TicketsCINCINNATI – Cincinnati volleyball and head coach Danijela Tomić announced the addition of five student-athletes on National Signing Day.
“We are thrilled to welcome Malayna Boyles, Julia Horan, Lily Rolfes, Audrey Rome and Viktoria Ninova to our 2026 signing class,” Cincinnati head coach Danijela Tomić said. “This group brings a balance of size, skill, athleticism and competitive drive that will immediately elevate our program. They all come from winning environments with championship-level standards. Together, this class strengthens every position group on our roster. They will elevate our gym from the moment they arrive and help build the championship future we are pursuing here in Cincinnati.”
Below is an in-depth look at each of Cincinnati’s five signees:
// Malayna Boyles | Outside Hitter | Lantana, Texas
Boyles collected 796 kills, 460 digs and 108 blocks during her four-year career at Denton Guyer High School. The Lantana, Texas, native posted a standout junior season with 399 kills, 308 digs and 36 blocks, earning First Team All-District honors. As a freshman, she was named Freshman MVP and helped her team capture a Varsity 6A Regional Semifinal title. She was also selected to the Granbury All-Tournament Team. Boyles also had immense success while competing for Texas Advantage.
“Malayna is a six-rotation outside hitter with the physicality and scoring ability to impact matches at the highest level,” Tomić said. “She will join us in January, giving her a valuable spring season to develop, grow and integrate into our system.”
// Julia Horan | Middle Blocker | Fairfax, Va.
Horan, a middle blocker from Chantilly High School, delivered an impressive junior season with 132 kills and 84 blocks as her team won district and regional titles before finishing as the state runner-up. She earned First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region honors as a junior and added Second Team All-District recognition as a senior. Horan also showcased her notable skillset while competing for VA Juniors.
“Julia adds depth in the middle, and with a fast arm and explosive jump, she will strengthen both our blocking and offensive versatility,” Tomić said.
// Viktoria Ninova | Libero | Sofia, Bulgaria
Ninova brings an elite international résumé from European volleyball. A standout for CSKA Sofia, she earned multiple national honors, including Best Libero recognition at the Bulgarian National Championships at the U18, U19 and U20 levels, along with a Best Attacker award at the U16 level.
Internationally, she has represented Bulgaria across the U17, U18, U19, U20 and senior national teams, competing in major continental and world events. Her appearances include the Balkan Championships (2022–25), European Championships at the U17, U18 and U20 levels, two U19 World Championships and senior competitions such as the 2025 Volleyball Nations League and 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship.
Ninova has earned several prestigious individual honors, including Best Libero at both the 2024 U18 Balkan Championship and the 2025 U19 World Championship. She contributed to multiple podium finishes, including a European Championship title in 2024 (U18), a Balkan Championship title in 2025 (U19) and a 2025 U19 World Championship gold medal.
“Viktoria is a high-level international libero who brings elite ball control, defensive range and a competitive fire,” Tomić said. “Her international experience will elevate our standard in the first-contact phase.”
// Lily Rolfes | Setter | Phoenix, Ariz.
Rolfes amassed more than 3,000 assists and 804 digs during her career at Sunrise Mountain High School. As a junior, she led the state of Arizona with 1,195 assists and was named Region MVP. She helped guide Sunrise Mountain to back-to-back 5A State Runner-Up finishes as a junior and senior and earned All-Region honors three times. She was also recognized as the school’s Female Newcomer of the Year and Female Sportsman of the Year. In club play with Arizona Storm Elite, she was named to the 15 Open All-Tournament Team.
“Lily is an athletic setter with excellent leadership skills and a high volleyball IQ—skills she has built from growing up in the gym and learning from her mom, a former player and coach,” Tomić said.
// Audrey Rome | Middle Blocker | Sandwich, Ill.
Rome, a graduate transfer middle blocker, emerged as one of UConn’s most consistent front-row players. She started all 28 matches in her senior campaign, leading the Huskies with 89 blocks while finishing second on the team with 236 kills. Her season included Bearcat Classic MVP honors and BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week recognition. As a junior, she added 158 kills and 85 blocks, highlighted by a 12-kill, 10-block performance that earned another Defensive Player of the Week award. In her redshirt freshman year, she totaled 71 kills, 42 blocks and 12 aces across 14 matches. Prior to UConn, she was a three-time all-conference selection at Sandwich High School and competed for Sports Performance, winning two Bluegrass championships and finishing as the AAU 18 Open runner-up.
“Audrey, joining us as a graduate transfer this January, brings maturity, experience and a reliable offensive presence—especially as a slide hitter,” Tomić said. “Her early arrival will allow her to take full advantage of spring training and make an immediate impact.”
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