Saint Louis head volleyball coach Kent Miller has announced the signing of four student-athletes, including three of the best local talents, to National Letters of Intent to attend the University and play for the Billikens beginning next fall.

The new Billikens are outside hitter Emily Henken (St. Louis, Mo./Cor Jesu Academy), middle blocker Jillian Mattingly (St. Louis, Mo./Cor Jesu Academy), right-side hitter Delaney Rice (Marion, Iowa/Marion High School) and defensive specialist Carlie Rodgers (St. Louis, Mo./Lindbergh High School).

"We are extraordinarily excited about or 2020 incoming class," Miller said. "We are bringing in four exceptional student-athletes who are already competing at a very high level and will not only help our program compete for Atlantic 10 Championships and beyond, but they will also be dedicated students and quality people."

"They will live the Athletic Deparment's strategic objectives to Educate, Compete and Build Community," Miller said.

Rice is following family footsteps in joining the Billikens, as her sister Chloe is a sophomore on the women's basketball team at the University. Rice has recorded over 800 kills and 190 blocks in her career at Marion High School, and she's tallied over 40 aces with 0.84 serve efficiency this season.

"Delaney will be a force in both blocking and attacking because of how well she utilizes her great length and size," Miller said. "She will add exciting options to our offense."

Henken and Mattingly are two of the signees from the St. Louis area, both coming from Cor Jesu Academy, where they've won consecutive District Championships from 2016-19.

Like Rice, Henken also comes to SLU with Billiken blue already in her blood. Her mother, Carol Groszewski, played basketball at the University from 1987-91. 

"Emily is an exceptional volleyball player who has great size and is very skilled in all aspects of the game," Miller said. "We expect her to contribute both at the net and in the back court."

Mattingly has earned three Academic All-State honors in her career at Cor Jesu Academy, where she's led the conference in blocks-per-game and middles in kill percentage in each of her first three seasons.

"Jillian has natural blocking instincts and the capability to attack a variety of sets, allowing her to be a force at the net," Miller said. "She plays high above the net and can carry a significant offensive load."

Rogers joins the Billikens, following a career at Lindbergh High School that also included one basketball letter her freshman season. She's coming off an All-Conference first team nod her junior year.

"Carlie is an extraordinary defender and receives the serve at a high level," Miller said. "She brings a competitive attitude that is hard to match, and she knows what it takes to win."

To wrap things up, Miller said, "This class builds on our foundation of strong competitors and people of great character, and we couldn't be more excited for the future of our program."