COMMERCE – The East Texas A&M University volleyball team has announced the additions of four newcomers this fall for the 2025 season.
 
All four newcomers are incoming freshmen and will be eligible to compete for the Lions next fall for coach Joe Morales, who enters his third season as the Lion volleyball coach.
 
The incoming freshmen for the Lions are Giana Brown, a middle blocker from San Antonio, Karianne Graham, a middle blocker from Castroville, Jordyn Wacaster, a defensive specialist/libero from Wylie, and Jade Washington, a defensive specialist/libero from Hewitt.
 
"I am very excited about this 2025 class. Coach Morgan did an amazing job in her first full year of recruiting," said Morgan. "We added not just offense in the front row, but also defense on the net along with two ball control players that add to the backcourt."
 
"In this era of recruiting, I am very pleased that we have four incoming freshmen who give us a steady foundation for the next four years. Each one of them will have the opportunity to compete. We got taller along the net along with more ball control. Looking forward to 2025 season!"
 
Here is a look at the Lion Volleyball newcomers for the 2025 season.
 
GIANA BROWN
MB • 6-1
San Antonio, Texas • Brennan High School
Four-time letter winner in volleyball and track & field at Brennan High School … Competed for coach Melissa Dahle at Brennan … Two-time all-district honoree … District 28-6A Co-Offensive Player of the Year … EN All Area team … earned two-time all-tournament honors … Totaled 450 blocks and 1,000 kills in high school career … Team won Harlandale Tournament twice, NEISD/NISD Tournament once, and Granbury Classic once … Holds school record in discus (133-9) … Played club volleyball for Impact and San Antonio Juniors
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Georgina Brown … Plans to major in pre-med … cousin of NFL stars Alvin 'Bud' Dupree and Demaryius Thomas … Cousin, Tonya Coleman, played volleyball at Valdosta State
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "East Texas A&M just felt like home and talking with the coaching staff and they emphasized the importance of my growth as an athlete and a human overall and saw my potential. That's honestly exactly what I was looking for, a place that cares about growth and not just wins and losses."
 
COACH MORALES' THOUGHTS: "We are so thrilled to have Giana join us. She will have the opportunity to compete right away. Her offense is so much fun to watch but I am really excited about her blocking and what she will be able to bring to our team for the next four years. She will only get better as the season and years progress."
 
KARIANNE GRAHAM
MB • 6-3 
Castroville, Texas • Medina Valley High School
Two-time letter winner for coach Daesa Griggs at Medina Valley High School … First team all-district … two-time academic all-district … Picked up 25 kills against Laredo United South and 18 against Lee … Played club volleyball for Force, San Antonio Evolution, Middle TCA, All-Around Alamo
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Mercedes and William Graham … Plans to major in pre-med … Mother, Mercedes, played basketball at University of Puerto Rico
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "I chose East Texas A&M because as soon as I met the staff and team, I felt very welcomed and the campus just felt right when I saw it, like I envisioned myself being here."
 
COACH MORALES' THOUGHTS: "Karianne is a solid 6'3 outside or right side and will give us length in those positions. There will be a learning curve for her, but her upside is enormous. Can't wait to get her in the gym and start training."
 
JORDYN WACASTER
DS/L • 5-7
Wylie, Texas • Wylie East High School
Letter winner at Wylie East High School … Played for coach Nicole Calverley … 2024 first team all-district, two-time second team all-district … 2024 District 9-6A Server of the Year … 2024 AVCA all-region team … 2024 academic all-state honorable mention … three-time team defensive MVP … Recorded 1,345 career digs and 103 aces … Played club volleyball for Premier Volleyball Club
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Robin Wacaster … Plans to major in business
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "I chose East Texas A&M because of how great the community is, and the campus felt like home!"
 
COACH MORALES' THOUGHTS: "We are excited about Jordyn; she has played at a high-level in her position as libero in high school and club. Her biggest attribute that she will bring to our team is her platform. She has amazing control of her platform, and it is very calm, which will be a huge factor in passing. Her 5'7 length also is a huge advantage in the backcourt."
 
JADE WASHINGTON
DS/L • 5-1
Hewitt, Texas • Midway High School
Letter winner in volleyball and track & field at Midway High School, also competed in women's basketball … Played for coach Ryan Porter … School record holder for digs … District 11-6A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman … Super Centex Newcomer of the Year … Three-time District Defensive Player of the Year … Team captain … Two-time first team Super Centex … Three-time all-tournament honors … National Honor Society member … Played club volleyball for Waco Juniors and Austin Juniors
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Daughter of Jennifer and Ahmad Washington … Plans to major in psychology … Mother, Jennifer, competed in track & field at Baylor … Father, Ahmad, played football at Baylor
 
WHY EAST TEXAS A&M? "I chose East Texas A&M because the atmosphere is so home like. I am a family-oriented person, and I know it's going to be hard for me to be away from mine, but I am glad I will be able into enter another one."
 
COACH MORALES' THOUGHTS: "Jade will be a fun defensive specialist to watch. She is fast and has a defensive presence. She also played libero in a high-level high school and club team. Her ability to dig and chase down balls will keep our team in rallies longer."