SPOKANE, Wash. – Gonzaga Volleyball Head Coach Katie Wilson announced the signing of four incoming freshman to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. Two California natives in Taylor Walsh (Newport Beach) and Hayley Ogden (San Diego), along with Maddie Cugino of Galena, Ohio and Raechelle (Shelly) Dykstra of Phoenix, Ariz. will join the Zags for the 2024 season.
 
Maddie Cugino | Libero | Galena, Ohio | Olentangy Orange HS
Cugino, a four-year letter winner at Olentangy Orange High School and team captain in both her junior and senior seasons, owns three Ohio Capital Conference honors from her sophomore (Second Team), junior (First Team) and senior (First Team) years. She also was named Second Team All-Central District in 2023 and owns the Olentangy Orange Astronauts' career ace record while recording over 1000 digs. Prep Volleyball ranks Cugino as the No. 93 recruit in the nation and the 13th-ranked Libero in the class of 2024, making her the highest ranked recruited Libero in Gonzaga program history. Cugino is the oldest of two (younger sister, Emma) to her parents Kelly and Ronald.
 
"I chose Gonzaga University because I felt so welcomed on my visit. I could just really see it being my home," Cugino said. "The amazing coaching staff and community is special, and I really wanted to be a part of it."
 
Wilson on Cugino: "Maddie is an elite defender. She has been invited to train with the USA National Team Development Program on multiple occasions. She has the ability, work ethic, and experience to have an impact right away. We are so happy she chose to become a ZAG."
 
Shelly Dykstra | Outside Hitter | Phoenix, Ariz. | Verrado HS
Dykstra hails from Verrado High School in Phoenix, Ariz. where she was a three-year letter winner for indoor volleyball while earning a letter for beach volleyball in 2022. The outside hitter owns 1,242 career kills and 915 career digs for the Vipers, earning a multitude of conference and regional honors. Dykstra was named 5A Desert West Region Player of the Year to go along with her second straight All-Region First Team selection after her senior season. In 2022, Dykstra was named Region Offensive Player of the Year. She has also earned First Team All-Conference and All-Conference Offensive Player of the Year while at Verrado. Dykstra is the third of six children to Roberto and Sharon and has two brothers: Roland and Rodney, and three sisters: Railey, Reinna and Ryzah.
 
"I chose Gonzaga because of the academic and athletic opportunities it will give me," Dykstra said. "I know that I can build a strong future based on the firm foundation that Gonzaga offers. GU has a very supportive community that feels like home."
 
Wilson on Dykstra: "On the court, Shelly is quick off the ground with a very fast arm. The intensity and joy that she plays with is contagious to all around her. We are thrilled to have her here."
 
Hayley Ogden | Middle Blocker | San Diego, Calif. | Santana HS
Ogden joins Gonzaga from San Diego, Calif. and Santana High School. A letter-winner in both volleyball (four years) and soccer (one year), Ogden entered the fall 2023 season on the San Diego Tribune's watch list for San Diego-area girls volleyball players. While with the Sultans, Ogden earned First Team and MVP honors for All-Grossmont Valley recognition. The team captain and MVP her senior year, Ogden is currently ranked 18th in Santana High School's class of 2024 with a 4.545 weighted GPA. She is the oldest of two to Lindsay and Adam and has a younger sister, Rylee.
 
"I chose Gonzaga University because I felt a strong sense of community both on the GU campus and around Spokane," Ogden said. "Everyone was so welcoming, and the coaches have a vision of success for Gonzaga volleyball."
 
Wilson on Ogden: "We are very excited to have Hayley join our program. She is very quick and moves well laterally. Hayley is committed to excellence in the classroom and on the court."
 
Taylor Walsh | Middle Blocker | Newport Beach, Calif. | Villa Park HS
Walsh is a Newport Beach, Calif. native joining the Zags from Villa Park High School. She is a four-year letter-winner for the Spartans and captained her team to an undefeated North Hills League championship title her junior year. In her senior season, Walsh was once again named captain before earning team MVP honors and her fourth First Team All-North Hills League/Crestview Conference nod. Walsh earned scholar athlete recognition all four years at Villa Park and ranks in the top ten percent of her graduating class. The oldest and only daughter to Shannon and Bill, Walsh has two younger brothers: Weston and Braydon.
 
"I chose Gonzaga University because I felt at home while on my visit along with the whole program being extremely welcoming," Walsh said. "Gonzaga also has the two specific majors that I am interested in pursuing in criminology and forensics."
 
Wilson on Walsh: "You don't find very many middles that can also serve, pass, and defend. Taylor can do all these things in addition to the traditional skills you see a middle do well - attack and block. She is a complete volleyball player. In addition to her physical skills on the court, she is a competitor and a great teammate. She is a wonderful addition to our program."