PHOENIX, Ariz. --- One of the strongest facets of Head Coach Aaron Seltzer's 2016 recruiting class was the reinforcements he added to his back row. That back row gets even stronger for 2017 with the addition of Sami Hover.
 
Hover is a defensive specialist/libero out of Phoenix, Arizona with four years of varsity experience and all-state honors in tow.
 
"From day one we have known Sami was the perfect fit for Biola and Biola was the perfect fit for her. As a Christian ministries major I can think of no better place for her to study than at Biola," said Seltzer.
 
Not only is she filled with the Spirit, but she's also filled with immense volleyball talent. Hover helped her team to an overall record of 111-44 over her four varsity seasons and earned individual honors over each of her final three seasons. As a freshman she helped her team to a 34-7 record and final four finish at the state tournament.
 
She was an all-section second team player as a sophomore, all-section first team as a junior and then finally all-state during her final season as she helped the Eagles to a 26-13 overall record.
 
"I have appreciated her heart for Jesus and the passion with which she does life," said Seltzer. "On the court, she has been so impressive to watch play and all of us have seen first hand how she take over an entire match.  We could not be more excited to have her join our program this fall."
 
Hover graduates this spring and will suit up with the Eagles in September for the program's inaugural NCAA Division II and PacWest Conference season.
 
"I wanted to go to a Christ-centered school and play on a team with girls who loved Jesus and who would help me grow in my faith and as an athlete. Biola just seemed like the perfect fit," said Hover.
 
She plans to study biblical studies to prepare for a career in women and children's ministry. Hover carried a 4.0 cumulative grade point average in high school and should be well prepared for college course work.