SAN DIEGO – San Diego State volleyball head coach Brent Hilliard finalized the Aztec roster for the 2023 campaign with the addition of Bailey Darnell (Honolulu, Hawaii), who arrives on The Mesa after spending the past three seasons at UC Irvine.
A 5-8 libero, Darnell received an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 campaign for the Anteaters.
"We are pleased to welcome Bailey to the Aztec family," Hilliard said. "She brings high-level collegiate experience to our program and thankfully we are getting a student-athlete that is supremely confident with the talent to match. Our libero depth is now complete, and we look forward to adding Bailey's mix of ball control and athleticism to that position."
In three competitive seasons at UCI, Darnell compiled 269 digs, 36 setting assists, 13 services aces and seven kills in 181 sets across 59 matches.
Darnell enjoyed her best season in 2021 after averaging 2.11 digs per set (114 overall) with 19 setting assists and five services aces. In a four-set home triumph over Cal State Fullerton (Nov. 19, 2021), she set a career-high with 26 digs to earn Big West Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors.
In 2022, Darnell played in a career-high 29 matches, averaging 1.17 digs (117 overall) across 100 sets while adding 13 assists and five aces.
Darnell has also excelled in the classroom, earning a spot on the Dean's List all four years at UC Irvine. In addition, she twice landed on the Big West Commissioner's Honor Roll (2021-22) and was a two-time Big West All-Academic selection.
A 2019 graduate of Radford High School in her hometown of Honolulu, Darnell garnered all-O'ahu Interscholastic Association accolades on three occasions, including first-team distinction during her senior campaign. She also collected team MVP honors after ranking second in the OIA in kills and fourth in digs.
As a prep, Darnell graduated summa cum laude and collected Career and Technology Education (CTE) honors. She was also a two-time National Honor Society member.
"After Bailey's visit, it was easy to see how mature and confident she truly is," Hilliard concluded. "We expect her to hold down a large defensive role on our team as we begin preparing for the upcoming season."
San Diego State opens its 2023 slate on Tuesday, August 22, when it plays host to North Florida in an exhibition match, beginning at 6 p.m. PT. The Aztecs begin their regular-season schedule in the Pacific Northwest at the Portland State Tournament where the Scarlet and Black will square off against Cal State Fullerton, Kansas State and the host Vikings on successive days, August 25-27, in Portland, Oregon.