WASHINGTON – Georgetown University's volleyball team welcomed five incoming freshmen to the class of 2029, as announced by Head Coach AJ Bonetti on Wednesday. The high school seniors signed their athletic scholarship agreements this week to officially declare their intention of attending and playing volleyball for the Hoyas in 2025.

"This class is one we're incredibly proud of; each of these players brings something unique to the table, and together, they represent the look of who we will be years down the road. We can't wait to get them in the gym." - Head Coach AJ Bonetti

Fiona Turnbull

Hometown: Geneva, Illinois
High School: Geneva Community High School
Position: Middle Blocker
Club Team: Club Fusion (2019-2025)
Accolades:

• Varsity MVP 2024... All-Conference 2024... Four-time Academic All-Conference honoree (2021–2024)... Daily Herald All-Area Team... Holds the school record for most kills by a middle—530 total... Led the conference in hitting percentage her senior year with a .378 average... JVA Watch List (2021–2025)... Selected for the Great Lakes Region High Performance Team in 2023... NTDP Invitee 2023... Named to the AVCA Phenom List.

Why Georgetown?
"I chose Georgetown because of the outstanding academics and the hope it provides for my future through an elaborate and distinguished alumni network. I am also drawn to the welcoming culture and the intriguing environment surrounding both academic rigor and athletic growth. The girls and coaching staff make Georgetown feel like home."

Coach on Fiona: "Fiona's physicality and work ethic will make an immediate impact, she's a force in the middle with the upside to be truly special."

Jessica Lee

Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan
High School: Skyline High School
Position: DS/L
Club Team: Legacy (played 6 years at 12-16 and 18s) … L2 (played 1 year at 17s)
Accolades:

• MIVCA All-Region First Team 2024... SEC Red All-Conference First Team 2024... SEC Red Honorable Mention 2022 and 2023... Skyline Varsity Defensive Player of the Year 2022, 2023, and 2024... First player in Skyline High School history to reach 1,000 digs... JVA Volleyball Watchlist (2023, 2024, and 2025)... AVCA Phenom 2022 and 2023... MHSAA Division 1 State Runner-Up 2021... Regional Champion 2021... District Champion in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Why Georgetown?
"I chose Georgetown not only for its strong academics but also for its incredible volleyball program. From my first call to my official visit, I immediately felt welcomed by the coaches and players—you can truly tell they care about their athletes and our well-being. I fell in love with the stunning campus, the vibrant student body, and the perfect balance between athletics and schoolwork. "

Coach on Jessica: "Jessica is relentless in the back row, she's vocal, fearless, and has the kind of mentality we love in our libero position."

Katherine McGregor 

Hometown: Evanston, Illinois
High School: New Trier Township High School
Position: Outside Hitter
Club Team: Adversity Volleyball Club 2021-2025
Accolades:

• Central-Suburban League All Conference Team Player (2022, 2023 and 2024) 

Why Goergetown?

"I was really attracted to the great source of education that I will be exposed to, I felt very welcomed by the coaches and teammates and felt comfortable around them and could see my future with the program very positively. I enjoy being close to such an amazing city, and also getting to enjoy the amazing town of Georgetown."

Coach on Katherine: "Katherine is going to be a fun player to watch. She is explosive, powerful and has abilities to be a shutdown player for years to come."

Samantha Soderlund

Hometown: Naples, Florida
High School: Seacrest Country Day School
Position: Outside Hitter
Club Team: Gulfside - 12s-16s ; PVA - 17s-18s
Accolades:

• Named to the All-American Team... MVP at Nationals... Three-time invitee to the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP)... AAU 17s National Champion... 2022 Most Improved Player... 2023 Offensive MVP... 2024 MVP and Midseason Player of the Year... 2021 District, Regional, and State Champion... 2022 District, Regional, and State Champion; Team of the Year... 2023 District, Regional, and State Champion; Team of the Year Finalist... 2024 District, Regional, and State Champion; Nominated for Team of the Year.

Coach on Samantha: "Samantha is a true competitor who has the ability to go all the way around and impact the game for the entire six-rotations."

Sydney Mercado

Hometown: Long Beach, California
High School: Long Beach Polytechnic High School
Position: DS/L
Club Team: Long Beach Volleyball Club (2017 -2018) and Mizuno Long Beach (2019-2025)
Accolades:

• Defensive Player of the Year 2024... Press-Telegram Dream Team... All-Moore League First Team... 2023 and 2024 Moore League Champion... 2024 Division III Southern California Champion... Two-time reigning Moore League Champion (2022 and 2023)... First LOVB Team 2024–2025.

Why Georgetown?
"Its atmosphere had an at home ease for me, feeling comfortable and seeing myself attending the school and prospering with no doubt in mind. "

Coach on Sydney: "Sydney carries a very high skill set into a position that requires just that. We are excited for her to forge her own path at Georgetown with the sky as her limit."