CHARLESTON, S.C. - Fresh off of the best finish in the David McFatrich era at Charleston Southern, the VolleyBucs have expectations and aspirations to reach even higher for years to come. The 2023 signing class is proof of that. 

Over the next few weeks, the Charleston Southern volleyball team will be featuring each player from the Class of 2023 for fans to get to know. First up is Mallory Neale. 

Neale is out of Westfield High Shool in Westfield, Indiana. She is the daughter of Brad and Brandi Neale and the oldest of three girls. The Libero brings to Charleston Southern tons of success on and off of the court. 

At Westfield, she was Captain of her high school team, IHSAA Second-Team All-Conference and a member of the IHSVCA All-Star Team. As a member of the AAU's Rev Volleyball, Neale was named to the AVCA All-American Watch List. 

Off the court, she has multiple accomplishment as well. A 2022 All-State Gold Level and AAU Academic All-American, Neale has shined in the classroom. Not only that, she is a member of National Honor Society and was top of her class at Westfield. In 2021, she was awarded first place in the DECA District and third in the state for her work in the classroom and was a qualifier for National DECA. 

While her academic and athletic efforts stick out to most people, her energy and fun personality is what makes her a great person according to Assistant Coach Laura Grace Belote. 

"Mal is an energy giver," says Belote. "She has been trained at a great level and her enthusiasm is contagious! We are so excited to see how she competes and brings joy to others as she does so!"

As much as Charleston Southern has loved Neale from the beginning, Neale feels the same way about CSU, which is why it is the perfect fit.

"I chose Charleston Southern because of the amazing people and culture of the program," says Neale. "Everyone involved with the program is so welcoming and encouraging. The level and expectations from the girls are super high, which is exactly what I wanted in a team! The location also cannot be beat! Charleston is an amazing city and I can't wait to be down in the south!" 

Expect Neale to come in and compete from the very beginning at the Libero position. Be sure to come back next week as we feature Lilly Johnson in the second part of our 2023 Signing-Class Series.