Volleyball | December 10, 2021

AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken, in conjunction with head volleyball coach Glenn Cox, is pleased to announce the signing of two student-athletes for the upcoming 2022-23 academic year.

Tucker Patterson and Anna Sommer will continue their athletic and academic careers at USC Aiken beginning next fall.

"I am super excited about signing these two awesome student athletes early," Cox said. "Covid made the past year quite challenging for both coaches and student athletes at every level but we were able to persevere and got both of these high-level, superior character, prospects on campus to visit. We are certain they will both do big things for our program and we can't wait to move them into the dorms this coming fall." 

Patterson, a 5-10 right-side hitter from Lexington, Ky., posted 400 kills during her senior season at Lexington Christian Academy. A three-time all-city selection, she accounted for 300 digs her junior campaign. Patterson guided her team to the all-A championship twice. She played club ball for Lexington United Volleyball.

"Tucker Patterson is a solid multidimensional left handed right side that will be a force offensively as well as an imposing block for the Pacer front line," Cox stated. "Tucker has spent countless years playing with the Lexington United club and is a well-trained, fundamentally sound, all-around gamer. We knew immediately on her visit that she would be a great addition to our program. Every great team needs a few talented lefties and we are super excited to see what her future as a Pacer has in store for her.   
 
Sommer, a 6-1 middle blocker from Ballwin, Mo., was a four-year all-conference and all-district selection at Parkway South H.S. She ranked No. 1 in the St. Louis Metro Area for kills/set with 5.87 as a senior (569 kills as a senior). Sommer was a three-time all-tournament team honoree. She holds the school record for career kills. Sommer played club ball for High Performance-HPSTL.

"Anna Sommer brings us a trip hammer of an arm swing that will offer a lot of point scoring opportunities to the Pacer offense in the middle hitter position," Cox said. "Having been trained by both Rockwood Thunder and High Performance club teams she will surely be a force blocking and attacking.  Anna is a hard worker and literally thrives on performing under pressure. Growing up in a household of former Division I athlete parents tends to help produce the type of pure talent Anna will bring to the Pacer Volleyball family."