Oklahoma Adds Ireland McNees for 2023

NORMAN — New Oklahoma head volleyball coach Aaron Mansfield announced Monday the addition of preferred walk-on Ireland McNees for the 2023 season.

McNees will join a stellar group of freshman student-athletes who were part of a top-20 recruiting class during the early signing period: Mele Corral-Blagojevich, Emma Henry and Hannah Pfiffner.

"Ireland has had a long recruiting process with many changes along the way, but we couldn't be happier that her process led her to OU," Mansfield said. "She has a great passion for competing, a strong love for the game and has shown to be an incredible teammate. Ireland is a very versatile all-around player who will add value immediately to our team both on and off the court."

McNees, a 5-9 outside hitter from Riverton, Utah, played for Mountain Ridge High School and Club V 18 Reed. She recorded 1,253 kills, 1,012 digs and 206 aces during her high school career. During her senior year, she averaged 4.3 kills per set and registered a career-high 432 kills. As a sophomore, she posted 206 assists.

McNees was named Region MVP, a two-time first-team all-region honoree, a three-time all-state performer (first, third and honorable mention teams), a two-time AVCA/Max Preps Player of the Week in Utah, and earned a spot on the AVCA Phenom List and was named Deseret News Athlete of the Year. She propelled Mountain Ridge to 6A Region champions and 6A State Championship runner-up finish in the 2022-23 season.

During her club career, McNees was named to the SLC Showdown 17 Open All-Tournament Team and helped Club V 18 Reed to a trio of team champion finishes at the SLC Showdown National Qualifier (17 Open and 18 Open), and Far Western National Qualifier 17 Open. She also helped her team finish third at the USA Volleyball Nationals 17 Open.

McNees is the daughter of Mark and Jen McNees, who both played volleyball at California State University, Northridge. She plans to major in civil engineering at OU.

"I chose OU because of the amazing coaching staff and resources available to student-athletes," McNees said. "The engineering programs are top notch, the OU pride is strong, and I was blown away at the kindness of people in Norman. When I first stepped on campus it felt like the perfect place for me. I am looking forward to being a part of the legacy and building a championship program with this amazing group of athletes and coaching staff."