In an exciting announcement, the University of Louisville volleyball team has revealed the addition of three impressive players to their roster for the upcoming season. On Signing Day, standout outside hitters Ava Utterback and Payton Petersen, along with setter Nayelis Cabello, signed their National Letters of Intent to officially join the University of Louisville.
Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly expressed her enthusiasm regarding the new recruits, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the 2024 class. First, we feel like we are adding a setter with great athleticism and the ability to run a 5-1 offense. Nayelis Cabello has had great success in club and high school and understands what it takes to win at the highest level. Payton Petersen is signing today after winning the Iowa State Championship and finishing her career as one of the best volleyball players ever from the state of Iowa. Ava Utterback will add explosiveness and skill to our pin hitters. Both Payton and Ava are true six rotations outside attackers and could find themselves on the court very early in their careers. Fans are going to enjoy watching this talented group as they bring a lot of the fun characteristic Card Nation has grown to love.”
Nayelis Cabello, a 6-0 setter hailing from Clermont, Florida, played for East Ridge High School under the guidance of head coach Mayra Cuebas. Cabello also showcased her talents in club volleyball for Top Select Volleyball Academy, where she achieved All-American status twice and was part of the AAU runner-up team in 2023. Her impressive qualities were recognized when she was named an MVP at the Under Armour Next Selection Camp in 2022.
Payton Petersen, a 5-10 outside hitter from Dike, Iowa, left a remarkable mark on the volleyball scene at Dike-New Hartford under the mentorship of head coach Diane Harms. Petersen also excelled in club volleyball, playing for Six Pack under the guidance of coach Jay Grassley. Her achievements with Six Pack include a national runner-up finish and a place on the All-Tournament Team in 2022. In 2023, Petersen led her team to a national championship, where she was named the MVP in the national division. Petersen’s success continued at Dike-New Hartford, where she won three state championships and finished as a state runner-up. Her exceptional performances resulted in four consecutive All-Conference, All-District, and All-State selections, as well as being named Elite Team All-State for three consecutive seasons. In 2022, she received the prestigious title of Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year and was honored as a 2023 Under Armor All-American.
Ava Utterback, a 6-0 outside hitter from Plainfield, Indiana, showcased her talents both at Plainfield High School and with the Circle City club team, led by coaches Lori Pax and Jenna Tadros, respectively. At Circle City, Utterback was recognized as a top-five national player for Prep Dig Indiana and received multiple accolades, including athlete of the week, best outside hitter, preseason super team by Indy Star, and being named the most complete outside hitter in the class of 2024 by Prep Volleyball. At Plainfield High School, she earned two All-Conference selections and was honored as a two-time MVP. Utterback’s impressive skills led to further recognition, as she received All-District and second-team All-State honors as a sophomore. She was also included in the ACVA Phenom Watch List in her sophomore and junior years and made the ACVA All-American Watch List in her senior year. Additionally, Utterback is a proud member of the 1,000 kills club. In 2020, she attended the UN Winter Training U18 in Colorado Springs.
With the addition of these three talented players, the University of Louisville volleyball team looks set to make a strong impact in the upcoming season. Fans are eagerly anticipating the exciting performances that this new class will bring to the court as they embody the spirit and skill that Card Nation has come to love.
