DENVER - University of Denver head coach Tom Hogan has announced the signing of four standout players to the 2017 volleyball class. Setter Ellie Anderson (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), outside hitter Lydia Bartalo (Colorado Springs, Colo.), middle blocker Tina Boe (Plymouth, Minn.) and outside hitter Jaden Sandoval (Denver, Colo.) will all join the Pioneers next fall.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome our 2017 class to the University of Denver," Hogan said. "These ladies exemplify everything it means to be a student-athlete at DU; they are extremely talented both on the court and in the classroom.

"We will look to this class to have an immediate impact on the floor next season and we're excited to watch them seize the opportunity and grow within the Denver volleyball program."

Ellie Anderson - Fr., S, 5-8, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Linn-Mar HS)

Ellie Anderson is no stranger to national-level competition or to the DU coaching staff. As one of the top setters in the country, she's competed on several USA Volleyball national pipeline teams, where she's been coached by Hogan. She most recently played for CIA 17 Black in the Iowa Region of USA Volleyball, and has ties that stretch back to 2007 when she first started in the Team USA system.

"Ellie is one of the most competitive and skilled setters in the entire 2017 NCAA freshman class," Hogan said. "Her extensive experience with the USA National Pipeline, as well as one of the nation's top club teams, gives her an enormous advantage entering her first year at the Division 1 level. She is a leader on and off the court, and someone who plays her best in high-pressure situations. Ellie is as competitive as they come, and we can't wait to see her showcase her skills in the DU gym."

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native has plenty to show off the court as well, earning a First-Team All-Academic nod at the end of a three-year stretch of academic awards at Linn-Mar High School. The daughter of Tom and Sharon, Anderson intends to pursue a health science degree while attending the University of Denver.

Lydia Bartalo - Fr., OH, 5-10, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Lewis-Palmer HS)

Lydia Bartalo joins Denver after an illustrious career at Lewis-Palmer High School that saw the Colorado Springs native earn three PPAC All-Conference First Team awards in as many years. She was a middle blocker for the Rangers when she took her first two All-Conference awards, coupled with two Gazette All-Area Honorable Mentions and a CHSAA All-State Second Team nomination, before making the transition to outside hitter and taking home her third All-Conference award to go with a Nike Tournament of Champions First Team selection, CHSAA All-State First Team nomination, a spot on the Gazette All-Area First Team and earning a place on the UnderArmour AVCA watch list.

"Lydia is a dynamic, highly skilled outside hitter who will thrive in our fast, international-style offense," said Hogan. "Her level of ball control places her among the best of the best in her age group, and she is consistently one of the best all-around players in the gym. She has tremendous experience in high-level competitions which will make her an asset on the court at DU."

Bartalo was a member of the Colorado Juniors club team and was named to the Frosh 59 PrepVolleyball list, featuring the top varsity-level freshman student-athletes in the nation. The daughter of Michael and Traci, Bartalo is currently undecided on her college major.

Tina Boe - Fr., MB, 6-0, Plymouth, Minn. (Osseo HS)

Christina (Tina) Boe comes to the Pioneer volleyball team with extensive experience competing at the top level in Minnesota volleyball, a state renowned for high-level athletes competing across all NCAA divisions. Boe's accolades stretch over her time as a varsity starter for Osseo High School where she took home four All-Conference awards, two First Team All-Metro nominations, two All-State nods and a spot on the Minnesota State All-Tournament team while leading her squad to a third place finish as a freshman.

The Plymouth, Minn., native's club career continues to soar, as she was named to the 2016 JVA National Team, the 2016 USAV National Team and was a 2015 AAU All-American. In 2016, Boe's Minnesota Select team won a USAV National Championship, and she was an AAU National Championship participant.

"It's fantastic to welcome a national champion to our Denver roster," Hogan said. "Tina has excelled at the highest level of club volleyball, and we see her making an immediate impact at DU. She has an incredibly high volleyball IQ, and this knowledge of the game, along with her athleticism, will make her a player to watch for years to come."

The daughter of Bruce and Patty, Boe plans to study engineering or finance at Denver.

Jaden Sandoval - Fr., RS/OH, 6-7, Denver, Colo. (Thomas Jefferson HS)

Jaden Sandoval is the second Colorado native signee to remain at home after a highly distinguished career at Thomas Jefferson High School. While playing for the Spartans, she tallied 241 kills in a single season and took home seven Player of the Match awards while being named to PrepVolleyball's 10-Foot Club, a list featuring top players that have extraordinary reach at the net.

"At 6-7, Jaden is a dominating and physical presence at the net," Hogan said. "She's a hard worker and a fast learner, and with her tremendous potential, she could develop into one of the country's top attackers. She may have an intimidating presence on the court, but she is also an incredible person and teammate who will contribute to our team's culture from the first day she steps into our gym."

The daughter of Robert and Leah, Sandoval has earned three Academic All-Star awards in a row and will pursue a marketing and communications degree at DU.

DU's four incoming freshman will be joined by additional signees during the signing period in the spring of 2017.

Fans interested in making a donation to the volleyball program can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.

- JOIN THE DENVER PIONEER NATION -

Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 17 of Denver's NCAA Division I sports.

Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Volleyball on Facebook

Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Volleyball on Twitter