Northwestern University Athletics

Cleo Hardin Joins Northwestern Volleyball
7/8/2024 3:30:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern volleyball will welcome first year Cleo Hardin to the roster this fall, head coach Tim Nollan announced Monday. Hardin will join Ava Pratt in the incoming class of first years ahead of the 2024 season.
Cleo Hardin
6'3" - Outside Hitter
Menlo Park, Calif. / Menlo School
Vision Volleyball Club
Follow Cleo: Instagram
High School: Four-year letter-winner at Menlo School, where she captained the team her senior season... ranked a top-7 recruit out of California by Prep Dig... helped lead Menlo to their most successful season in program history, culminating in a trip to the CIF-State Open Norcal Semifinals in 2021... part of two league championship teams (2021, 2023) with the Knights... totaled 840 kills over three high school seasons... finished third highest in kill percentage in the state during her senior season... earned WBAL First Team honors in 2023 and WBAL All-League Team honors in 2021... named to the Prep Dig 2024 Watchlist... competed with Vision Volleyball Club for her final three seasons of club play… in club play, helped the team to a league championship in all three seasons… finished 2022 tied for eighth in the country ahead of a top-20 finish in 2023.
Personal: Four-year honor roll student... step-mother Sarah Russel played college basketball at Harvard, where she was part of the first 16-seed to beat a 1-seed in NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament history... anticipated major is undecided.
Hardin on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of the endless opportunities it provides for its student-athletes throughout college and beyond. The combination of attending a top-10 university and getting to play volleyball in the Big Ten is so unique and special."
The 'Cats will begin their first season under Nollan this August. Fans can secure their seat inside Welsh-Ryan Arena for the upcoming season by placing a $25 deposit for season tickets. A member of the Northwestern Ticket Office will be in contact once tickets are available for purchase.
Cleo Hardin
6'3" - Outside Hitter
Menlo Park, Calif. / Menlo School
Vision Volleyball Club
Follow Cleo: Instagram
Welcome home, Wildcat ??
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) July 8, 2024
Excited to welcome Cleo Hardin to the team! ????#GoCats | @B1GVolleyball pic.twitter.com/3hplqRwfBF
High School: Four-year letter-winner at Menlo School, where she captained the team her senior season... ranked a top-7 recruit out of California by Prep Dig... helped lead Menlo to their most successful season in program history, culminating in a trip to the CIF-State Open Norcal Semifinals in 2021... part of two league championship teams (2021, 2023) with the Knights... totaled 840 kills over three high school seasons... finished third highest in kill percentage in the state during her senior season... earned WBAL First Team honors in 2023 and WBAL All-League Team honors in 2021... named to the Prep Dig 2024 Watchlist... competed with Vision Volleyball Club for her final three seasons of club play… in club play, helped the team to a league championship in all three seasons… finished 2022 tied for eighth in the country ahead of a top-20 finish in 2023.
Personal: Four-year honor roll student... step-mother Sarah Russel played college basketball at Harvard, where she was part of the first 16-seed to beat a 1-seed in NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament history... anticipated major is undecided.
Hardin on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of the endless opportunities it provides for its student-athletes throughout college and beyond. The combination of attending a top-10 university and getting to play volleyball in the Big Ten is so unique and special."
The 'Cats will begin their first season under Nollan this August. Fans can secure their seat inside Welsh-Ryan Arena for the upcoming season by placing a $25 deposit for season tickets. A member of the Northwestern Ticket Office will be in contact once tickets are available for purchase.
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