Volleyball | 11/9/2023 2:22:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Nov. 9, 2023) – On 2023 Signing Day, the Texas Woman's volleyball team welcomed two new star-studded Pioneers to their 2024 class.

"This class will provide excellence in all arenas for our program," TWU Head Coach Jeff Huebner said. "Two incredible students and two athletes whose parents have coached and played for a long time; so we love the versatility and volleyball IQ that is coming into our program in 2024."

From Clyde, Texas and Clyde High School, Abby Carr joins the Pioneers as a five-foot-10-inches-setter. A decorated champion, Carr comes to TWU as a four-sport varsity athlete, having played volleyball, run track and field and cross country and also cheered. Carr experienced success in all four sports.

In volleyball, Carr was named the 2021 District Newcomer of the Year, All-Big Country Third Team and Academic All-District. Carr continued to excel in the next year –earning First Team All-District honors, All-Big Country First Team and Academic All-District. Carr was also named a TGCA All-Star Setter, a Big Country Preps Player of the Week and to the THSCA Super Elite Volleyball Team and received the Bulldog Hustle Award.

Then, in 2023, Carr continued to shine and be honored for her talent. She was named Big Country Preps No. 1 Utility Player, nominated as captain by her team, Academic All-District, TGCA and THSCA Academic All-State. Carr also became the program's record holder for assists in a match.

Carr also led her team to postseason appearances in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, her team claimed the District Championship title and also the Bi-District Championship. Carr and her team repeated as Bi-District Champions in 2022. The 2023 postseason is currently still in progress.

Outside of volleyball, Carr attained success in track, cross country and cheer. As a four year varsity letter winner in track, Carr was a member of the All-State Track Team in 2021 and a Regional Medalist in 2021 and 2023. In all three years of competing in track, Carr was a four-time District Medalist, a four-time Area Medalist and a four-time Regional Qualifier. In cross country, Carr was a three-time Girls' Cross Country MVP, team captain in 2023 and a Regional Qualifier in 2021. A four-time UCA All-American cheerleader, Carr also excelled in cheerleading.

Outside of playing for Clyde High School, Carr most recently played volleyball for Key City Volleyball from 2021-23.

Carr also stayed committed to serving her community through Peer Assisted Learning Program and Backpacks 4 Kids. She also participated in Student Council, Beta Club, HOSA, PALS and served as an Office Aid.

"Abby is an incredible athlete at the setting position," Huebner said. "She is a physical and aggressive front-row setter and has a knack for winning. Her joy and passion allow her attackers to perform at a high level, and she continues to lead her high school program deeper than they have ever been in state playoffs. As a four sport varsity athlete, Abby's high-level competitiveness will be a huge value add to our program."

A six-foot outside hitter from Haslet, Texas, Payton Sandefer played volleyball at V.R. Eaton High School.

A proven winner, Sandefer has played volleyball for eight years. Sandefer is a decorated volleyball athlete. In 2020, Sandefer was named an AVCA Phenom and a UA invite. She continued to excel in 2021, repeating as an AVCA Phenom and UA Invite. Sandefer also added Second Team All-District to her resume in 2021. In 2022, her success continued, as she was named an AVCA Phenom, a UA Invite and Second Team All-District. This year, which is still in progress, Sandefer has already been named an AVCA Phenom and a UA invite.

Sandefer is also committed to success in the classroom. She was named Academic All-District in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, she was named the Math Student of the Year in 2021 and received the Student Excellence Award.

In the postseason, Sandefer led her team to playing in five rounds in 2021 and one round in 2022. She looks to continue guiding her team to success in the postseason in 2023.

Outside of playing for V.R. Eaton, Sandefer also played club volleyball for TAV in 2023, Tejas in 2022 and TXP in 2018 through 2021.

Sandefer has also been committed to serving her community through NHS FCA, her church and her local food drive.

"Payton has all the tools that you would want in a pin attacker," Huebner said. "She has a great handle of the ball in receive and defense and is able to make high-contact intentional decisions as an attacker with power. She has always been a staple of reliability and enthusiasm on her teams and has been able to compete in a unique way that we believe will allow her to be extremely ready for the collegiate game."