University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Volleyball Adds Three to 2015 Team
5/29/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
University of Minnesota volleyball head coach Hugh McCutcheon has announced that Toni Alugbue (Del Aire, Calif.), Sophie Beckley (Seattle, Wash.) and Kayla Buford (Canton, Mich.) will join the Golden Gopher volleyball program and will compete with the team this fall.
"We're extremely excited to have Toni, Sophie and Kayla join our program," McCutcheon said. "All three will add talent and depth to our roster and we look forward to working with them this fall."
Alugbue, a 6-foot outside hitter, is transferring to Minnesota from Notre Dame. An AVCA All-America honorable mention in 2012, Alugbue was also a first-team All-Big East selection that same year. During her time with the Fighting Irish, Alugbue played in 87 matches and 321 career sets, dating back to 2011. After sitting out the 2014 season due to an injury, Alugbue played in 30 and 31 matches during her sophomore and junior seasons, while establishing 918 career kills. As a junior, Alugbue was the team leader in kills (344), kills per set (2.89) and points per set (3.30). The daughter of Sylver and Anthony Alugbue, Toni earned a bachelor's degree in management consulting and will pursue a master's degree in applied kinesiology at Minnesota. Prior to her time at Notre Dame, Alugbue played volleyball for El Segundo High School and was an all-city selection and a PrepVolleyball Senior Ace.
"I decided to transfer to Minnesota for a number of reasons, but I primarily wanted a very competitive experience for my last year and to play in the Big 10 meant a lot to me," Alugbue said. "I have so much respect for Coach McCutcheon and his ability to develop players and I felt that Minnesota offered a commitment to excellence both on and off the court."
Beckley, 5-foot, 6-inch defensive specialist, played her high school career at Bishop Blanchet High School. As a senior last year with the Braves, Beckley also played as a six-rotation outside hitter, where she had 335 kills, 338 digs and 18 blocks. A two-time all-metro selection her senior and junior years, Beckley was also an honorable mention as a sophomore and freshman. A four-year letterwinner in volleyball, Beckley was also a part of the team that made a state appearance in 2013. Beckley played with her indoor and beach club team, Sudden Impact, from 13s-18s. For Sudden Impact, Beckley was the team's libero for their 15s-18s teams. On the beach, she finished first or second in every local beach tournament in the summer of 2014. The daughter of Jeanne Niese and Greg Beckley, Sophie is a member of the National Honor Society, first honor roll, a scholar athlete and graduates this spring.
"I chose the University of Minnesota because it's a good school, in a great city, with an intense volleyball program and an amazing coach," Beckley said. "A famous quote that comes to mind is: "If you want to be the best, you have to learn from the best." I am so excited to get the opportunity to play for Coach McCutcheon. I got in the car after my unofficial visit knowing that it was the place for me. I love it."
Buford, a 6-foot, 2-inch middle blocker, played for Canton High School and the Premier Volleyball Academy. Playing one year with Canton High School, Buford helped the Chiefs to a 32-13-1 division championship record when she had 81 kills and 73 total blocks. Buford played three years at the Premier Volleyball Academy, including two with its 18-Onitsuka team. In 2014, Premier and Buford took second at nationals, while playing in Nicaragua her junior year. The daughter of Tamika Higgins and Kevin Buford, was the president of her high school's DECA chapter and will graduate this spring from Canton.
"The reason I chose Minnesota is because it was an all-around perfect fit for me," Buford said.
The three additions join Samantha Seliger Swenson and Taylor Morgan, who signed in November.
| 2015 Gopher Additions | |||
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Hometown |
| Toni Alugbue | OH | 6-0 | Del Aire, Calif. |
| Sophie Beckley | DS | 5-6 | Seattle, Wash. |
| Kayla Buford | MB | 6-2 | Canton, Mich. |
| Margaret Eggert* | OH | 6-0 | Woodbury, Minn. |
| Taylor Morgan | MB/OH | 6-0 | Blaine, Minn. |
| Samantha Seliger Swenson* | S | 5-11 | Minnetonka, Minn. |
| * joined Gopher Volleyball in Spring of 2015 |
* joined the team during the 2015 spring season
