SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga Volleyball Head Coach Katie Wilson announced the signing of two high school prospects to National Letters of Intent on Thursday, with Maggie Rickert of Nolensville, Tenn. and Brianna Martin of Prosper, Texas set to join the Zags in the Fall of 2023.
The pair of signees join grad transfer Parker Austin and fellow incoming freshman setter Nia Damuni, bringing the total of Zag newcomers on next season's roster to four.
Maggie Rickert | Outside Hitter / Opposite | Nolensville, Tenn. | Nolensville HS
Rickert — who lettered in volleyball at Nolensville every season from 2019-2023 to go with All-District and All-Region honors in each of the last three seasons — concludes her decorated career with the Knights with a 157-22 record and three state championships. In that span, the 6-1 outside hitter worked her way up to No. 1 on the Nolensville All-Time list in attacks and kills, No. 5 in digs and No. 7 in blocks, ultimately named as a Middle Tennessee Volleyball Player of the Year finalist in 2021 and nominee in 2022.
"Everyone I met had nothing but great things to say about Gonzaga U, and so many of them were alumni," Rickert said of her choice to attend GU in the fall. " One thing that was important to me, besides a high academic school, was growing as a person in all areas. I know Gonzaga will provide me with that opportunity for growth in mind, body and spirit."
Wilson on Rickert: "Maggie is the definition of a six-rotation outside hitter. She has excellent ball control. She also has a good feel for the game with the ability to make smart choices as a hitter."
Brianna Martin | Libero / DS | Prosper, Texas | Prosper HS
A 5'8" Libero and DS out of the state that produces more collegiate-level talent than any other, Martin has been a standout on both the court and the classroom since her first season at Prosper High, ranking in the top 1% of her class while lettering in volleyball three times, the last two as a team captain. In 2022, Martin was named TGCA Academic All-State as well as AVCA All-American Honorable Mention along with being one of just 30 athletes in the state out of 1,296 honored to make the 2022 THSCA Academic ELITE Team. Martin also has an athletic family background — her father Kurt played football at Stephen F Austin, and her sister Kayla was an All-CAA Libero at Northeastern last fall.
"I chose Gonzaga because I felt such a strong sense of community and pride both in the gym and the campus," Martin said of her decision to sign with the Zags. "The coaches were so inspiring, the players were so supportive, and Spokane was so beautiful!"
Wilson on Martin: "Brianna has developed into an elite high school defender. She will elevate our ball control and defense immediately. When you watch Brianna play you can see her love of the game — she plays with joy."
