LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State volleyball team has added three freshmen and one transfer, head coach Mike Jordan announced Wednesday.
 
Alex Connatser, a 6-2 middle blocker from St. Petersburg, Fla., will head to Las Cruces after her senior season at H.B. Plant High. She is the daughter of Robert and Melissa Connatser.
 
"Alex has quick feet and a fast arm," Jordan said. "The quickness stands out. We think she'll be an elite blocker eventually and a real threat to score in transition."
 
Outside hitter Ashley Herman will also be donning crimson and white next year as she will come over after graduating from Bakersfield Christian in Bakersfield, Calif. The 6-1 standout has accumulated a hitting percentage of .367 and averaged 3.92 kills per set in three varsity seasons at Bakersfield Christian.
 
"Ashley is a taller outside hitter with some range," said Jordan. "She can hit it hard and uses the whole floor. She's a fairly advanced blocker at her position and we think with hard work she can play six rotations eventually."
 
Joining the Aggies from the junior college ranks is 6-1 outside hitter Jayde Shelton. The Menifee, Calif., native heads to Las Cruces from Blinn College where she spent the last two seasons. As a sophomore, Shelton helped lead the Buccaneers to a 38-1 record and a Region XIC Tournament Championship. She finished the season averaging 3.91 kills per set to rank first on her squad.
 
When asked about Shelton, Jordan said, "Jayde is a tall, quick, lefty that can score. She plays for a great coach and junior college program and she's a great teammate."
 
Taylor Snow hails from Salem, Utah, and is the final Aggie inked on signing day. She is a 6-1 middle blocker who earned Second Team All-State honors in 2020 at Salem Hills. She also led the Skyhawks to two straight 5A Region 9 titles in 2019 and 2020. 
 
"Taylor has a great arm and the ability to score at all three front row spots," Jordan said. "We love how versatile and competitive she is."