JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University volleyball program has announced its signing class for the 2021 fall season. Union head coach Darrin McClure announced the additions of Greta Blakemore (Lexington, Ky.), Bailey Hughes (Murfreesboro, Tenn.), Reese Owens (Jonesboro, Ark.), Chloe Steen (Olive Branch, Miss.), and Gracie Tacker (Southaven, Miss.).

McClure said, "We have big expectations of this class.  Recruiting them all has been a fun process and I can't wait to integrate them into our family.  The future is bright for Union volleyball with this recruiting class."    

Blakemore played four years of volleyball and two years of tennis in high school. She played her senior year at Lexington Christian Academy. In 2020, she was named to the Under Armour All-America Watch List. As a senior, she posted 249 assists and 153 digs. She was named first team all-division twice, division Co-MVP, North Mississippi Daily Journal Player of the Year, first team all-area, first team all-state, all-state tournament team, and Mississippi all-star team. Blakemore helped lead her volleyball team to a 4A State Volleyball runner-up finish in 2019. She was also a 2-time Girls State Doubles Champion in tennis in 2017 and 2018. Off the court, Blakemore was a member of the National Honors Society, ACT 30+ Club, Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy, All-A Honor Roll and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. McClure said, "Greta is such a perfect fit for our program. She is a dynamic left-handed OPP that can play defense and pass. I feel like she has already been a Bulldog after all the years of her attending camps and visiting campus. We look forward to seeing her grow as a player when she is here as a student athlete."

Hughes prepped at Blackman High School where she played four years of volleyball. She helped lead her volleyball team to three consecutive district runner-up finishes. As a senior she was named all-district and as a junior she was named to the all-tournament team. Hughes has also played eight years of club volleyball. Off the court, Hughes was named Valedictorian of her graduating class and was a member of Blackman Collegiate Academy, National Honor Society, DECA, Renaissance Teacher Appreciation Club, and was a Blackman High School News anchor. McClure said, "We have been recruiting Bailey as long as anyone. She was coming to camps for years!  We have seen her grow as a player and have always loved her work ethic. I expect Bailey to help anchor our defense and serve receive. She loves to play defense and we are stoked that she is going to do it as a Bulldog."

Owens played six years of volleyball and five years of track and field for Valley View. She helped lead her volleyball team to the 4A Arkansas State Championship three times. She was named all-state three times, all-conference three times, and 2020 Best Under the Sun second team. Owens also played seven years of club volleyball for the Arkansas Juniors Storm. Off the court, Owens was a member of the National Honors Society, All-A Honor Roll and was a student council reporter. McClure said, "Reese is a very versatile and experienced outside hitter. We have been watching her since she was a freshman in high school. She is an amazing athlete that will be expected to make an impact for us offensively. Additionally, Reese has an amazing presence off the court too. The way she prioritizes academics and loves her teammates, fits perfectly within the values we have established for our program."

Steen prepped at Center Hill Middle School and High school where she played six years of volleyball. She also played club volleyball for six years. She helped lead her high school team to the 2019 5A State Title, the first in school history. That season, she was named the MVP of the state tournament. Steen also led her teams to two district titles. Steen was named first team all-county three times, Best Defensive Award, all-state tournament team, Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star, Outstanding Player-North, first team all-region, and team captain. Off the court, Steen was named to the Principal's List every semester in high school and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Beta Club. McClure said, "If we had to say there is a surprise addition to this class, it would be Chloe Steen. A surprise only in that she was a late addition this year. Her presence on the court, however, is no surprise!  She is such a great player. Chloe blew us away at camp and when watching her play in HS and club. She is a very well rounded OH that can score in many ways. She is going to be a very good college player and I couldn't be more excited she is a Bulldog!"    

Tacker prepped at Desoto Central High School where she played four years of volleyball. She also played four years for the Southern Storm club team. Tacker helped lead her team to the 2020 6A state title and two state runner-up finishes (2017, 2018). She also led her teams to four region titles, one district title, and four county championships. Tacker was named team MVP in 2020, earned the Best Server Award three times, was AVCA/MaxPreps Player of the week, twice named first team all-county, state tournament all-tournament team, and all region team. She was also named a top-20 player to watch in the state of Mississippi, multiple Commercial Appeal Top Performer awards, Under Armour All-American Phenom list, Mississippi North Half All-Star team, AVCA Phenom List, Clarion Ledger first team All-State, Daily Memphis Division 1 All-Metro first team, Mississippi Association of Coaches first team All-State, and Prep Volleyball top-5 player in Mississippi. Tacker holds the school record for most assists in a season and in a career. Off the court, Tacker is a member of the National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, St. Jude Leadership Society Member, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. McClure said, "Gracie is a natural at her position in the way she makes setting look easy.  She has worked very hard to be the setter that she is.  Early in her SR season of high school she broke the record for career assists and added to that total after an amazing state championship run.  Gracie loves Union and we love her too.  She is going to be a huge impact in the years to come for our program."

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