Saturday, August 4, 2012

Wildcats sign in-state volleyball transfer Mariah Katoa


Courtesy: Weber State

OGDEN, Utah - The Weber State University women's volleyball team is pleased to announce the signing of Mariah Katoa to a scholarship for the 2012 season.

Katoa, a versatile 6-foot hitter/blocker, joins the Wildcats as a transfer from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she redshirted as a true freshman. Katoa will have four seasons of eligibility remaining for the Purple and White.

"Mariah was one of the most sought after recruits in her class from the state of Utah," Weber State coach Tom Peterson said. "We are very fortunate that she has chosen to transfer to our program. She comes from a wonderful family that also has a rich athletic background."

A 2011 graduate of Layton High School in Layton, Utah, Katoa was a four-year starter and three-time All-Area selection by the Standard-Examiner while playing for the Lancers. She was a two-time all-state selection. Katoa was recruited out of high school by Texas A&M, Washington State, Colorado State, Oregon, Maryland, Utah, UNLV, and others, before originally committing and signing with the Cougars.

"Mariah has what I call a ‘good arm,'" Peterson said. "She can hit the volleyball as hard as anyone around. I can already see her being a crowd pleaser because of her dynamic hitting ability. I believe because she is still a freshman that she has a chance to really be a standout for our team."

Katoa played club volleyball for Club V and Utah Elite, playing at the elite level for three years and participated in the Junior Olympics.

Her father, Fotu, was an All-American football player at BYU, and her mother, Elizabeth, was an All-American track runner for the Cougars.

"Mariah is such a good athlete, I hesitate to place her in any one particular position on the court," Peterson said. "We may look at her playing more than one position and see what benefits our team the most."

Weber State begins its 2012 season on Aug. 24, against the University of Portland, in Logan, Utah.

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