CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball program announced the signing of NCAA Division I transfer Skyla Whitaker (5-10, OH, McDonough, Ga./Bethune-Cookman University). Whitaker is the fifth signee for the Golden Eagles joining Madison Klimek (DS, 5-5, Oakdale, Minn./Tartan H.S.), Charlee Krieg (MH/OH, 5-9, Cavalier, N.D./Cavalier H.S.), Kenzee Langlie (S, 5-6, Fargo, N.D./Fargo Davies H.S.), and Mara Weisensel (MH, 6-0, New Ulm, Minn./Minnesota Valley Lutheran H.S.).

"We are excited to add Skyla to our program, she will be a great addition to our team, university, and community," said Head Coach Sarah Rauen. "Skyla's physical skills will allow her to compete at a high level in our gym and conference, and as we got to know her it is clear she will fit in well with our program and University. We can't wait to get her to Minnesota and in the classroom and our gym!"

Whitaker is the first transfer for the Golden Eagles for the 2020 class. She adds to an outside hitter position that returns Lauren Wallace (R-Jr., OH, Bloomington, Minn.) and Deaira Gresham (Sr., OH, Maplewood, Minn.). Krieg also has the ability to play outside hitter for the Golden Eagles. Whitaker is strong both offensively and defensively. She also has been strong in her service game, as well.

Whitaker joins a group of five signees that will help replace five seniors that graduated from the program following the 2019 slate in Kaitlin Sikkink (Sr., MH, St. Charles, Minn.), Sabrina Leuer (R-Sr., OH/RS, Hamel, Minn.), Ali Schueler (R-Sr., DS, Howards Grove, Wis.), Alyssa Thomas (Sr., OH/DS, Marion, Iowa), and Meli Rodriguez (Sr., MH, Sarchi, Costa Rica).

Minnesota Crookston posted a 4-24 (2-18 NSIC) mark in 2019, but the record was not indicative of the improvement that was shown by the Golden Eagles as they were highly competitive in many matches. Minnesota Crookston took a set apiece from two historically strong NSIC programs in Minnesota State University and Southwest Minnesota State University. Minnesota Crookston is currently entering their fourth season under Head Coach Sarah Rauen.

The student-athlete listed as having signed a National Letter of Intent or Offer of Admission to play volleyball at the University of Minnesota Crookston have been verified by the Minnesota Crookston compliance office once they sign the National Letter of Intent or once the student-athlete has accepted an Offer of Admission for Minnesota Crookston.

Skyla Whitaker (5-10, OH, McDonough, Ga./Bethune-Cookman University)
Whitaker played two years at Bethune-Cookman University, a member of NCAA Division I and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, located in Daytona Beach, Fla. Whitaker played in 19 matches as a sophomore, with one start for the Wildcats. Whitaker had nine kills as a sophomore. She added 13 service aces during her second season with the Wildcats. Whitaker averaged 1.46 digs per set as a sophomore. During her freshman season, she appeared in all 32 matches with 69 kills for the Wildcats. She was fourth on the team in digs with 217 and third in service aces with 22. She had seven double-figure dig matches, including 15 vs. Jackson State University. Whitaker had nine kills in her college debut versus Texas Southern. She played high school volleyball at Ola H.S., helping her squad reach the Sweet 16 in the Georgia State tournament. She was an All-State performer, posting 437 kills and 323 digs as a senior. She was the Henry County Co-Player of the Year. Whitaker served as team captain for Ola H.S. She was a two-time team Most Valuable Player.

Whitaker was born Feb. 24, 2000. She is the daughter of Lee and Lisette Whitaker.