SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga volleyball announced the signing of a pair of incoming freshmen to National Letters of Intent Wednesday, putting some of the finishing touches on a 2022 recruiting class that was ranked amongst the nation's best by PrepVolleyball.com.
"I'm excited for the future of this program with the addition of such high character, hard-working, committed athletes," said GU head coach Diane Nelson. "The work our staff put in through the pandemic and a long dead period to continue recruiting in a manner that was true to our program is impeccable. Not only do we have the most talented recruiting class coming in, Coach Palmer- our recruiting coordinator - made sure we had the highest character kids too. These athletes are just the start of a great 22 class that will drive future success."
"Along with their talent, these young women bring experience and enthusiasm," Nelson added. "Zags are always striving for greatness."
Fallon Thompson
OH | Woodlands, Texas | Grand Oaks HS / Houston Skyline
With experience playing outside for Grand Oaks and Houston Skyline, Thompson was an integral part of an experienced Grizzlies team that reached the UIL Texas State Playoffs this fall, cracking 1,000 career kills her senior year. This past season, she was rated as the No. 71 recruit in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com.
"I chose Gonzaga because of the culture and environment of the school and program, the coaches and their passion for helping young women develop into better athletes and people, and the teammates who have welcomed me with open arms," Thompson said.
A four-year academic letter winner for the Grizzlies and National Honor Society member, Thompson earned All-District honors for her on-court performance as well as academics every year since 2019, when she was named Newcomer of the Year for both the GHCVA and All-Greater Houston League. Since then, she's never missed an All-District list, including being named Varsity MVP for her team in 2019 and 2020.
Nelson on Thompson: "Fallon is a special kid that showed her interest in our program and our culture immediately. She is the most authentic and competitive athlete I have ever met, with the ability to be great on and off the court. Fallon brings a fresh intensity, while having the humility to learn and grow. What I love most is her drive to get better everyday."
Hanah Stoddard
OH | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho | Lake City HS / T3 Volleyball
Hailing from nearby Coeur d'Alene's Lake City High, Stoddard brings one of Idaho's most experienced prep players. The 6'1 outside led the Timberwolves to back-to-back state tournaments in her last two seasons while earning All-IEL honors in the process, and was ranked on Scorebook Live's Top 25 Watchlist for the state of Idaho this past season before being named as her team's MVP and as a nominee for Idaho's Gatorade Player of the Year.
Stoddard lettered in four sports during her time at Lake City, and has served as captain for both the Timberwolves and her club team.
"I chose to attend Gonzaga for the amazing education provided as well as a great team atmosphere," Stoddard said. "When I was recruited as a Zag, it felt like I was truly wanted to come in and add to the program physically and mentally. There was also a big emphasis on developing humans, not just players, which is very important to me.
"I loved the student-to-teacher ratio as well, with the opportunity to build connections with my teachers. The school has everything I am looking for."
Nelson on Stoddard: "Hanah is a standout person and player that immediately caught our attention. Her competitive spirit separates her. She will contribute in her first year for Zags volleyball. She is poised with a talent in both setting and attacking."
