MALIBU, Calif.  — The Pepperdine women's volleyball team began assembling its 2026 recruiting class by signing three high school players on National Signing Day, as announced by Head Coach Scott Wong and the program on Friday.

The first three women to sign with the Waves are Sullivan Leonard, of Charleston, S.C.; Claire McNeal, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Ellie Sandoz, of Hailey, Idaho.

"I am pleased with our overall 2026 class, as this group fits perfectly in what we are attempting to achieve every year, and that is to recruit the best student-athletes to help us win championships while doing it the Pepperdine way!" Head Coach Scott Wong said.

The trio of newcomers will join a Pepperdine squad that will lose just seniors Emma McMahon and Vanessa Polk to graduation next year.

Sullivan Leonard
6'2" Middle Blocker
Charleston, S.C.
Bishop England High School

A 6'2" middle blocker from Charleston, S.C., Sullivan Leonard will be the first South Carolinian in program history to compete for the Waves. Throughout her three-year volleyball career, Leonard has 480 kills, 212 blocks, 171 digs and 49 aces. As a sophomore, Leonard helped Bishop England win an SHCSL 2A State Championship.

Leonard has played club for SC Elite's 16 through 18 teams. Prior to that, she played two seasons for MVP and one year for the 13 Palmetto Strikers. She made the Supernovas and Stars Watchlist during the AAU Nationals 16 Open in 2023.

"I chose Pepperdine because I fell in love with everything about the school — even outside of volleyball — and could really see myself there," Leonard said. "The team's culture and connection with each other and the coaches is something I highly value when it comes to being on a team and I am so excited to be a part of it when I get to Pepperdine. I also liked how they compete and play at a high level, considering it's a smaller school, and how supportive the environment was."

"Sully is be a good addition to the team as an attacking middle blocker that has the ability to be a formidable presence at the net," Wong said."

Claire McNeal
6'1" Outside Hitter
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Chaparral High School

Outside hitter Claire McNeal will be the third Arizonan on Pepperdine's roster, joining Maggie Beauer (Chandler, Ariz.) and Tristen Raymond (Peoria, Ariz.). Throughout her four-year varsity career, the Chaparral High School standout tallied over 1,000 kills, earned first-team all-district honors three times and all-region honors twice.

McNeal helped the Firebirds make back-to-back semifinals at the 5A AIA State Championships; as of press time, McNeal and the Firebirds are still playing for a state championship. During McNeal's junior season, she helped the Firebirds win the 5A East Sky Region title.

In club, McNeal played for Arizona Sky Volleyball's 15-18 teams; prior to that, she competed for Victorium Volleyball's 12-14 teams. She considers winning the 2025 GJNC National Division National Championship with her 17s team as her most thrilling sports moment. Additionally, her club teams placed third at the 2025 Summer NITs, were the 2024 Arizona Region runners-up, the 2023 Arizona Region Champions and placed third at the 2023 Triple Crown NITs.

"I chose to attend Pepperdine because of the incredible coaching staff and team culture," McNeal said. "It's a beautiful place where I can grow both as an athlete and a person of faith."

"Claire is a dynamic outside hitter that has worked hard to build a high level of skill into her game at the net and in the backcourt," Wong said. 

Ellie Sandoz
6'2" Middle Blocker
Hailey, Idaho
Wood River High School

A 6'2" middle blocker, Ellie Sandoz comes to Pepperdine as the third player from the state of Idaho in program history. Sandoz is a four-year varsity volleyball player at Wood River High School, where she helped the Wolverines make back-to-back 5A IHSAA State Championship appearances. 

As a senior, Sandoz surpassed 1,000 career kills, was the Great Basin Player of the Year and played in the District Four all-star game. She was a Great Basin All-Conference First Team selection as a junior after being a second team award winner as a sophomore and an honorable mention selection as a freshman.

In club, Sandoz helped Idaho One 17 Elite Volleyball win an AAU national championship in the Patriot Division in 2024. She was also invited to the Under Armour NEXT All-American Camp.

"I felt a connection as soon as I stepped onto campus and knew Pepperdine was the spot for me to continue my athletic and academic career," Sandoz said.

"If there is one trait that I would love for every middle to have, and that is a motor that can just drive, push, and keep her going as the position requires it," Wong said. "Ellie has that high-end motor and she will make life tough for other teams to put a ball down on her while she is at the net."

ABOUT PEPPERDINE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Pepperdine women's volleyball has reached 26 NCAA Tournaments since 1981 as one of the most successful collegiate programs on the West Coast. The 12-time WCC Champions Waves have consistently produced top talent with 21 All-American selections with honorees in six straight decades. With multiple Olympians going through the program, Kim Hill brought home the program's first gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.