Butler University Athletics

PRIOR TO BUTLER: Four-varsity starter at Cannon High School in Concord, N.C....nominated for Charlotte Observer Player of the Week as a freshman after collecting 42 kills in two games...helped lead her team to a NCISAA 4A Volleyball State Championship in 2023 dethroning a North Raleigh Christian team that had won the last eight straight state titles.

PERSONAL: Has three siblings with two of them currently competing in Division I collegiate athletics...her oldest brother, DJ, currently plays basketball at Cornell University while her older sister is on Memphis University's volleyball team...her father, Derrick, was also a former standout basketball player at UNC Greensboro.

COACH SHONDELL'S OUTLOOK: "Maria has the competitive fire you need in a player plus the ball control and power you need in an outside hitter. She will be a terrific addition to our gym."