SENATOBIA - Although the Northwest volleyball program has yet to officially kick off its inaugural season, head coach Allison Burchyett already has her mind on the future after picking up five signees to close out 2020.

Defensive specialist Kayla Beal (DeSoto Central), dual threat De'Aisha Browner (Pontotoc), outside hitter Lexie Page (Ripley), setter Brinley Steed (Center Hill) and middle hitter Jaclyn Carter (Hernando) will join the program in time for the fall 2021 campaign.

"I am very excited for this incoming group for 2021," Burchyett said. "They bring help in a variety of positions and much-needed depth. I am looking forward to seeing them suit up in Northwest red and blue next season."

As a critical part of DeSoto Central's 2020 Class 6A state title team, Beal finished with 214 digs and 47 aces to help the Lady Jaguars to a 30-5 overall record. Her career-best 23 digs came in the Lady Jags' championship victory against Brandon on October 24. For her career, Beal departs DeSoto Central with 396 digs and 105 aces in 224 career sets played.

After guiding Pontotoc to a 19-5 overall record and a Class 4A runner-up finish, Browner arrives to Northwest after splitting time as a defensive specialist and middle hitter. In 225 career sets, Browner totaled 357 kills, 233 total blocks (196 solo) and 60 aces. As a senior, she totaled 137 kills, including a career-high of 11 in a 3-1 victory against Amory on September 3. Her 74 blocks were also the best among all players in Class 4A.

As a result of leading Ripley with 204 kills, 45 aces, 17 blocks and 106 digs, Page earned the distinction of becoming the first Tippah County student-athlete to sign with a college volleyball program. Page was a multi-year starter for the Lady Tigers and earned selections to the Tippah County Sports All-County Volleyball team and the SportsMississippi.com All-North Half team this season.

With 245 assists, 81 digs and 26 aces during her senior campaign, Steed helped Center Hill finish the season 17-8 overall and 6-0 in Region 1-5A. She posted a career-best 23 assists in back-to-back wins over Oxford and Lake Cormorant during her junior campaign. For her career, Steed finished with 365 assists, 131 digs, 32 aces and five kills in 96 career sets played.

After helping Hernando to an 11-9 overall record and a second place finish in Region 1-6A this past season, Carter will arrive at Northwest as a rare double signee for both volleyball and softball. During her senior season, Carter posted 99 total blocks and 23 kills, helping the Lady Tigers to the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

Northwest is tentatively scheduled to kick off the spring 2021 season in an exhibition showcase at Bevill State (Ala.) on Saturday, January 16. The Lady Rangers previously competed in several fall exhibitions, including a 3-2 victory against Freed-Hardeman at Howard Coliseum on October 31.