
Mercer Adds Sierra Votaw to 2019 Signing Class
4/17/2019 10:21:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Votaw spent last season at Eastern Florida State College
MACON, Ga. – Mercer head women's basketball coach Susie Gardner announced the signing of former Virginia Tech forward Sierra Votaw on Wednesday. Votaw redshirted her freshman year (2017-18) at Virginia Tech before transferring to and playing for Eastern Florida State College (Melbourne, Fla.) last season.
Â
"We're extremely excited to add Sierra to our program next year," Gardner said. "We've been familiar with Sierra since she was in high school and she has ACC-level experience as well as playing time at a JUCO program that has faced some of that level's top competition in the state of Florida."
Â
Votaw is the fifth newcomer that Gardner and her staff have added for the 2019-20 season, joining fellow transfer Kiana Barkhoff – who joined the team this past spring – and three incoming freshmen, Jill Harris, Jordan McLaughlin and PJ Wintermyer. Votaw has three years of eligibility remaining.
Â
Votaw averaged 12.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while earning All-Suncoast Conference First Team honors at Eastern Florida State College. She shot 51.6 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line.
Â
Votaw was ranked a three-star recruit by ESPN HoopGurlz and was a two-time all-conference play at Harrells Christian High School. As a senior, Votaw was named her conference player of the year and was an all-state selection.
Â
The Votaw File
Name: Sierra Votaw
Birthdate: Aug. 19, 1997
Hometown: Harrells, N.C.
High School: Harrells Christian HS
Previous School: Virginia Tech (2017-18); Eastern Florida State College (2018-19)
Position: Forward
Height: 6-2
Â
Coach Gardner on Sierra Votaw…
"We felt like we needed to bring some experience into our program, which Sierra has. She has the ability to post up and face up in her game. I think it will be an easy transition for her and a much-needed fill at a position that we graduated two four-year starters at with Amanda Thompson and Rachel Selph. Sierra will make an immediate impact with our program."
Â
Eastern Florida State College HC MJ Baker on Votaw…
"Sierra will be a triple threat for Mercer over the next three years by impacting the classroom, the court and God's Kingdom. She has been our 'whatever it takes' player, giving everything she has at whatever cost and has a thirst for getting better every day.
Â
"She leads her teammates with heart, hustle and persistence. She works extremely hard in the classroom and has a passion for learning, hence her future plans for being a teacher. We can't wait to see her shine at Mercer."
Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Women's Basketball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerWBB (Twitter), /MercerWBB (Facebook) and @MercerWBB (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
Â
Â
"We're extremely excited to add Sierra to our program next year," Gardner said. "We've been familiar with Sierra since she was in high school and she has ACC-level experience as well as playing time at a JUCO program that has faced some of that level's top competition in the state of Florida."
Â
Votaw is the fifth newcomer that Gardner and her staff have added for the 2019-20 season, joining fellow transfer Kiana Barkhoff – who joined the team this past spring – and three incoming freshmen, Jill Harris, Jordan McLaughlin and PJ Wintermyer. Votaw has three years of eligibility remaining.
Â
Votaw averaged 12.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while earning All-Suncoast Conference First Team honors at Eastern Florida State College. She shot 51.6 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line.
Â
Votaw was ranked a three-star recruit by ESPN HoopGurlz and was a two-time all-conference play at Harrells Christian High School. As a senior, Votaw was named her conference player of the year and was an all-state selection.
Â
The Votaw File
Name: Sierra Votaw
Birthdate: Aug. 19, 1997
Hometown: Harrells, N.C.
High School: Harrells Christian HS
Previous School: Virginia Tech (2017-18); Eastern Florida State College (2018-19)
Position: Forward
Height: 6-2
Â
Coach Gardner on Sierra Votaw…
"We felt like we needed to bring some experience into our program, which Sierra has. She has the ability to post up and face up in her game. I think it will be an easy transition for her and a much-needed fill at a position that we graduated two four-year starters at with Amanda Thompson and Rachel Selph. Sierra will make an immediate impact with our program."
Â
Eastern Florida State College HC MJ Baker on Votaw…
"Sierra will be a triple threat for Mercer over the next three years by impacting the classroom, the court and God's Kingdom. She has been our 'whatever it takes' player, giving everything she has at whatever cost and has a thirst for getting better every day.
Â
"She leads her teammates with heart, hustle and persistence. She works extremely hard in the classroom and has a passion for learning, hence her future plans for being a teacher. We can't wait to see her shine at Mercer."
Follow the Bears
For complete coverage of Mercer Women's Basketball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerWBB (Twitter), /MercerWBB (Facebook) and @MercerWBB (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
Â
Players Mentioned
Mercer 38 | ETSU 34 Postgame Press Conference 9/27/25
Sunday, September 28
Mercer v. East Tennessee State Women's Soccer Highlight Reel: 9/26/2025
Saturday, September 27
Press Conference Mercer Football (Week 5 vs East Tennessee State)
Tuesday, September 23
Mercer 38, Citadel 0 | Postgame Press Conference (9/20/25)
Saturday, September 20