FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State University volleyball and head coach, Travis Hinkle have announced the signing of six student-athletes to make up the Fighting Falcons volleyball program's 2026 signing class.
 
"This incoming class of student-athletes are going to be a class that will turn heads as soon as they hit the court this Fall," mentioned Coach Hinkle. "They are State Champions, All-State Athletes, Players of the Year, and All-Americans, but also great teammates and competitors. They fit in perfectly with our team culture and the standards of excellence we hold for our team."  
 
This year's signees include middle blocker Kailyn Connelly (Beaver, Pa.), outside hitter Alexandra "Sasha" Conner (Martinsburg, W.Va.), right side hitter Taylor Duermit (Cincinnati, Ohio), middle blocker Averi Martin (Weirton, W.Va.), outside hitter Brooklyn Six (Chester, W.Va.) and setter Addison Veigel (Bridgeport, W.Va.).
 
Kailyn Connelly 
Middle Blocker 
Height: 6'2" 
Hometown: Beaver, PA 
High School: Beaver Area High School 
Club: SKY Elite Volleyball 
Athletic Honors:

• First Team All-Section (4x)
• First Team All-WPIAL (3x)
• First Team All-State (2x)
• AAU All-American (2x)
• All-Time School Record for Kills (2,016 kills) 

Academic Honors

• High Honors (2x)
• Honors (2x) 

Intended Major at Fairmont State: Business 

"We are so happy that Kailyn made the decision to become a Falcon. Kailyn is a game changer with a heavy arm and wants to take over a match with her tenacity on the court. She is a natural leader, a great athlete, and is the ultimate teammate. Kailyn has been well trained with a winner's mentality and fits into our culture perfectly."  - Coach Hinkle
 
Alexandra "Sasha" Conner 
Outside Hitter/DS 
Height: 5'7 
Hometown: Martinsburg, West Virginia 
High School: Spring Mills 
Club: GoVolley 
Athletic Honors:

• Varsity letter (recieved Freshman year)
• MVP(Junior and Senior season)
• Team Captain
• Second Team All-EPAC (Sophomore, Junior, and Senior season)
• Academic All-Athlete 

Academic Honors:

• Honor Roll (All 4 years of highschool),
• Enrolled in college classes (Shepherd)
• National Honor Society
• Student Government Association 

Intended Major at Fairmont State: Computer Science 
 
"Sasha has been coming to our camp the past few years and her energy and her skill set to attack from the front and back row as well as her defensive awareness makes her a great fit for her program. Sasha is not only talented on the court, but is an athlete that brings the best of her teammates." - Coach Hinkle
 
Taylor Duermit 
Right Side Hitter 
Height: 5'9 
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio  
High School: Turpin High school  
Club: Tri-State Elite Volleyball Club 
Athletic Honors: 

• Honorable Mention All-Conference 2024 & 2025 seasons  

Academic Honors:

• 2nd Honors all four years of High School 

Intended Major at Fairmont State: Education  
 
"Taylor is a great get for our program. She brings another heavy left-handed arm and the ability to hit different shots on the court. She fits our team culture so well and I can't wait how she grows with us these next four years." - Coach Hinkle

Averi Martin 
Middle Blocker/Right Side Hitter 
Height: 6'0" 
Hometown: Weirton, WV 
High School: Oak Glen High School 
Club: SKY Elite  
Athletic Honors:

• All-State First Team 2024 & 2025, Second Team  
• 2023, 2024, & 2025- All-Valley Team, 2025 Captain 
• 2023 & 2025 106.3 The River Athlete of the week 
• 2023 & 2025 WV State Champion, 2024 Runner-Up 
• 2024 & 2025 OVAC 4A first team all- conference 
• 2024 OVAC 4A champions 
• 2024 JVA watchlist 
• 2025 AA State Tournament All-Tournament Team 
• 2025 OVAC All-Star Recipient  
• 1,178 kills, 133 aces, 309 total blocks, 270 digs, 52 assists  

Academic Honors:

• National Honors Society 
• 4.62 GPA  
• Top 5 in class rank 
• Academic Excellence award 

"Averi is one of those threats on the court where she can swing and block from any position on the court. She thrives being a go-to player and uses her size and power to her advantage. She can take over a match with her offensive awareness and huge block. Averi shows her passion in every point she plays, and we can't wait for her to join us in the Maroon in the Fall." - Coach Hinkle
 
Brooklyn Six 
Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist 
Height: 5'9 
Hometown: Chester, WV 
High School: Oak Glen High School 
Club: S.K.Y. Elite 
Athletic Honors:  

• 2 Year Varsity Letterman Basketball 
• 4 Year Varsity Letterman Volleyball 
• 2 Time OVAC Volleyball Champion 
• 2 Time WVSSAC AA Volleyball State Champion 
• OVAC First Team All-Conference 
• WVSSAC AA Volleyball All-Tournament Team 
• WVSSAC AA Volleyball Honorable Mention All-State 
• WVSSAC AA Volleyball First Team All-State 
• 106.3 The River Athlete of the Week 
• Two-time Wheeling Intelligencer First Team All Valley 
• Third in the Nation at AAU Nationals 

Academic Honors:Member of the National Honor Society, 4.0 Student  
Intended Major at Fairmont State: Engineering 

"I'm so excited that Brooklyn is joining the Falcon Family this Fall. Brooklyn is that X-Factor player with a crafty serve and great shot selection on the court. She has really grown to improve her defense and has a winning mentality. She comes from a strong foundation of High School and Club that will help her compete on the court at Fairmont" - Coach Hinkle
 
Addison Veigel 
Setter 
Height: 5'6 
Hometown: Bridgeport, WV 
High School: Bridgeport High School 
Club: Mountain State Storm Volleyball Club 
Athletic Honors: 

• Second Team All-State (2025)
• Honorable Mention All-State (2024)
• WV AAA 2024 State Champion
• First and Second Team All-Big 10 (2024 and 2025)
• First and Second Team All-Harrison County (2024 and 2025)
• North/South All Star
• Over 1,000 career assists
• Two-Time Honorable Mention All-State Softball
• Second Team All-Big 10 Softball
• First and Second Team All-Harrison County Softball
• Ohio Valley Region Athlete of the Month 

Academic Honors:

• National Honor Society
• Spanish Honor Society
• Student of the Month
• WV Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
• AP Scholar with Distinction
• Academic Letter and Lamps
• 4th out of 200 in class, 4.8 GPA 

Intended Major: Civil Engineering 
 
"Addison is going to be a great addition not to our program, because she works so hard in everything she does and is an amazing teammate. Watching her in high school and in club volleyball, she is a true role model with balancing athletics and academics, as well as what she does for her community. Addison strives to bring out the best in herself and her team, and thrives in big situations." - Coach Hinkle