Men's volleyball signs two

PROVO, Utah—Two dynamic high school athletes have signed National Letters of Intent for BYU men’s volleyball, head coach Chris McGown announced Tuesday.

Alex Ah Sue and Branden Oberender are both from California and will be serving church missions prior to joining the team.

Ah Sue is a two-time First-Team All-Pacific View League outside hitter. A natural athlete, Ah Sue has also earned MVP honors from Rio Mesa High School and the Pacific View League. He plays for Ventura County Volleyball League and won an 18’s Club Division Silver Medal in 2014.

“Alex has been on our short list for a few years now, and we are really excited that he’s chosen to come to BYU,” McGown said. “He’s gifted with raw athleticism – a good jump and a really nice arm.”

Oberender, who attends Royal High School, was named a Volleyball Magazine Top 25 Underclassman to Watch. He was the middle blocker for the USA Boys Youth National Team at the 2014 NORCECA U-19 Continental Championships, helping the team to a first-place finish. He also took third place at the 2014 Boys Junior National Championships Open Division.

“Branden is a really important signing for us,” McGown said. “We’ve needed to get deeper in the middle, and he’s got all the tools to be a great player: good arm, good range, quick from sideline to sideline.”

Alex Ah Sue

Outside Hitter
Camarillo, CA
Rio Mesa High School
6-4

High School

• 2012-13 First-Team All-Pacific View League
• 2013-14 First-Team All-Pacific View League
• 2013-14 first-team all-county
• 2013-14 First Team-All CIF-SS Div 3
• 2013-14 high school MVP
• 2013-14 Pacific View League MVP

Club

• Ventura County Volleyball League
• 2014 18's Club Division Silver Medal

Personal

• Parents are Linda and Frank

Comments from McGown: “Alex has been on our short list for a few years now, and we are really excited that he’s chosen to come to BYU.  He’s gifted with raw athleticism – a good jump and a really nice arm. His ball control is already at a nice level, and we’re impressed with his vision and decision-making. He is a great young man – wonderful character, and a great work ethic in the gym and in the classroom.”

Branden Oberender

Middle Blocker
Simi Valley, CA
Royal High School
6-7

High School

• 2014 Ventura County Star All-County Team
• 2014 scholar athlete

Club

• Bones/3rd place 2014 Boys Junior National Championship Open Division
• 2014 BJNC all-tournament team
• Volleyball Magazine Top 25 Underclassmen to Watch
• USA Boys Youth National Team starting middle blocker for 2014 NORCECA U-19 Continental Championships
• 1st place NORCECA U-19 Championships. 

Personal

• Parents are Chris and Lori
• Earned Eagle Scout

Comments from McGown: “Branden is a really important signing for us. We’ve needed to get deeper in the middle, and he’s got all the tools to be a great player: good arm, good range, quick from sideline to sideline. In addition he already has a really nice serve, which is something that you love to see in a middle – someone that can help you score points from the baseline, not just at the net.  He’s also a great student, and a wonderful young man who will be a great contributor to our team culture.”