Volleyball Announces Class of 2028
5/9/2024
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Head coach Taylor Virtue has announced six newcomers to the Brown Volleyball program.
The Class of 2028 includes Fisayo Afonja, Julia Kakkis, Eve McLaury, Elizabeth Sessa, Elle Weaver and Sophia Wolfson.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome the Brown Volleyball Class of 2028 into our family this fall,” said Virtue. "Fisayo, Sophia, Elle, Julia, Elizabeth and Eve will all be wonderful additions to our culture as we continue to grow and improve our program. Through the recruiting process each of them displayed a love for Brown, an infectious competitiveness and a desire to work hard in pursuit of championships. Tactically and physically, this class will bring depth to our roster from both an offensive and defensive perspective. Fisayo, Sophia, Elle and Elizabeth bring a wealth of experience offensively and defensively while Julia and Eve will add to our ball control in both the first and second touch. All six of these athletes have had successful club careers, winning at the highest level of juniors volleyball which has without a doubt prepared them for the next level. I couldn't be more pleased to welcome them!
FISAYO AFONJA
Middle Blocker | 5'10" | Baldwin City, Kansas | Baldwin High School
A native of Baldwin City, Kansas, Afonja was a three sport athlete, playing volleyball, track and soccer. In volleyball she was a two-time Second Team All-State, All-State Honorable Mention, three-time Frontier League First Team and Honorable Mention honoree. As a senior she was named AVCA High School All-Region and All-Area Player of the Year. She was named All-Area First Team as a junior and All-Area Co-Player of the Year and All-State Tournament Team as a sophomore. She finished her career with 1,314 kills, 674 digs and 400 blocks. In the classroom, she was named AVCA Best and Brightest Second Team, High Honor Roll four times, was a National Honors Society Member for three years and a nine-time Frontier League First Team Academic.
Planned Concentration: Economics
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because the instant I was on the campus, it felt perfect. I could not imagine myself playing anywhere else or for someone else. I loved how the coaches ran things and how they balanced both the serious and fun parts of volleyball. The entire atmosphere of Brown is exactly what I wanted in a university."
JULIA KAKKIS
Setter | 6'1" | Huntington Beach, Calif. | Mater Dei
A native of Huntington Beach, Calif., Kakkis played both indoor and beach volleyball at Mater Dei High School. During her career, she was named All-CIF and CIFSS D1. Her teams won the CIFSS Championship, as well as the Open Division State Championship and National Championship. During her senior year, Kakkis was the Team MVP and was named All-Trinity League First Team. In the classroom, she was named to the Dean's Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honors Society.
Planned Concentration: Pre-Med
Why Brown?: "I wanted a high level of education and the ability to also play at a high level for volleyball.
EVE MCLAURY
Libero/Defensive Specialist | 6'0" | Fairfax, Va. | WT Woodson High School
A native of Fairfax, Va., McLaury was a multi-sport athlete competing in volleyball, swimming and track & field. She earned 11 varsity letters in her high school career. As a senior at WT Woodson High School, she was the court captain for the volleyball team that went 17-1 and won the Patriot District Championship, Region 6C Championship and Virginia State Class 6 Championship. Off the court, McLaury is the co-founder of the Odyssey of the Mind Mentorship Program.
Planned Concentration: Political Science and International Affairs
Why Brown?: "My experiences have shown me we are as motivated as those we choose to surround ourselves with in the things we love. Volleyball has played such a significant role in my development as an athlete and in my depth of character, so my goal has always been to continue to play in college for a D1, rigorously academic program. I am blessed Coach Virtue, Coach Chilcoat, and Coach Beaubrook have faith in me; their collaboration, positive personalities, and magnetism are huge draws for me as a player.
What excites me about Brown University is the flexibility to focus on coursework that interests each of us as individuals. Growing up outside the nation’s capital provides access to people from all over the world to be my world. Brown’s Political Science department is one of the most dynamic and largest, and I imagine the intellectual curiosity mirrors that of Washington, D.C. I am interested in double majoring at Brown, eventually earning a law degree, possibly teaching at a university, and likely running for office to make changes in policies from within the establishment.
Brown will offer both the foundation to build a fulfilling professional career where I can give back and an incredible college experience where I can contribute to a meaningful community, play D-1 volleyball, double major, and avoid STEM classes – all with students I have already met, bonded with, and respect."
ELIZABETH SESSA
Right Side | 6'2" | Hinsdale, Ill. | Hinsdale Central High School
A native of Hinsdale, Ill., Sessa was named All-State Second Team and AVCA All-Region Team as a member of the Hillsdale Central volleyball program. She was also named All-Conference three times and was a three-time Athlete of the Month. Playing for her club team, 1st Alliance Volleyball Club, Sessa won both the Windy City Qualifer and Great Lakes Region in the Open Divisions. Her club team also came third overall at Nationals. She is a four-time member of the All-State Academic Team as well as the Dean's List.
Planned Concentration: Computer Science/Economics
Why Brown?: "I chose Brown because of the unique opportunity to compete at a university that offers both high academics and athletics. The team and coaching staff were immediately welcoming and cultivated a culture I couldn't wait to be a part of."
ELLE WEAVER
Outside Hitter | 6'0" | El Dorado Hills, Calif. | Oak Ridge High School
A native of El Dorado Hills, Calif., Weaver played both volleyball and basketball at Oak Ridge High School. She was named League MVP as a senior and was All-League First Team as both a sophomore and a junior. Weaver was also named Prep Dig All-State First Team as a sophomore. In the classroom she was named to the Honor Roll all four years of high school and earned the California Golden Award.
Planned Concentration: Economics
Why Brown?: "I choose Brown because of the great academics, culture and volleyball."
SOPHIA WOLFSON
Middle Blocker | 6'"2" | Los Angeles, Calif. | The Buckley School
A native of Los Angeles, Calif., Wolfson was a CIF All-League honoree as both a junior and a senior and won the Coach's Award for Buckley Varsity Volleyball. She played club volleyball for Actyve Volleyball Club and San Gabriel Elite Volleyball Club. Her club teams finished first in the Pacific National Qualifier and third in the Girls Junior National Championships in 2022, while finishing second at the Salt Lake City Showdown in 2023. She was named to the Honor Roll all four years of high school.
Planned Concentration: Undecided
Why Brown?: I chose Brown because of the immediate sense of belonging I felt when I first set foot on campus. The welcoming atmosphere made me feel like I was part of a community where I could thrive both academically and athletically. Brown offers the perfect balance between pursuing high-level sports and receiving an outstanding education. Knowing that everyone there is striving for greatness further motivates me to excel in my endeavors."
