills with 406 kills, hitting .318, and totaling 39 service aces last season. Cuff was also an all-region selection during her junior year as Salem Hills finished among the final four in the state in two of her three years. Cuff plays club volleyball with Club V, helping the team to a third-place finish at the Colorado Crossroads and a top-25 finish at Open Nationals.
"Hailey is an outstanding hitter. She can attack the ball with range and velocity," DuBose said. "Beyond that, she's an outstanding student and person. We are looking forward to having her in our gym next fall."
Utah State will close out its regular season on Saturday, traveling to Air Force and facing the Falcons at 1 p.m. (MT).
Follow the Aggie volleyball program on Twitter @USUVolleyball, on Facebook at USUVolleyball or on Instagram at @usuvolleyball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at @USUAthletics, on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics or on Instagram at @USUAthletics.
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