ELON, N.C. – The Elon University volleyball team and head coach Mary Tendler announced the addition of two future Phoenix on Wednesday.  
 
Catherine Rucker (Carrboro High School/Chapel Hill, N.C) and Anna Sewell (Highlands Latin School/Leonardtown, Md.) will join the Phoenix for the 2024 season. 
 
"We are thrilled to announce Catherine and Anna as our first two student-athletes in the 2024 incoming class," said Tendler. "Their athleticism caught our attention right away; their high academic standards and character made us realize they were a perfect fit for Elon University. We welcome Cat, Anna and their wonderful families to Elon!"
 
Catherine Rucker • Chapel Hill, N.C. • Carrboro High School • Middle Blocker • 6-0
 
A four-year varsity player at Carrboro High School, Rucker was named the 2023 Northern Lakes Player of the Year helping her team finish as regional runners-up. A three-time Northern Lakes All-Conference Team selection under head coach Steve Scanga and Maredith Devlin, Rucker was also named to the AAA First Team All-State and the Team MVP in 2022. Rucker has also competed for the CHAVC and was named to the JVA Watchlist two times.    
 
"We have watched Cat play multiple positions throughout her club and high school careers. Through her hard work, she has developed into an outstanding middle blocker that can hit any set," Tendler said. "Her passion for the sport and her strong desire to succeed at everything makes it exciting to envision her journey at Elon and beyond."
 
Anna Sewell • Leonardtown, Md. • Highlands Latin School • Outside Hitter • 6-0
 
A four-year letter winner at Highlands Latin School, Sewell was a two-year captain under head coach Jennifer Stosberg. In her senior year, Sewell led her team and ranked fifth in the state in kills and 12^th in the state in blocks. Sewell also received an All-A Tournament Award all four years of high school. Sewell played club ball for MidAmerica Volleyball Association and has been named to the JVA Watchlist in 2023.
 
"Anna is a great teammate and is able to make those around her better. We really like how she attacks the ball. Her desire to be aggressive and score no matter where the ball is set is impressive. That mentality is very noticeable all over the court," Tendler said. "She is a well-rounded, competitive player that will be able to positively affect the game in many areas."