Northwestern University Athletics
Volleyball Welcomes Two on National Signing Day
11/14/2024 5:49:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern volleyball announced the additions of two incoming first years on Thursday. Outside hitter Bella Bullington and middle blocker Kayla Kauffman will join Head Coach Tim Nollan's squad for the 2025-26 season.
"Both Kayla and Bella are incredible additions for our Northwestern volleyball family and will help this program soar to new heights," said Nollan about the newcomers.
BELLA BULLINGTON
OH • Orland Park, Ill. • Marist
High School: Four-year varsity player at Marist, where she was a two-time All-State and four-time All-Conference honoree… AAU and Under Armour All-American… named the East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year in 2023… helped the Redhawks to a State Final in 2024… AAU team Sports Performance finished in second place in 2024… competed against current Wildcat Gigi Navarrete in high school… Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar, and member of National Honor Society… mom Lauren played collegiate volleyball at Ball State… dad Bryan was the first overall draft pick in the 2002 MLB Draft and played professionally in both the United States and Japan… anticipated major is biology.
Nollan on Bullington: "Bella is a great six rotation outside hitter from Chicago! She plays relentlessly and is trained by one of the best clubs around. I can't wait to get her in a Northwestern jersey, playing for the 'Cats."
Bullington on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because I know it will give me the best possible opportunities to succeed both academically and athletically. The competitive level of the Big Ten conference is unmatched, and Northwestern offers a world-class education. It truly is the best of both worlds, and I am so excited to be a Wildcat!"
KAYLA KAUFFMAN
MB • Loveland, Colo. • Thompson Valley
High School: Three year letter-winner in volleyball at Thompson Valley… first-team All-Conference selection and two-time second-team All-State selection… helped the Eagles to three conference championships, three state championship appearances, and two state titles… hit .470 with 132 blocks during her junior year… won Nationals her 16s year with her club team… anticipated major is psychology.
Nollan on Kauffman: "Kayla is a middle blocker that has a motor that just doesn't stop. She can score off of two feet or one, and her competitive edge will translate at the next level. I am so excited for the opportunity to coach her through her college career."
Kauffman on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of the competitive academics as well as the competition in the Big Ten."
"Both Kayla and Bella are incredible additions for our Northwestern volleyball family and will help this program soar to new heights," said Nollan about the newcomers.
BELLA BULLINGTON
OH • Orland Park, Ill. • Marist
High School: Four-year varsity player at Marist, where she was a two-time All-State and four-time All-Conference honoree… AAU and Under Armour All-American… named the East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year in 2023… helped the Redhawks to a State Final in 2024… AAU team Sports Performance finished in second place in 2024… competed against current Wildcat Gigi Navarrete in high school… Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar, and member of National Honor Society… mom Lauren played collegiate volleyball at Ball State… dad Bryan was the first overall draft pick in the 2002 MLB Draft and played professionally in both the United States and Japan… anticipated major is biology.
Nollan on Bullington: "Bella is a great six rotation outside hitter from Chicago! She plays relentlessly and is trained by one of the best clubs around. I can't wait to get her in a Northwestern jersey, playing for the 'Cats."
Bullington on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because I know it will give me the best possible opportunities to succeed both academically and athletically. The competitive level of the Big Ten conference is unmatched, and Northwestern offers a world-class education. It truly is the best of both worlds, and I am so excited to be a Wildcat!"
Welcome to Northwestern, Bella!
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) November 14, 2024
We're so excited to have you in the Wildcat family ?? pic.twitter.com/YSAbCACIva
KAYLA KAUFFMAN
MB • Loveland, Colo. • Thompson Valley
High School: Three year letter-winner in volleyball at Thompson Valley… first-team All-Conference selection and two-time second-team All-State selection… helped the Eagles to three conference championships, three state championship appearances, and two state titles… hit .470 with 132 blocks during her junior year… won Nationals her 16s year with her club team… anticipated major is psychology.
Nollan on Kauffman: "Kayla is a middle blocker that has a motor that just doesn't stop. She can score off of two feet or one, and her competitive edge will translate at the next level. I am so excited for the opportunity to coach her through her college career."
Kauffman on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of the competitive academics as well as the competition in the Big Ten."
Welcome to Northwestern, Kayla!
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) November 14, 2024
We're so excited to have you in the Wildcat family ?? pic.twitter.com/ZFlav4C2Sl
Players Mentioned
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