EAST GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T added five new volleyball players who will don the Blue & Gold next season for head coach Hal Clifton in the program's first season in the Big South Conference.

On Thursday, Clifton announced Ceci Carter (5-foot-9, OH/DS, Randleman HS, Randleman, N.C.), Natalia Gutierrez (5-foot-2, DS/L, Forest Park HS, Dumfries, Va.), Hannah Howell (6-foot-0, OH, St. Louis Park HS, St. Louis Park, Minn.), Maya Johnson (6-foot-1, MB, Bowie HS, Austin, Texas) and Laurel Rogers (5-foot-6, S, Apoka HS, Apopka, Fla.) will be the Aggie newcomers.

Carter played three seasons in high school under coach Kerry Mitchell, where she earned co-player of the year, all-county and all-conference. Carter played for Twin City Volleyball Academy club team for coach Amber Brandon. She also played beach volleyball and competed in outdoor track and field.

"We are thrilled to add Ceci to our volleyball family," Clifton said. "I've known Ceci for a number of years through camps and clinics, and we are so fortunate that she has chosen North Carolina A&T for her college career. 

She is an all-around player that has experience at almost every position. Her versatility makes her a challenger at every position. She has a great attitude and trains hard. She is willing to put in the work."

Gutierrez earned first-team all-conference district libero and first-team all-region honors three consecutive seasons starting in 2017. Also, in 2017, she secured Digs Prep Volleyball all-state honors in Virginia. Gutierrez earned her 1,000th career dig in 2019. Second-team all-state Class 6 honors came her way in 2019 as well. 

"I was so happy when Natalia committed to North Carolina A&T," Clifton said. "She is an excellent defensive specialist, and we are glad she chose North Carolina A&T. She makes great first touches and can cover some space. She reads attackers well, but her serve receive is very strong. She has played at a high level for many years, and those experiences will carry over well at the college level. She will challenge for playing time right away."

As a junior, Howell served as her team's varsity captain. She wore the title well, leading St. Louis Park to the section 6AAA championship as the school earned its first-ever trip to the state tournament. Howell secured all-conference honors for her efforts. In the classroom, she worked hard enough to become a National Honors Society Member. She lettered in softball and track and field as well.           

Howell played for Mizuno Northern Lights club team for coach Pat Madia. In 2017, the Mizuno Northern Lights won the Aspire National Championship, and Howell earned All-American and academic All-American accolades. Two years later, she had a repeat performance as Mizuno Northern Lights finished fifth, and Howell earned All-American and All-American academic honors. 

"We are excited to add Hannah to our 2021 recruiting class," Clifton said. "She is a true 6-rotation outside hitter. From the very beginning of the recruiting process, we knew we wanted Hannah in our program. She hits a heavy ball, plays good defense and does a nice job with serve receive. Hannah is a very driven player, always wanting to improve. It will be fun to have her in our gym and to watch her grow."

Johnson picked up 2018 All-District 25-6A honorable mention in 2018. The following year, she secured first-team All-District 25-6A honors. She played for Austin Junior Volleyball 18 Adidas and placed fourth at the North West Pacific Qualifier in 2018 and seventh place at Lone Star Regionals in 2018.

Johnson also competed in track and field in 200 meters, 400 meters, high jump, long jump, 4x100 meters and 4x400 meters.

"I was so excited when Maya chose North Carolina A&T," Clifton said. "We know she will make a great addition to our program both on and off the court. She is quick off the ground and has a very nice arm swing. She has experience in the middle and on the right side. She will add depth to both positions and will be challenging for playing time upon arrival. She has played at such a high level for a number of years and is continuing to show improvement. I can't wait to see how high her game will go."

Rogers' high school finished as FHSAA 7A District 3 runner-up in three straight seasons starting in 2018. She played for the Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy/OTVA 18 Emily club volleyball. During club volleyball, she helped her team qualify for the 2021 Beast of the Southeast National Qualifier as they finished in second place. Rogers was a 2021 Nike Mideast National Qualifier and finished fifth place. Her AAU team won the 2020 Girls National Volleyball Championship.

"We are happy to announce the addition of Laurel to our team," Clifton said. "She will add depth to our setter position. She does a very nice job of running the offense and can get her hitters in a position where they can score. She delivers a nice consistent ball that I think our hitters will love. She plays at a high level and has trained at a high level with her club. She will bring a competitive spirit into the gym."

The Aggies signed two in the fall with Niaya Sawtelle and Madison Sanabria to wrap up the 2021 recruiting class.