COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Maryland volleyball head coach Adam Hughes announced the addition of graduate transfer Kaylee Thomas to the 2021 roster on Tuesday.

"We're thrilled Kaylee decided to join us for her grad year here in College Park," head coach Adam Hughes said. "Kaylee has a strong passion for the game and brings with her a wealth of experience playing at the Power Five level. She's committed to our program's values and vision, and for that we're excited to hit the ground running in August."

Thomas comes to Maryland with one year of eligibility remaining after spending the 2017-20 seasons at the University of Alabama, recently graduating with a Master's in Sport Hospitality Management. A 5-foot-8 libero/defensive specialist, Thomas was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, amassing 1,102 career digs in 369 career sets played.

Despite being used in a limited role during the 2020-21 campaign, Thomas led the Tide in 2019 with 424 digs (4.04/set), starting all 27 matches at libero. The Ocala, Florida native became just the 14th Alabama player in program history to surpass 1,000 career digs during her junior season. Thomas was also named to the UB Invite All-Tournament Team and the Blazer Invitational Tournament Team during the 2019 season.

From 2017-18, Thomas played in all 64 matches for Alabama. As a sophomore in 2018, Thomas ranked second on the team in digs (344) and digs/set (2.97). During her freshman year in 2018, Thomas ranked third on the team in digs (295) and digs/set (2.44).

Thomas will fill an invaluable role for the Maryland back line after the graduation of Sam Burgio, who led the Big Ten conference with 345 digs in 2020-21 (4.60/set).

Thomas will pursue a post-baccalaureate degree in Sociology during her time in College Park. She was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll twice during her playing career in Tuscaloosa.

-Terps-