SILOAM SPRINGS -- Head junior varsity volleyball coach Steve Brankle announced the addition of four new Golden Eagles to the 2024 roster on Monday (Aug. 12) morning.
For a consecutive season, the Golden Eagles will tackle a full 18-match schedule, which debuts on Sept. 6 in Salina, Kan. JBU makes its first appearance inside Bill George Arena against Rose State (Okla.) on Sept. 19 - the first of four home matches on the slate.
In 2023, Brankle and John Brown completed its best season since its 2020 inception, boasting program records in both single-season wins (15) and win percentage (.833). JBU continued its dominance of other NAIA junior varsity programs, moving to 12-1 over the past two seasons.
"I am very excited about adding these four young ladies to what is already a special team," Brankle admitted. "Each recruit will compete for playing time on day one. While we lost six players, five to graduation, from last year's team that finished 15-3, I think this year's team has the potential to be even better.
"The seniors were the program's first recruiting class and built a great culture before handing that off to the returners. The team worked very hard this spring in the weight room and on the court. This showed in our spring tournament when we played a team that finished third at USAV 18's Nationals the week after, and we were the only team to sweep them. This was not due, necessarily, to our individual skills, but how well we play as a team. I was very impressed with our cohesiveness and I'm very excited to integrate Caroline, Saige, Lydia and Lillian into our culture. While 14 of our 18 matches are on the road, we will be excited to show our fans the results of our hard work at home. This team plays with so much joy and that is our strength. This team is hard to rattle and their unity and love for each other will keep us in every match."
| Player |
Ht. |
Pos. |
Hometown |
High School |
| Caroline Arsenault |
5-8 |
Outside Hitter |
Centennial, Colo. |
Homeschool |
| Saige Day |
5-10 |
Outside Hitter / Opposite |
Inola, Okla. |
Inola |
| Lydia Everhart |
5-4 |
Defensive Specialist |
New Field, N.Y. |
Charles O. Dickerson |
| Lillian Wilkie |
5-11 |
Outside Hitter |
Siloam Springs, Ark. |
Siloam Springs |
Brankle on Arsenanult: "Caroline is extremely athletic. She had a very successful high school volleyball career while also devoting time to competitive figure skating. In her busy schedule, she also played club for Believe Volleyball Club. Caroline's athleticism allows her to play all front row positions, and also has good ball control in the back row - she will be able to play anywhere we ask her. She is a quiet person but leads with her hustle and grit – letting her actions do the talking."
Why John Brown: "I loved how everything at JBU was centered around Christ. I knew that the Lord was going to use it to grow me in my faith as well as my volleyball skills. All of the girls were so welcoming. I could tell that the community at JBU is like no other." — Caroline Arsenault
Brankle on Day: "Saige is a natural outside hitter, but can play all front row positions and has played setter as well. She is coming off a very successful high school career where she amassed over 1,000 career kills – with several games over 20 kills. She earned Oklahoma High School All-State honors her senior year and will play in the OSSAA All-Star game before arriving at JBU. Saige will be a great fit with the team and I expect great things from her on the court. She is a natural leader; her style of play and her athleticism will fit right in with the team. Her experience playing club ball with Elevate Volleyball will bring additional experience to the court."
Why John Brown: "I knew going onto campus that this could be a place that I call home. The first time I went to JBU, it felt like home; it just felt right. I know being here, I can grow as a person, but mainly grow in my walk with God." — Saige Day
Brankle on Everhart: "Lydia follows her sister Jaedyn to JBU. She is coming off a great senior season in both her high school and club experience, helping lead her high school team to the NYSPHSAA state finals. Lydia's Lakers club team also won several tournaments this year. I am expecting the experience she gained on both these teams to be an asset to ours. She has played as a six rotation player throughout high school, however, she will primarily be used as a defensive specialist. I expect her to be a quiet leader on and off the court."
Why John Brown: "I have a sister that goes here and she loves it. The environment at the campus is amazing, as well as the volleyball team's connection." — Lydia Everhart
Brankle on Wilkie: "Lillian is coming off a great senior year where she helped lead her Siloam Springs High School team back to the AAA state tournament. She wasn't sure she wanted to play college volleyball, but her senior season under first year Coach Carrie Thammarath, who played at JBU, helped her find the love of the game again. Lillian is a very versatile player who can play all front row positions and is very athletic and very active at the net. Her serve also has a huge upside that we will work to enhance. Lillian played club at Ozark Juniors on high-level teams and that experience will be a great addition to ours."
Why John Brown: "I had not even considered JBU until I was offered to play volleyball. I believe God is the only reason why I ended up here. The community and size of JBU ended up being a perfect fit for me." — Lillian Wilkie
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