Arizona volleyball inked three of the nation's premiere prep players on Wednesday, head coach Dave Rubio announced. Paige Whipple, Katie Smoot and Candice Denny submitted letters of intent on Wednesday's National Signing Day.
 
"On paper, I think it's one of the best classes that we've had in maybe 10-15 years," said head coach Dave Rubio. "Last year's class was arguably the best class that we've ever signed, and that was mostly based on potential, but this class is based on kids that are skilled and have been playing volleyball for a very long time and can play volleyball at a very high level. They add aptitude and physicality that we need. The ability to play right away was a big reason we were able to get their attention and ultimately sign these guys."
 
All three were named Senior Aces by PrepVolleyball.com. Whipple, an outside hitter from Salem, Oregon, was named the 27th best recruit in the country while Smoot, an outside hitter from Belmont, California, was placed 63rd and Candice Denny, a middle blocker from San Jose, California, was named No. 86.
 
"We feel that we've got the perfect mix of players," said Rubio. "Their personalities and their work ethic and character are things that speak to me louder than their physical skills.

Candice Denny
6-2 | MB
San Jose, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty H.S.)
 
No. 86 recruit nationally by Prep Volleyball … Second-team Under Armour All-American in 2016 … MVP and first-team all-league performer in 2016 … Three-time state champion at Archbishop Mitty … Named 2015 WCAL second-team all-league.
 
Coach Rubio says: "She's very smooth, very athletic middle who can function at a very high level. Her signature swing is anything behind the setter, she's very terminal. She understands the game and competes at a high level. She's very similar to Halli Amaro, who graduated last year."
 
Prep Volleyball says: "Denny is a smooth, fluid athlete who couples an elite arm with terrific third-contact control and outstanding speed. She attacks off one leg about as well as any player in the class, using long strides to get quickly behind the setter and a wicked arm swing and snap to put the ball down before the defense has a chance to get set. You can block her line and she will crush angle. Block her angle and she will kill you line. Denny isn't your broad-shouldered physical middle. She is slick and quick and gets up quickly and with elevation on the block. Her serve also is tough to receive. Denny's back row defense is improving, thanks to time spent on the beach. She could be an asset at Arizona, where she has committed, in the middle or on the right side."
 
Candice says: "I really love the coaches, they've always been fun to talk to. They make me feel like I'm going to be at home at Arizona, so I'm very excited."
 
 
Katie Smoot
6-1 | RS/OH
Belmont, Calif. (Notre Dame Prep)
 
No. 63 recruit nationally by Prep Volleyball … Max Prep all-state and first-team all-league performer as a junior … Three-time team MVP and two-time all-league first teamer.
 
Coach Rubio says: "Katie Smoot may be the most physical player we've recruited in several years. Plays back row as well and still has a little work to do there, but her front row potential is off the chart for us. She's someone who can score at the highest level. She has a big physical presence – she can block and terminate."
 
Prep Volleyball says: "Known as "Big Red," Smoot is an extreme power hitter with one of the better arms in the class. She plays high and hits hard. Harder than hard actually. Capable of attacking on either pin or out of the back row, Smoot is that player on the roster who wins you points regardless of where she is on the court. She is an ultimate terminator. Smoot also has a big block, which makes her a natural on the right side; and is a competent and improving serve receiver. 'She has played a lot of beach, which has been great for her in advancing her back row game as well as fitness level of the game,' said high school and club coach Jen Agresti. 'Katie is a work horse. She will work hard every single point and never back down. She is respected by her peers so much because they all have watched her put in the work to get where she is.' Smoot has committed to Arizona. She has all the key elements to be a special player in the Pac-12."
 
Katie says: "I chose Arizona because I have always wanted to play in the Pac-12 and I love the atmosphere the coaches and team create at Arizona."
 

Paige Whipple
6-2 | OH
Salem, Ore. (West Salem H.S.)
 
 
Coach Rubio: "Paige is a six-rotation player who has both the feel and the touch to play in the back row immediately. She can serve receive in all rotations and she has the physical qualities to compete at the highest level in the front row. She has terrific aptitude as well. She's going to be put in a position immediately to see minutes."
 
Prep Volleyball says: "Whipple is a six-rotation outside hitter who possesses all the skills required for high-level success. She is a tremendous natural passer who can also attack high, hard and with range from either pin or from the back row both in and out of system. Her attacking style is relentless. She is a good choice to set in system but a fantastic choice when the pass is bad because of her knack for scoring even in the most difficult of circumstances. She is terminal out of the back row. Whipple has an amazing platform and usually passes half the court in serve receive in all six rotations. Defensively, she combines strength and desire to dig up a ton of balls. Whipple has the ability to shut down any hitter on the court and can do it one-on-one. Off the court, this multi-sport athlete is one of the best teammates you will ever see and is such an amazing role model to everyone who meets her. She helps out at NPJ practices, always cheers on other teams from the club and last year made it her goal to learn the names of all 200 girls in the club. Whipple is headed to Arizona. She will make an impact in Tucson in myriad ways."