DENTON, Texas (Dec. 5) –TWU volleyball head coach Shelly Barberee announced the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent.  Jade Akins (Denton, TX), Makayla Mayfield (Decatur, TX), and Ashleigh Traylor (Bellville, TX) will become part of the Pioneers' 2015 team.
 
"We are thrilled to sign these three student-athletes," said Barberee.  "We are graduating another big class for the second straight year in the spring.  We expect Ashleigh, Jade and Makayla to contribute right away next season.  All three will come in with good resumes, both on the floor and in the classroom."
 
Akins, a 5-9 outside hitter, was a three-time All-District selection at Denton High School.  She earned first team honors in 2013 and 2014 and was named the 2014 All-District Offensive Player of the Year.  Akins helped her team to Bi-District finals all four years while capturing the title in 2012.  She finished her senior year this fall with 516 kills, 448 digs, 75 total blocks and 35 service aces.
 
Mayfield, also a 5-9 outside hitter, was a four-time All-District selection at Decatur High School.  She helped the team to four straight Bi-District championships and back-to-back state championships in 2013 and 2014.  Mayfield was named the 4A State Tournament MVP last month and 2013 and 2014 District MVP.  She finished her senior year this fall with 496 kills, 543 digs and 65 service aces.
 
Traylor, a 5-7 outside hitter and the younger sister of former TWU middle blocker LyGené Traylor, was a three-time All-District selection at Bellville High School.  She was also named the 2014 District MVP and a three-time team MVP.  Traylor finished her senior year this fall with 660 kills, 51 total blocks and 522 digs.