SSU VB welcomes eight newcomers to 2024 roster

Shawnee State head coach Devan Spriggs, along with Shawnee State assistant coach Sydney Seth, have brought in a sizeable recruiting class to SSU, as the volleyball program at Shawnee State added eight newcomers for the 2025-26 season on forward. Seven of the eight incoming talents hail from the Buckeye State while Allison Pittman, the eighth addition, comes by way of Royce City, Texas.

Of the eight additions, four of them -- Camille Hall, Sam Schobelock, Maelynn Howell and Brooke Bossert -- hail from the Ohio High School Athletic Association's (OHSAA) Southeast District.

A rundown of all eight individuals are below:

Allison Pittman, Jr. defensive specialist/setter (No. 3), Royce City, Texas (Dallas College Cedar Valley/Ottawa (Kan.)/Royce City HS)

A 5-6 junior, Allison Pittman brings solid credentials to the table -- as Pittman was an Honorable Mention All-Dallas Athletic Conference honoree at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) level.

Pittman posted 30 kills, 21 digs, seven solo blocks and 25 total blocks with Dallas College Cedar Valley as a sophomore during the 2023 season.

"I feel that with signing to play for the Shawnee State volleyball program, you are not only signing up just to play volleyball, but are committing to something way bigger," Pittman said. "By signing, you are showing your commitment to be a part of a team and are willing to work hard and show up, not only for yourself and your coach, but for your teammates."

Camille Hall, Fr. outside hitter (No. 5), South Point, Ohio (South Point HS)

A multi-sport athlete at 5-10 who will join fellow teammates Makaela Lovely and Haidyn Wamsley as volleyball talents in the fall and track and field standouts in the spring, South Point's Camille Hall brings with her a great deal of upside.

The 2023 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year in volleyball, Hall was a multi-time First-Team All-Ohio Valley Conference and First-Team All-District honoree in the sport. Hall, however, didn't just star in volleyball -- as the three-sport athlete was also named a three-time Division III All-Southeast District honoree in basketball, averaging 9.5, 12 and 14 points in each of her final three seasons to make the list. She ultimately obtained First-Team All-Southeast District honors during the 2023-24 season.

Lastly, in the sport of track and field, Hall was a five-time Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) State Qualifier between the 4-by-100, 4-by-200 and 4-by-400 meter relay events.

"It means a lot," Hall said of signing with Shawnee State. "I feel that signing doesn't just mean you're apart of the team but you're also apart of a community and a family. I've always wanted to play at the next level, and by doing so, it makes me feel accomplished. I've been playing sports my whole life and I'm excited to continue that path. I can't wait to see how the rest of my year goes."

Whytney Faulkner, Fr., outside hitter/defensive specialist (No. 7), Urbana, Ohio (Graham HS)

A talented outside hitter who continues to make large strides, Graham High School's Whytney Faulkner is one of two talents who will contribute to Shawnee State's success for the 2024 season on forward.

In her final two seasons of high school play alone, Faulkner nabbed 649 kills, 581 digs and 109 service aces -- and was honored as a two-time First-Team All-Central Buckeye Conference honoree out of the Mad River Division (2022, 2023). Faulkner led the entire conference in kills as a senior.

Through the early portion of her freshman campaign, Faulkner has already shown off the same multi-faceted abilities that already have her as an entrenched piece in Shawnee State's main rotation to begin her college career.

"It was always a dream of mine to continue my volleyball career at the collegiate level," Faulkner said. "Getting to play at SSU allowed me to follow through with that dream, and I could not be more excited for this opportunity. We play high level competition and I get to play with amazing, talented girls."

Camille McIntosh, Fr., middle hitter/outside hitter (No. 8), Urbana, Ohio (Graham HS)

Following a year away from playing the game of volleyball, Camille McIntosh will join the Shawnee State volleyball program for the 2024 season, joining former high school teammate Whytney Faulkner in the process of doing so.

During her senior high school season in 2022, McIntosh posted 268 kills and 68 blocks -- 51 of them being of the solo variety -- and was also named as a two-time First-Team All-Central Buckeye Conference out of the Mad River in 2021 and 2022. McIntosh ultimately finished her high school career with 161 total blocks.

"It means a lot to sign with the Shawnee State volleyball program," McIntosh said. "Coming from a year off of volleyball has been tough, but Coach (Devan) Spriggs and Coach (Sydney) Seth saw potential in me, and I could not be more grateful for them. The support from this program, whether it be from my coaches or teammates, has already made a significant impact on my journey as an athlete. I could not have chosen a better team or school to start my volleyball career back up with. I cannot wait for this season and more after."

Sam Schobelock, Fr., defensive specialist/outside hitter (No. 12), Chillicothe, Ohio (Chillicothe HS)

Coming in as another key piece who has helped Shawnee State's backline already, Chillicothe native Sam Schobelock contributed in a variety of ways throughout her senior season of high school to Chillicothe's lineup.

As a senior in 2023, Schobelock posted 106 digs, 90 kills and 32 service aces for the Cavaliers.

"Signing with the Shawnee State volleyball program was a journey where I was interested in finding my 'home away from home,'" Schobelock said. "I wanted to find the place where I could succeed academically and athletically, while also being able to hold a job and life back home with family and friends. I believe I found that here at Shawnee State. I have been a part of several volleyball programs throughout my career, and I feel that SSU gives me the greatest amount of support and opportunities. Go Bears!"

Mikalyn Woods, Fr., right side hitter (No. 19), Beloit, Ohio (West Branch HS)

Having come out of an excellent high school volleyball program, 6-1 freshman talent Mikalyn Woods showcased terrific improvement throughout her high school career.

Woods, who helped Beloit West Branch High School go 71-28 over her four seasons with the program, nabbed 549 kills, 312 blocks, 128 digs and 91 aces over her volleyball career with the Warriors. Woods had a strong year in 2023 from a personal perspective, helping West Branch go 17-7 by nabbing 225 kills on a terrific .353 attack percentage to go along with 53 total blocks and 48 aces.

Additionally, Woods was a critical low-post piece in West Branch's 23-3 campaign on the girls basketball side of the spectrum in 2023-24, one that resulted in the Warriors advancing to the OHSAA Division II Northeast District Championship Game.

"Signing with Shawnee State has opened many doors for me academically and athletically, so being given this opportunity is something I could not pass up," Woods said. "Being a part of the NAIA and Shawnee State Athletics will open many doors in my future. When you add that with that the wonderful tuition packages, great housing, beautiful campus, and wonderful teammates and coaches, I knew that this would be the place for me to call my second home."

Maelynn Howell, Soph. outside hitter (No. 19), West Portsmouth, Ohio (Portsmouth West HS)

A 5-9 sophomore who is making the transition from the basketball hardwood to the volleyball court, Maelynn Howell has talents that many are already familiar with.