JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Biola's newest volleyball recruit is Mary McDonnell, a defense specialist and libero hailing from Jacksonville, Florida. McDonnell played varsity for four years at Stanton College Preparatory, captaining the team her junior and senior year. 

She received MVP her freshman and junior year and was a four-year All Gateway Conference Player. This past year she received All Academic American at AAU nationals. Her team at Stanton was considered a top-5 team in Florida state.

McDonnell is traveling nearly 2,500 miles across the country to attend Biola. She wants to pursue a nursing major with the end goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.

"I believe that they (Biola) have one of the best nursing programs and I believe attending a Christian school will keep me grounded and firm in my faith and will continue to help me grow closer in my walk with the Lord," said McDonnell.

In addition to playing volleyball during her high school career, McDonnell was actively involved in her church's children's ministry, leading a group of second-grade girls every Sunday morning. She also is an officer in the National Art Honor Society and a leader in her school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. 

McDonnell will be following in the footsteps of her aunt who is a Biola alumna and her cousin, Sabrina Winslow, who currently plays on Biola's volleyball team. McDonnell says that she is "excited to be able to bond and create relationships with my future teammates while playing a sport we love."

More information on the incoming 2020-21 class that will join McDonnell at Biola can be found on the Committed Athletes page.