Northwestern University Athletics
Volleyball Welcomes Six Additions on National Signing Day
11/14/2025 11:54:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern volleyball announced the addition of six signees this week as part of National Signing Day. Head coach Tim Nollan will welcome two setters, two middle blockers and two outside hitters as first-years in the fall of 2026.
"This class gives us size, velocity and skill," said Nollan on the newcomers. "It is a great day for Northwestern volleyball."
KAITLYN BODNAR
S • Omaha, Neb. • Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
High School: Four-year varsity setter at Duchesne, where she captained the Cardinals her junior and senior years… reached 1,000 assists during her junior season before finishing her high school career with 1,882 total… helped by a personal record 55-assist game… led the team in aces both her junior (53) and senior (43) seasons, which ranked third in the district… also racked up 543 digs over four years… earned All-Omaha Area and Class B accolades her junior and senior seasons… also named to the River Cities All-Conference First Team in 2025 after earning Honorable Mentions the previous two seasons… competed in track and field for three seasons in middle and high school… was a competitive figure skater as a child… played club with team VCNebraska… member of National Honor Society… earned Academic All-Conference honors… dad Brian played collegiate baseball at Augustana… anticipated major is learning and organizational change.
Nollan on Bodnar: "I am thrilled to welcome Kaitlyn to Northwestern. She is a savvy setter from Nebraska who plays with passion and fire. She has good location and the ability to score points from the service line."
Bodnar on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because it offers top-notch academics alongside Big Ten athletics, the best of both worlds! I know Northwestern will allow me to grow tremendously outside of my sport to prepare me for life after volleyball, and I know the coaching staff within the volleyball program will push me to reach my full potential as an athlete!"
SIMONE HUARTE
OH • Sacramento, Calif. • Christian Brothers
High School: Four-year varsity player at Christian Brothers High School, where she was a four-time All-Conference team member and three-time scholar athlete… reached over 1500 varsity kills… captain of the team in her last two years of high school… Capital Valley Conference MVP in 2024… named the Falcons' varsity team MVP in 2025… helped her team to three conference championships… four-time sectional finalist and two-time sectional champion… AAU team, Omni Volleyball club, took first in the USA National Volleyball Championship in 2023… also placed first at the Red Rock Rave Qualifier in 2025… made honor roll all four years… anticipated major is economics.
Nollan on Huarte: "Simone is a great get for us. She brings length, ball control and velocity from the pin. She is a great competitor and I can't wait to get her in the gym."
Huarte on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because it is one of the few places that truly excels in both academics and athletics. I didn't want to have to compromise on either my education or my volleyball career. Northwestern gives me the opportunity to pursue a world-class degree while also competing at the highest level in the Big Ten."
HAYLEY SCHAAF
MB • Portland, Ore. • Catlin Gabel School
High School: Four-year varsity player and two-year captain… set the Catlin Gabel School record for career kills, with 1,434… four-time All-State and All-League honoree… named PrepDig's No. 1 middle blocker in Oregon for the class of 2026… also named to the Prep Volleyball Middle Blocker Watch List as well as the AVCA Phenom Watch List and the JVA Watch List… competed with club Athena VB, where she earned a place on the 2025 Girls National Championships All-Tournament after her team placed second… dad David played basketball and Mom Ashley competed in track & field at Emory University.
Nollan on Schaaf: "Hayley is an exciting get for our team. She is a fantastic attacker who can score points in bunches. Her lateral quickness and court vision will make her a force at the net."
Schaaf on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of its elite academics, its amazing location just outside Chicago, and the chance to compete at a high level in the Big Ten."
CLARA SCHRAMM
OH • Scottsdale, Ariz. • Chaparral
High School: Four-year varsity player at Chaparral High School… All-Region Player of the Year… two-time All-Region First Team and team Offensive Player of the Year… team captain in 2025… helped team to the final four in each of the last two seasons… averaging 4.3 kills per set on a .346 hitting percentage so far in 2025 season… won a national championship with club team Arizona Sky in 2024… member of National Charity League… dad Rob played basketball at USMA West Point… anticipated major is learning and organizational change.
Nollan on Schramm: "Clara is an exciting addition for the 'Cats. She is a dynamic pin attacker who has both range and velocity. She has been force blocking in both club and high school and I can't wait to bring her physicality to Evanston."
Schramm on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because it was the perfect balance between competitive athletics and excellent academics. Competing in the Big Ten has always been a dream of mine, and the incredible coaching staff made it clear that this is the best place for me to grow as both a player and person."
ELLIE STIERNAGLE
S • Wheaton, Ill. • Benet Academy
High School: Four-year varsity player at Benet Academy, where she recorded 1900 career assists… three-time Academic All-State… second team All-State, East Suburban Catholic League All-Conference and American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region team in 2025… three-time state runner-up… led Redwings to conference championship in 2025… named AAU Open All-American… received Copa International MVP in Brazil… won third-place with club Sports Performance at 17 Open and Triple Crown 16 Open… member and leader of the National Honor Society, four-time recipient of Honors with Highest Distinction and AP Scholar… competed against current Wildcat Bella Bullington in high school… dad Chris played football at Northwestern… anticipated major is sports broadcasting.
Nollan on Stiernagle: "I am beyond excited to welcome Ellie to the Wildcat family. She is a legacy at Northwestern which makes this even more special. She is an elite setter training with one of the best setting academies in the country; she can run tempo, sees the block well and is able to attack on two at a high level. Ellie is going to make an immediate impact for the 'Cats."
Stiernagle on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because I will have the opportunity to play in the best and most competitive conference, the Big Ten, while getting a world-class education! The coaching staff's vision for success drew me in and I can't wait to have the opportunity to grow a winning program. I am so excited to be a Wildcat!"
MAYA STILLWELL
MB • Sherman Oaks, Calif. • Harvard-Westlake
High School: Four-year varsity starter at Harvard-Westlake… two-year team captain… competed with AAU club SC Rockstar, where she was a 16U USA Volleyball Junior Nationals Open Division National Champion in 2024… earned bronze medals at USA Volleyball Junior Nationals in 2023 and 2025… named to three All-Tournament Teams in 2024… also played her way onto the Junior National Championships All-Tournament Team in 2025… named a 2025 17U Club First-Team All-American by Pro Volleyball… four-year honor roll recipient… dad Tom played men's volleyball at UCLA and competed with the US National Team.
Nollan on Stillwell: "Maya is a great addition for our volleyball team. She is a long middle blocker who dominates matches both blocking and attacking. She comes from a volleyball family and understands what it means to compete at the highest level. I can't wait to get her in the gym!"
Stillwell on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of the balance between high-level academics and athletics as well as its amazing location. But most importantly, the culture and community of the school and team is truly special and is something I knew I wanted to be a part of."
"This class gives us size, velocity and skill," said Nollan on the newcomers. "It is a great day for Northwestern volleyball."
KAITLYN BODNAR
S • Omaha, Neb. • Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
High School: Four-year varsity setter at Duchesne, where she captained the Cardinals her junior and senior years… reached 1,000 assists during her junior season before finishing her high school career with 1,882 total… helped by a personal record 55-assist game… led the team in aces both her junior (53) and senior (43) seasons, which ranked third in the district… also racked up 543 digs over four years… earned All-Omaha Area and Class B accolades her junior and senior seasons… also named to the River Cities All-Conference First Team in 2025 after earning Honorable Mentions the previous two seasons… competed in track and field for three seasons in middle and high school… was a competitive figure skater as a child… played club with team VCNebraska… member of National Honor Society… earned Academic All-Conference honors… dad Brian played collegiate baseball at Augustana… anticipated major is learning and organizational change.
Nollan on Bodnar: "I am thrilled to welcome Kaitlyn to Northwestern. She is a savvy setter from Nebraska who plays with passion and fire. She has good location and the ability to score points from the service line."
Bodnar on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because it offers top-notch academics alongside Big Ten athletics, the best of both worlds! I know Northwestern will allow me to grow tremendously outside of my sport to prepare me for life after volleyball, and I know the coaching staff within the volleyball program will push me to reach my full potential as an athlete!"
Welcome to Northwestern, @KaitlynBodnar! ??
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) November 12, 2025
We're so excited to welcome you to the Wildcat family ?? pic.twitter.com/VA767pqqXM
SIMONE HUARTE
OH • Sacramento, Calif. • Christian Brothers
High School: Four-year varsity player at Christian Brothers High School, where she was a four-time All-Conference team member and three-time scholar athlete… reached over 1500 varsity kills… captain of the team in her last two years of high school… Capital Valley Conference MVP in 2024… named the Falcons' varsity team MVP in 2025… helped her team to three conference championships… four-time sectional finalist and two-time sectional champion… AAU team, Omni Volleyball club, took first in the USA National Volleyball Championship in 2023… also placed first at the Red Rock Rave Qualifier in 2025… made honor roll all four years… anticipated major is economics.
Nollan on Huarte: "Simone is a great get for us. She brings length, ball control and velocity from the pin. She is a great competitor and I can't wait to get her in the gym."
Huarte on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because it is one of the few places that truly excels in both academics and athletics. I didn't want to have to compromise on either my education or my volleyball career. Northwestern gives me the opportunity to pursue a world-class degree while also competing at the highest level in the Big Ten."
Welcome to Northwestern, Simone! ??
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) November 12, 2025
We're so excited to welcome you to the Wildcat family ?? pic.twitter.com/HRr6Jr7h6Q
HAYLEY SCHAAF
MB • Portland, Ore. • Catlin Gabel School
High School: Four-year varsity player and two-year captain… set the Catlin Gabel School record for career kills, with 1,434… four-time All-State and All-League honoree… named PrepDig's No. 1 middle blocker in Oregon for the class of 2026… also named to the Prep Volleyball Middle Blocker Watch List as well as the AVCA Phenom Watch List and the JVA Watch List… competed with club Athena VB, where she earned a place on the 2025 Girls National Championships All-Tournament after her team placed second… dad David played basketball and Mom Ashley competed in track & field at Emory University.
Nollan on Schaaf: "Hayley is an exciting get for our team. She is a fantastic attacker who can score points in bunches. Her lateral quickness and court vision will make her a force at the net."
Schaaf on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of its elite academics, its amazing location just outside Chicago, and the chance to compete at a high level in the Big Ten."
Welcome to Northwestern, Hayley! ??
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) November 13, 2025
We're so excited to welcome you to the Wildcat family ?? pic.twitter.com/ZGKsfDdyZy
CLARA SCHRAMM
OH • Scottsdale, Ariz. • Chaparral
High School: Four-year varsity player at Chaparral High School… All-Region Player of the Year… two-time All-Region First Team and team Offensive Player of the Year… team captain in 2025… helped team to the final four in each of the last two seasons… averaging 4.3 kills per set on a .346 hitting percentage so far in 2025 season… won a national championship with club team Arizona Sky in 2024… member of National Charity League… dad Rob played basketball at USMA West Point… anticipated major is learning and organizational change.
Nollan on Schramm: "Clara is an exciting addition for the 'Cats. She is a dynamic pin attacker who has both range and velocity. She has been force blocking in both club and high school and I can't wait to bring her physicality to Evanston."
Schramm on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because it was the perfect balance between competitive athletics and excellent academics. Competing in the Big Ten has always been a dream of mine, and the incredible coaching staff made it clear that this is the best place for me to grow as both a player and person."
Welcome to Northwestern, Clara! ??
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) November 12, 2025
We're so excited to welcome you to the Wildcat family ?? pic.twitter.com/G1Xd8eMfAg
ELLIE STIERNAGLE
S • Wheaton, Ill. • Benet Academy
High School: Four-year varsity player at Benet Academy, where she recorded 1900 career assists… three-time Academic All-State… second team All-State, East Suburban Catholic League All-Conference and American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region team in 2025… three-time state runner-up… led Redwings to conference championship in 2025… named AAU Open All-American… received Copa International MVP in Brazil… won third-place with club Sports Performance at 17 Open and Triple Crown 16 Open… member and leader of the National Honor Society, four-time recipient of Honors with Highest Distinction and AP Scholar… competed against current Wildcat Bella Bullington in high school… dad Chris played football at Northwestern… anticipated major is sports broadcasting.
Nollan on Stiernagle: "I am beyond excited to welcome Ellie to the Wildcat family. She is a legacy at Northwestern which makes this even more special. She is an elite setter training with one of the best setting academies in the country; she can run tempo, sees the block well and is able to attack on two at a high level. Ellie is going to make an immediate impact for the 'Cats."
Stiernagle on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because I will have the opportunity to play in the best and most competitive conference, the Big Ten, while getting a world-class education! The coaching staff's vision for success drew me in and I can't wait to have the opportunity to grow a winning program. I am so excited to be a Wildcat!"
Welcome to Northwestern, @EllieS2026! ??
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) November 12, 2025
We're so excited to welcome you to the Wildcat family ?? pic.twitter.com/hUErq1ZoKJ
MAYA STILLWELL
MB • Sherman Oaks, Calif. • Harvard-Westlake
High School: Four-year varsity starter at Harvard-Westlake… two-year team captain… competed with AAU club SC Rockstar, where she was a 16U USA Volleyball Junior Nationals Open Division National Champion in 2024… earned bronze medals at USA Volleyball Junior Nationals in 2023 and 2025… named to three All-Tournament Teams in 2024… also played her way onto the Junior National Championships All-Tournament Team in 2025… named a 2025 17U Club First-Team All-American by Pro Volleyball… four-year honor roll recipient… dad Tom played men's volleyball at UCLA and competed with the US National Team.
Nollan on Stillwell: "Maya is a great addition for our volleyball team. She is a long middle blocker who dominates matches both blocking and attacking. She comes from a volleyball family and understands what it means to compete at the highest level. I can't wait to get her in the gym!"
Stillwell on Northwestern: "I chose Northwestern because of the balance between high-level academics and athletics as well as its amazing location. But most importantly, the culture and community of the school and team is truly special and is something I knew I wanted to be a part of."
Welcome to Northwestern, Maya! ??
— Northwestern Volleyball (@NUVball) November 12, 2025
We're so excited to welcome you to the Wildcat family ?? pic.twitter.com/WfUQKsUwLx
Players Mentioned
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