Green Bay Volleyball Adds Four Newcomers to 2025 Roster

2/10/2025 2:31:00 PM

GREEN BAY, Wis. – On Monday afternoon, the Green Bay volleyball program and head coach Abbey Sutherland announced the addition of four newcomers to the 2025 recruiting class.

KAYLA BIRMINGHAM | FR. | OAKLAWN, ILL. | ST. LAURENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Two-time Team MVP
Two-time First Team All-State
Three-time First Team All-Conference
AVCA All-America Honorable Mention
Crescent News Player of the Year
Four-time Academic All-State
Honor Roll

Why Birmingham chose Green Bay: "I chose Green Bay because instantly I felt a strong connection within the team, and with the coaches, and I saw myself fitting in right away."

Coach Sutherland on Birmingham: "Kayla has a knack for making other people feel at ease. She will be a teammate that others know they can count on. She impresses me with her self-awareness, confidence, and perspective. As a player, she is powerful and versatile; she can take over matches. She has experience playing six rotations and doing it all for her team. I am super pumped to witness her elevate our play in our gym."

LAYLA CHRISTIAN | FR. | CHICAGO, ILL. | DEPAUL COLLEGE PREP

2X GCAC All-Conference Captain (2023, 2024)
Coaches Award (2024)
Most Improved Player (2021)
IHSA 3A State Finalist (2024)
2X IHSA 3A Regional Champion (2023, 2024)
IHSA 3A Sectional Champion (2024)
National Honors Society Member (2021-2025)
4.02 GPA

Coach Sutherland on Christian: "Layla possesses the intangibles that so many coaches look for in middles. She wants to get set and she will work hard in transition to be up for her team. We believe that she will inspire our current players to find ways to work harder. Additionally, Layla is versatile; she has the ability to take impressive rips from the right side. Layla is driven as a player, person, and student, and it's going to take her a long way in life!"

ALEXIS GARDNER | FR. | MUKWONAGO, WIS. | MUKWONAGO HIGH SCHOOL

Team MVP (2021)
Defensive Player of the Year (2022)
Two-time All-State Honorable Mention (2023, 2024)
All-Conference Second Team (2024)
All-Conference Libero of the Year (2023)
All-Conference Honorable Mention (2022)
Conference Runner-up (2024)
Top 5% of Graduating Class GPA

Why Gardner chose Green Bay "I chose Green Bay not only because of its positive and supportive environment, but also because of the strong sense of family I observed among everyone from the moment I first stepped on campus. From my initial visit, I knew Green Bay was where I wanted to call home. The campus offers a welcoming atmosphere that truly feels like a home away from home, where every individual is valued. The volleyball program embraced me from the start, and I quickly recognized the unique opportunities it provides—opportunities that no other university can offer. Green Bay is not just a college; it is a place where I can truly be myself and be supported to pursue my lifelong dreams."

Coach Sutherland on Gardner: "Alexis is going to extend the Gardner legacy, and she will do it with her own flair. She has been a fan of the program since she was young, and it's incredible to know that she's ready to take the stage at the Kress. Alexis has a competitive fire that levels up her game as a libero. Alexis is coachable, committed, and responsible. I am so excited to get to finally work with her on a daily basis."

ALEXA HERNANDEZ | FR. | GREEN BAY, WIS. | SOUTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL

Four-time Team MVP
Three-time First Team All-Conference
Three-time All-State Honorable Mention
Three-time Second Team All-Conference Captain
Four-time Varsity Letter Award
Post Crescent Terrific 10
Regional Champion (2021)

Why Hernandez chose Green Bay: "The coaching staff made me really right at home. The culture at Green Bay is not like any other. The girls welcomed me with open arms and push themselves to be the best they can be. It gives me the opportunity to play so close to home so that all of my friends and family can watch me."

Coach Sutherland on Hernandez: "We are so excited that Alexa is an early enrollee for the spring semester. She will make tons of strides individually while also pushing our team to improve. Alexa is passionate about the game, which makes it super fun to watch her run the floor. Phoenix Phans will love her! Alexa's commitment to GBVB's mission is evident and she will quickly earn respect from her teammates."

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