DENVER -- The University of Denver volleyball program has added junior outside hitter, Kayla Patel, to join the Pioneers in 2026, coach Megan Pendergast announced on Wednesday.

Kayla Patel - Austin, Texas - Outside Hitter - 5'7

"Kayla Patel is the kind of player who elevates a gym the moment she steps into it. We're incredibly excited to add her to our roster. She's an elite defender with a complete, all-around volleyball skill set, and her competitiveness, instincts, and work ethic will make an immediate impact on our gym and our program. Kayla raises the standard, and we can't wait to get to work with her," head coach Megan Pendergast said.

BEFORE DENVER:
2024 (FRESHMAN AT RICE): Appeared in 29 sets over 14 matches in her inaugural collegiate season ... Tallied her first kill of her career in her first appearance against No. 23 Baylor ... Also notched her first service ace in the same match ... Finished the season with six service aces ... Ended her freshman season with seven points.

BEFORE RICE: Was a four-year letterwinner and was named to the 2023 AVCA Girls High School Volleyball All-America Watch List at St. Stephen's Episcopal School... Posted 1,065 kills, 594 digs and 96 service aces during her career... Named SPC all-conference her junior year ... During her senior year, she was named to the JVA Best of the Beach Watchlist for beach volleyball ... Also earned the distinction in 2022, her junior year ... Played club volleyball for AJV Adidas where she helped the team qualify for the 17 Open and a first-place finish at the Countdown City Classic.

PERSONAL: Daughter of Ami and Tejas Patel... has one sister... was a St. Stephen's Athletic Council member her junior and senior years in high school.

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