ATLANTA - Georgia State volleyball head coach Sally Polhamus officially announced the signing of two talented additions as Crystal Galaviz and Eva Wheeler signed national letters of intent to join the Panthers in the fall of 2022.
"This is an exciting time for the future of our volleyball program," said Polhamus. "We signed two incredible people that are talented and driven volleyball players. Crystal and Eva fit right into our culture with their hard work, dedication and competitive drive for success."
Galaviz, a product of Romeoville, Ill., lettered four years at Joliet Cathothic Academy under head coach Kisha Cameron. Galaviz comes to Georgia State highly decorated as she was tabbed the Chicago Tribune Player of the Week (Sept. 14) this year, while also becoming a unanimous East Suburban Catholic All-Conference selection. Playing middle blocker, outside hitter and right side hitter, Galaviz accumulated 506 kills, 249 digs and 85 blocks during her prep career.
"When you watch Crystal play, you know who the 'go-to' player is on the court right away," said Polhamus. "She has the ability to attack from the front row and back row, finding kills with power and shots."
Wheeler, who hails from Cleveland, Ohio, lettered three years at Notre Dame - Cathedral Latin under head coach Thomas Ray. The star setter enjoyed a stellar prep career as she accumulated over 3,000 assists to lead her team. Wheeler surpassed the 2,000 assists mark in 2021 and the 1,000 assists mark in 2020. Her accomplishments didn't stop there as she was tabbed to the Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association second team in 2020 and went on to earn first team honors in 2021.
"Eva has great consistency and tempo locating her sets to her attackers," said Polhamus. "She has the speed and the ability to run a fast offense. She plays extremely hard and her work ethic is contagious."
Galaviz and Wheeler will look to contribute immediately and add to the Panthers potent offensive attack. Georgia State displayed one of the most balanced offensive attacks in program history last season as seven players notched over 100 kills for the first time in the past 15 seasons. Of note, five of the seven players who tallied 100 or more kills are expected to return next season for the Panthers.
The 2021 campaign proved to be one of the most historic seasons in the history of Georgia State volleyball, as the Panthers reached the quarterfinals of the Sun Belt Championship for the first time since joining the conference.
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