Ohio volleyball program loses one of its incoming recruits to Big 12
By Caleb Troop
April 3, 2008
New Ohio University head volleyball coach Ryan Theis has lost one of his two incoming recruits for next fall. Outside hitter Rachel Hockaday, from Maroa Forsyth High School in Illinois, has asked Ohio to let her out of her signed Letter of Intent.
“I had a conversation with (coach Theis), and Rachel talked with him last night,” confirmed Rachel’s father, John Hockaday. “She is in the process of getting out of that letter and is going to end up going to Iowa State.”
Hockaday, a highly recruited athlete out of Decatur, Ill., led her team to a 34-1 record and an appearance in the Illinois state semifinals last fall in her senior campaign under head coach Jamie Florey. A three-year captain, she also led her high-school team to a 35-2 record her junior season and played for the Illini Elite Volleyball Club.
“We wish her the best,” Theis said. “Clearly she and her family thought Ohio was not the right fit for her. Although we made our best effort to keep her, we understand she is choosing a different direction.”
John Hockaday said former OU head coach Geoff Carlston’s decision to become the new head coach at Ohio State was the overriding factor in his daughter’s change of plans.
“(Coach Theis) came and visited us here,” said Hockaday. “But it didn’t matter who they were going to bring in there.”
The elder Hockaday said the family was excited for Rachel to play in the Big 12 Conference for a strong Cyclones program at ISU. He said Iowa State came into the picture just recently.
He repeatedly praised Theis and departing Ohio Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt for their support in his daughter’s decision.
“Really, the whole program is a great program,” he said. “They want what is best for her. We were impressed with Kirby Hocutt and Ryan, and wish him all the best. They were totally great to work with.”
According to Theis, fellow 2008 recruit Katie Post (Streamwood, Ill.) is expected to honor her commitment and play for the Bobcats next season.
“My understanding is that it is her full intent to come to Ohio next fall. We are extremely happy to add her to the team,” he said.
The Bobcats will participate in a spring scrimmage inside the Convocation Center this Saturday at 10 a.m. Ohio will compete against Marshall, Division III Wittenberg University and Division II Wheeling Jesuit University. It is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
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