THIBODAUX, La. – With a new coach at the helm, the Nicholls State University volleyball team inked its first recruit in the Tommy Harold era, with California standout Kali Schwartz signing on to become one of the newest Colonels next season.

With the departure of key players from last year's team, Schwartz will have the opportunity to make an impact quickly, and as a six-foot-tall right side hitter, will fill a big spot for the squad in the 2013 campaign. “Being able to nab a player of Kali's pedigree out of California is a huge get for us, and I'm really excited about her future here at Nicholls,” Harold said.

Schwartz is wrapping up an amazing career at Steele Canyon High School in San Diego, playing and learning under former Olympic Gold Medalist and beach volleyball legend Karolyn Kirby. She started all four years as a member of the Cougar volleyball team, while currently playing in her third and final year as a starter for the softball team.

As a senior, Schwartz hit .300 at the net with 231 kills, with 264 digs, 55 blocks and 53 service aces. Just this past season she became the California Interscholastic Federation's all-time leader for aces in a single game with 18, and for her efforts was named the Steele Canyon Volleyball MVP and Player of the Year.

Along with being a four-time all-league selection, Schwartz has been an exceptional student landing on the principal's honor roll all four years. Performing at the highest level on the court, diamond and academically has earned her multiple scholar athlete honors, being named to the San Diego Union-Tribune All-Academic team in both sports.

Schwartz hopes to continue the legacy of standout collegiate athletes that came before her in her family, including her great grandfather Douglas who played football at UCLA in the late 30's, grandfather Randy who played football and baseball for the Bruins, becoming an All-American in the mid 60's before going on to play for the Kansas City A's organization and is a member of the UCLA Hall of Fame. Her uncle Brian is the final UCLA baseball player, lettering in the mid 80's, while her mom Becki started as a basketball player before playing volleyball collegiately at Mt. St. Mary's.