Valpo volleyball head coach Carin Avery announced today that a trio of talented high school seniors — Kennedy Arp, Jessica Pickett and Mara Thomas – have signed to join the Beacon volleyball program as freshmen for the 2023 season.

“We are so very excited about this recruiting class,” Avery said. “They each have different personalities and playing styles and will bring unique strengths to our team. They are all perfect fits for our program’s playing style and culture.”

Kennedy Arp – 6’1” – Middle – Byron Center, Mich. – South Christian H.S. – FaR Out Volleyball

Arp was a Second Team All-State selection as a junior and has earned All-Region and All-Conference honors in consecutive seasons. She surpassed 1,000 career kills this season and moved into the running for Michigan Miss Volleyball. On the club circuit, Arp helped lead her FaR Out team to a national championship last summer and earned All-American honors.

Avery on Arp: “Kennedy is very athletic and knows how to win.”

Jessica Pickett – 6’6” – Middle – Carmel, Ind. – Carmel H.S. – Rev Volleyball Academy

Pickett has been named to AVCA Phenom Watch Lists, as well as the JVA Watch List four straight years. She was  named a JVA 2023 Player to Watch and was an Under Armour All-American Camp nominee. Pickett helped lead her club team to a ninth-place finish at 2021 AAU Nationals and led her high school team in blocks and hitting percentage as a senior.

Pickett on why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valparaiso University because of the competitive volleyball. I also love how close everyone is and it feels like family.”

Avery on Pickett: “Jessica will be our tallest player in program history and will bring a presence at the net.”

Mara Thomas – 5’7” – Setter/DS – Bogart, Ga. – Athens Academy – Metro Elite

Thomas was an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American and an AVCA All-Region 3 honoree this year as a senior. The Georgia 2A State Player of the Year, Thomas has earned First Team All-State honors in each of the last three seasons. She also was Region 8-AA Player of the Year and has been a three-time First Team All-Region selection as well.

Thomas on why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the great balance between strong academics and competitive athletics. I also love the team culture and am super excited to play at such a high level!”

Avery on Thomas: “Mara has a super high volleyball IQ and loves to compete.”