Volleyball Announces Class of 2027
6/23/2023
Head Brown volleyball coach Taylor Virtue has announced the Class of 2027. The four-person class includes Ally Panzloff, Melie Vaioleti, Kindell Welker and Yuna Yang.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Kindell, Ally, Melie and Yuna to the Brown Volleyball family," said Virtue. "Through the recruiting process each of them displayed a love for Brown and a desire to work hard in pursuit of championships. This class will bring depth to both the offensive and defensive pieces of our roster. Ally and Kindell bring a wealth of experience offensively while Melie and Yuna will add to our first and second touch. All four of them will be wonderful additions to our culture as we continue to grow and improve.”
Scroll to find an in-depth look at each newcomer.
Ally Panzloff
Outside Hitter | 6'1" | Huntley | Huntley, Ill.
- Played for Sky High Volleyball Club
- Named All-Conference three times, and named All-Area First Team and All-Area Second Team while at Huntley High School
- Three-time sectional champion
- Led team in kills, aces and serve receive percentage as a senior
- Three-time Quill and Scroll honoree, Illinois State Scholar and graduated Magna Cum Laude
Why Brown: “The unique opportunity of Open Curriculum, school culture and urban location."
Kindell Welker
Middle Blocker | 6'2" | Winter Park | Winter Park, Fla.
- Played for Top Select Volleyball Club
- FCAA All-Star Nominee
- First Team All-Metro Conference East
- Florida Scholar Athlete all four years of high school
Why Brown: "I love the level of competition that both the academics and athletics offer. It was important for me to find an environment where I could push myself in both wile still being in an inviting and close-knit community. I really feel like I have found that at Brown."
Melie Vaioleti
Libero | 5'7" | Punahou | Laie, Hawaii
- Played for Maunalani, RVCH and Ku'ikahi volleyball clubs
- Was selected Second Team All-State in 2022, and Honorable Mention All-State in 2021
- Named Durango Fall Classic All-Tournament Team, MaxPreps All-Tournament Team and JVA World Challenge All-Tournament Team in club play
- Competed in indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, golf and track at Punahou High School
Why Brown: "I want to have a balance of good academics and good volleyball. By choosing Brown, I hope to achieve both and more. The Brown University community is unlike no other. The support system, opportunities, network, and challenges it offers students are unmatched. Although it is far from home, I am excited for this next chapter!"
Yuna Yang
Setter | 5'10" | The Dalton School | New York, N.Y.
- Played Asphalt Green, NYC Juniors and Brooklyn Elite Volleyball Clubs
- Played five years of varsity volleyball at The Dalton School
- First junior to be named team captain and was named captain as a senior
- National Merit Scholarship finalist and was Maxima Cum Laude on national Latin exam
Why Brown: "I chose Brown because of the open academic environment and opportunity to play collegiate-level sports. Brown’s collaborative community and vibrant student life immediately attracted me as a student and athlete!"
