DSU Volleyball Inks Seven Newcomers for Upcoming Season

DOVER, Delaware  -- The Delaware State volleyball program announced the signings of seven newcomers (Jada’ Canteen, Maya Dunston, Nevershi Ellis, NaKia Jones, Ayanna Lee, Amanda McAfee and Alliyah McBean) for this season.

“With the changes we have made in our roster this year, we are certain that we will do great things as well as conquer our learning curve,” said head coach Kisya Killingsworth, who’s entering her second season at the helm.  “We have a young squad this year, but with young talent comes hard work, dedication and a new found sense of winning.”

The following is information on each signee and a quote from Killingsworth:

Jada’ Canteen – Middle Hitter
6-1 * Freshman
Newark, Del. * Glasgow High School * AAU/Club Team: Champion Volleyball Club
Major: Secondary Education

Bio: Attended Red Lion Christian Academy (2010-11), Eastern Christian Academy (2011-13) and Glasgow High School (2013-14)... Born March 12, 1996 in Philadelphia, Pa… Daughter of Yolanda Jenkins… Sister to her twin brother, Frederick… Cousin to current Michigan Wolverine wide receiver, Freddy Canteen.

Killingsworth on Canteen: “Jada’s blocking presence to our front row will be a great addition to our squad this year, along with adding depth to our middle blockers position.”

Maya Dunston – Outside Hitter
5-9 * Freshman
Newark, Del. * Glasgow High School * AAU/Club Team: Champion Volleyball Club
Major: Movement Science 

Bio: Four-year varsity standout in volleyball… Recorded 22 kills, 25 aces and seven digs as a freshman, in addition to earning the Coaches Award…  As a sophomore, posted 49 kills, 20 aces, 17 blocks, 16 digs and three assists, along with garnering the Coaches Award and Athlete of the Month (October) honors… Tallied 37 kills, 20 aces, 17 blocks, 10 digs and one assist as a junior… As a senior, totaled 50 kills, 21 aces, 17 blocks, 32 digs and 11 assists, in addition to earning Team Most Valuable Player honors… Daughter of Roland and Rosetta Dunston… Sister to Jerome, Roland and Marquisha… Born Nov. 16, 1996 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Killingsworth on Dunston: “Her hard work and dedication will be great for the program as well as her ability to be coachable and wanting to be great asset.”

Nevershi Ellis – Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
5-7 * Freshman
Chicago, Ill. * Harlan Community Academy High School * AAU/Club Team: Club Kace
Major: Biology 

Bio: Earned four varsity letters in volleyball… Was a part of three conference championship teams… Led the team in kills her last two seasons, while leading the squad in blocks as a senior… During senior season, earned De La Salle All-Tournament Team honors, whereas the team finished as a Regional State finalist… Born Aug. 22, 1996 in Chicago, Ill., where she currently resides… Daughter of Wendel and Tamarah Ellis… Sister to Syncere and Wyndel.

Killingsworth on Ellis: “She will help anchor the outside hitters as well as the back row defense. Nevershi will contribute quickness, excitement and will be another great leader to follow behind current Hornet Jasmine Jackson.”

NaKia Jones – Middle Blocker
5-9 * Freshman
Chicago, Ill. * Harlan Community Academy High School * AAU/Club Team: Club Kace
Major: Sports Management

Bio: Earned varsity letters in basketball (three), cheerleading (one), cross country (one) volleyball (four) and track & field (three)… Was a part of four consecutive conference championship teams in volleyball... Track & field wise, was a three-time indoor Chicago Public Schools (CPS) 400-meter champion and 400-meter IHSA 2A State Qualifier (outdoor)… Academically, graduated with a 4.37 grade point average, in addition being a National Honor Society member and a Principal’s Scholar honoree… Four-time Harlan Scholar Athlete honoree… Born Sept. 27, 1995 in Chicago, Ill… Daughter of James Shelton Jr. and LaKisha Jones… Sister to NaKyel… Father James played football at Memphis (1986), while mother LaKisha was a track & field standout at Chicago State (1991-94)… Cousin to current Tennessee women’s basketball standout Jasmine Jones.

Killingsworth on Jones: “Adding someone like NaKia will upgrade our offensive and defensive presence at the middle blocker position. With her leaping ability, paired with her ability to hit smart shots, she makes for a perfect addition to our squad.”

Ayanna Lee – Outside Hitter/Libero/Defensive Specialist
5-5 * Freshman
Washington D.C. * Lanham Christian School * AAU/Club Team: Evolution Volleyball
Major: Undecided

Bio: Four-year varsity volleyball standout… As a freshman, earned Second Team All-League honors… Over the next three seasons, she earned First Team All-League recognition, in addition to Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior… Born Nov. 24, 1996 in Washington D.C… Daughter of Anthony and Earlene Lee… Sister to Tonisha, Aleah and Tiara… Cousin to Usama Young, who currently plays in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders.

Killingsworth on Lee: “Ayanna will do an excellent job of anchoring our back row defense. From her ability to read the court, to her communication skills, she will make an impact for years to come.”

Amanda McAfee – Middle Hitter
5-8 * Junior
Clinton Township, Mich. * Macomb Community College (Chippewa Valley High School) *
AAU/Club Team: Dynasty Volleyball Club
Major: Nursing

Bio: At Macomb C.C., finished third on the team as a freshman in hitting percentage (23.5%), blocks (198), blocks per set (1.75) and points (265) on her way to earning Most Improved Player, All-Eastern Conference Third Team and All-Freshman Team honors… In high school, earned three varsity letters in volleyball… Received All-Class A Honorable Mention and All-Academic Team honors… Born March 10, 1994 in Detroit, Mich… Daughter of Vanzetti and Monique McAfee… Sister to Vanzetti Jr. and Quentin McAfee.

Killingsworth on McAfee: “Amanda’s ability will bring the hitting diversity we are looking for, along with the experience of already playing on the collegiate level. Her versatility to play any position within the front row gives us the option to run numerous routes to give opposing team’s problems.”

Alliyah McBean – Libero
5-5 * Freshman
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. * St. Thomas Aquinas High School * AAU/Club Team: Boomers Volleyball
Major: Forensic Biology

Bio: Three-year varsity standout in volleyball… Best season occurred during senior campaign by posting an 18.7 service ace percentage, 217 digs and 24 assists on her way to earning BCAA All-Star First Team honors… Academically, was named to the Principal’s Honor Roll list… Born Oct. 26, 1995 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla… Daughter of Richard and Danielle McBean… Sister to Alyssa.

Killingsworth on McBean: “The plan for Alliyah is to solidify our Libero position. With her hard work ethic and her ability to read hitters, I am sure Alliyah will have great success here at DSU and in the MEAC.”

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