IOWA CITY, Iowa — Three volleyball standouts — Toyosi Onabanjo, Jenna Splitt, and Sydney Dennis – have committed to play volleyball at the University of Iowa, head coach Vicki Brown announced Thursday.
Toyosi Onabanjo
Middle Blocker / Houston, Texas (St. Agnes Academy)
“Toyosi is a dynamic jumper and knows how to score. She brings in versatility as an attacker, which will be a great addition to our offensive options. She is a hard worker, and I am looking forward to having her uniqueness in the gym,” – Head coach Vicki Brown.
Onabanjo is a 2019 Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) 6A state champion and First-Team All-State and All Academic honoree. In addition, Onabanjo is a member of the 2019 All-Tournament team and a 2019 and 2020 Houston Open champion.
Jenna Splitt
Setter / Cary, Illinois (Cary-Grove High School)
“Some things I look for in a setter is athleticism, leadership, and grit. Jenna Splitt checks all those boxes. Her established dedication to being the best teammate and athlete will be a great addition to moving this program forward.” – Head coach Vicki Brown.
Splitt is a member of PrepVolleyball.com’s Class of 2021 Top 50 Junior Recruits, SOPH 79 High Honorable Mention, and FROSH 59. She was listed on AVCA’s 2018 and 2019 Phenom List and was a 2019 Illinois All-State honorable mention. In 2020, she was listed on UltraAnkle’s JVA Watch list for 2021.
Sydney Dennis
Libero / Clarence, Iowa (Mount Vernon High School)
“Sydney was our first commit for the 2021 class. Throughout the years, she has proven drive and grit is part of her DNA. Her simplistic approach to the game and long reach will be a nice addition to our ball control group.” – Head coach Vicki Brown.
Dennis is a 2019 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Champion (El Extreme) and 2018 runner up (Adrenaline Volleyball Academy). She was named to PrepVolleyball’s 2018 SOPH 79 Watch List and its 2021 Watch List. The Clarence, Iowa, native is a 2020 Iowa State Tournament runner-up and three-time USA Beach National Qualifier. Dennis is also a member of the Women’s Junior A1 National Training Team.
The Hawkeyes are preparing to play their spring 2021 season following the postponement of the fall 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latest news about Iowa volleyball’s upcoming season, head to hawkeyesports.com.
