Penn State women’s volleyball began its 2023 recruiting class with an absolute bang Thursday when it landed a verbal commitment from one of the nation’s top prospects.

Outside hitter-libero combo Chloe Chicoine is now the Nittany Lions’ first Class of 2023 recruit. She’s a 5’10” Lafayette, Indiana, native known for her versatility on the court at several positions.

I am so excited and blessed to announce that I have verbally committed to Penn State University to further my volleyball and academic career. A B1G thank you to God, my family, teammates, teachers, and coaches who helped me get to this point as a person and player. #WeAre pic.twitter.com/o9coNRaqp1

— Chloe Chicoine (@ChicoineChloe) June 24, 2021

PrepVolleyball.com ranked Chicoine the No. 9 overall Class of 2023 prospect, according to the site’s Top 150 rankings.

Halfway through her McCutcheon High School career, Chicoine has already racked up 1,024 kills, 666 digs, 83 service aces, and 36 blocks — all at a .422 hitting clip.

On top of the impressive high school play, Chicoine takes part in club competition with Circle City VBC and even has experience as a member of the United States’ youth national team. Such versatility and experience should help her feel comfortable joining one of the nation’s top programs in Penn State.

Chicoine’s commitment is just the latest development in an already-exciting offseason for Russ Rose and the Nittany Lions. Dual commitments from transfers Adanna Rollins of Minnesota and Erika Pritchard of Maryland should help the team grow even stronger before this fall’s season rolls around.

Penn State hasn’t yet announced its full upcoming schedule — or any part of it, really. However, since the Big Ten’s 13 other programs released at least their conference slates, we were able to piece together the Nittany Lions’ upcoming Big Ten schedule.