PORTLAND, Ore. — November may mean the business end of the 2022 season for the Portland State volleyball team but that present takes a back seat to the future on fall signing day. To that end, the Vikings signed three players between Wednesday and Thursday, adding future Vikings Devon DeNecochea, Paige Stepaniuk and Naomi White.
The trio gives the Vikings additions at multiple different positions. DeNecochea will come in as an opposite or right-side, while Stepaniuk is a libero, and White is a middle blocker.
The group will help the Vikings fill the void of a seven-member senior class. Four of the Vikings' seven seniors could still return next season due to the extra year of eligibility awarded them as a result of the COVID-altered 2020-21 season. But this week's signees will help the Vikings fill the void regardless.
Devon DeNecochea, 6-3, OH/OPP, FR, San Diego, Calif. (Canyon Crest Academy)
BEFORE PORTLAND STATE
Three-year letterwinner at Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego, Calif…Played for the WAVE volleyball club for 10 years…Took first place at the Big South Qualifier USA Division 2022 with her 17-Reily team…Took first at the USAV Junior Nationals PATRIOT Division…Placed third at the JVA Long Beach Tournament.
PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS
Daughter of Joel and Dianne DeNecochea…Father, Joel, played volleyball at Long Beach State, while mother, Dianne, played volleyball at the University of Tennessee…Has a sister, Avalon DeNecochea, who is currently a senior volleyball player at Cal Poly (in 2022)…Lists reading books, social justice (abortion rights, Black Lives Matter, mental health awareness), and beach clean ups as hobbies/interests/volunteer activities…Has varied career ambitions which could feature law enforcement, sports psychology, nonprofit work, or being a therapist…Possibly majoring in criminology or psychology.
COACH SEEMANN ON DENECOCHEA
"We expect Devon to become a terminal pin player for us, especially on the right side. We really like her playing height, and she has tremendous upside. Volleyball is in Devon's blood, coming from a family of volleyball pros. With her work ethic and competitiveness, she will be a very effective lefty attacker for us."
Paige Stepaniuk, 5-6, L/DS, FR, Ridgefield, Wash. (Ridgefield HS)
RIDGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Earned second-team all-league honors within the Greater St. Helens League (GSHL) as a junior in 2021…Was a GSHL honorable mention as a sophomore…Captained her varsity team as a junior and senior…Won a 2A state title with her team as a freshman in 2019…Placed second at the 2A state tournament as a junior in 2021…Won back-to-back GSHL conference and district titles as a freshman and sophomore while placing second as a junior.
CLUB
Played nine years of club ball, split between Excel NW and Adidas NW Jrs…Won a 12's CEVA regional championship with her Excel NW 12 Rox team in 2016…Took second place at 14's CEVA regionals with her Excel NW 14 Rox team in 2019.
PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS
Daughter of Suzanne and Kevin Stepaniuk…Has a sister, Emilea Stepaniuk, who currently plays volleyball at Colorado…Lists ceramics and pottery as hobbies/interests…Hopes her future career can contribute to society and help those in need in some way…Plans on majoring in pre-law with a possible minor in psychology.
COACH SEEMANN ON STEPANIUK
"Paige possesses all of the attributes that a Libero needs to be effective. She has been a leader for every team she's played on, she's a consistent passer, and she makes huge defensive plays. Paige is motivated to be great on the court and in the classroom, qualities we value at Portland State."
Naomi White, 6-0, MB, FR, Las Vegas, Nev. (Palo Verde HS)
PALO VERDE HIGH SCHOOL
First-team all-state selection as a junior…Two-time first-team all-conference selection as a junior and senior…Named to the Nevada Preps All-Southern Nevada first team as a junior in 2021.
CLUB
Played for the Dig This volleyball club team for six years and T Street for a year…Named Offensive Player of the Year for her 17's National Dig This John team…Took third at the girls junior national championship with her 17's National Dig This Jaz team…Won the Salt Lake City Showdown with her 17's National Dig This John team.
PERSONAL/MISCELLANEOUS
Daughter of Natashia and James White…Mother, Natashia, ran track at UNLV…Father, James, played basketball at Wyoming and Sacramento State…Has two brothers, Jalen and James White…Hopes to become a marketing manager in her future career…Plans on majoring in business with a minor in African-American studies.
COACH SEEMANN ON WHITE
"Naomi is going to be an impact player for us in the middle. She flies and has a huge attacking window. She will influence opposing attackers at the net with her vision and quick response. We expect her to have a tremendous impact on the program sooner rather than later."
