GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Mesa University head volleyball coach Dave Fleming announced that Mackenzie Edwards and Taylor Woods have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Mavericks for the 2015 season.

"We have big shoes to fill with the graduation of our five seniors," said Fleming. "These two are a great first step. They will make our gym better from the first practice, and before they graduate we see both of them as all-conference type student-athletes." 

Mackenzie Edwards earned first team all-conference accolades at Mullen High School. The Lakewood, Colo., native also earned academic honorable mention honors. Edwards plays club volleyball for CVA and head coach Michelle Buckner leading the team to a second place finish at the Girls Junior National Championships. She is the daughter of Michele Radice and Eric Edwards and plans to major in mass communication.

"Zie has a great arm swing, and you can tell she has played a lot of high level volleyball," said Fleming. "She has the ball handling and defensive skills to play all six rotations. We see her competing to be an outside hitter and could also play any of our defensive positions."

Taylor Woods was a two-time Arizona Central All-State first-team libero at Deer Valley High School. The Glendale, Ariz., native was a two-time West Valley Prep first-team libero, the runner-up for West Valley Prep Player of the Year, a three-time AIA All-Section First Team selection and the team's most outstanding player. She holds the Deer Valley season serve-receive record, ace record and set assist record. Woods plays club volleyball for Spiral Volleyball Club and head coach Molly Stark. She is the daughter of Pete and Kelly Woods and plans to major in elementary education.

"Taylor has an extremely high volleyball IQ," said Fleming. "She is a great passer and defender and is very comfortable on the volleyball court and has a chance to compete for the libero position from day one." 

Colorado Mesa finished the year 29-4, won the RMAC Regular Season and Tournament Titles and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.