GNAC Sports

2008 Recruits

Alaska Anchorage

Seawolves Add Middle Blocker From Montana (6/20/08)

Middle blocker Cortney Lundberg has signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball for the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Lundberg (6-0) will transfer to UAA from Miles Community College in Miles City, Mont., where she earned All-MonDak Conference honors as a freshman last year. The Hardin, Mont., native will have three years of eligibility with the Seawolves.

“Cortney is extremely athletic and should give us a great boost along the front row,” said first-year coach Chris Green. “We're excited to have her join the Seawolf program and hopefully become an important part of the future.”

Lundberg led Miles last season and ranked 17th in NJCAA Region IX in attack percentage, hitting an impressive .309. She had a season-high of 21 kills in MCC's narrow loss to Williston State. Before attending Miles, she was a prep standout at Hardin High, earning Class A all-state honors as a senior in 2006.

Seawolf Spikers Add Accomplished Trio for 2008 (5/19/08)

Three junior college transfers - middle blocker Ashley Bates, defensive specialist Stacie Meisner and setter Calli Scott – have been added to Alaska Anchorage's 2008 volleyball roster.

Bates and Scott were teammates the last two seasons at Glendale Community College (Ariz.), where they helped the Gauchos to a Top 10 national ranking and the NJCAA Region I/Division II title match as sophomores.

Meisner, meanwhile, comes to UAA after playing two seasons under new UAA coach Chris Green at Western Nebraska CC, helping the Cougars to the national title match as a freshman and the NJCAA national crown as a sophomore.

Meisner and Scott both recently signed National Letters of Intent with UAA, while Bates will compete this fall for the first time after attending UAA last semester and training with the team this spring.

Bates, 6-0, of Peoria , Ariz. , was an All-ACCAC Second Team honoree in 2007 and an honorable mention all-league pick in 2006. As a sophomore she averaged 1.83 kills per game on .209 hitting, plus an impressive 1.59 blocks per game. As a prep at Mountain Ridge High School, Bates earned honorable mention all-state honors and a led her team to third place at the Class 5A State tournament.

Scott (5-8, Phoenix, AZ) ranked fourth in the ACCAC with 10.38 assists per game as a freshman in 2006. As a sophomore, she primarily played libero for the Gauchos but still managed over three assists per game as GCC went 21-11 and came one win shy of the national tournament. Scott played her prep volleyball at Phoenix 's Pinnacle High School .

“Ashley has good size and is obviously a talented player as shown by her JC accomplishments. The time she spent training here this spring should make her even more prepared to step into the lineup and make significant contributions quickly,” said Green. “Calli is an extremely good setter who has also proven her all-around skills. Last year she showed the willingness to make personal sacrifice for the good of her team, so we know she brings the character it takes to win.”

Meisner (5-9) will follow Green north after playing for Western Nebraska squads that posted a combined 110-4 record in her two seasons. The Gering, Neb. , native averaged 1.88 digs per game and posted a .234 attack percentage for the Cougars in 2007, seeing action in every game of every match for the JC national champs.

An outstanding student as well, she was recently honored with several awards at her school's postseason honors banquet, including that for the overall GPA among all WNCC female student-athletes. Before WNCC, Meisner was an accomplished prep player at Gering High School , where she mainly played outside hitter.

“I consider it a privilege to be able to coach Stacie for two more years,” Green said. “She is a versatile, intelligent player who will do everything in her power to win a match. In addition to what she will bring on the court, I see her easily fitting into a role as a team leader.”

Alaska Fairbanks

Oregon Product to Play For Nanooks (5/1/08)

Marybeth Wikander, a senior outside/middle hitter at Valley Catholic High School in Beaverton, Ore., has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Nanooks.

"Marybeth is a highly talented student-athlete,” said UAF coach Phil Shoemaker. “Besides her physical athletic talents, I am most impressed with her versatility, determination and work ethic. She is a solid performer, who possesses ‘Big Play' potential.”

The 5-foot-9 Wikander was a four-year letterman and two-time captain for the Valiants volleyball team, which finished the 2007 season with a 16-14 Class 3A record and 10-4 mark in the West Valley Conference.

As a senior at VCHS, Wikander garnered West Valley League first team honors and received first team all-state. A two-time MVP for the Valiants, she was also a conference first team selection as a junior.

Her prep career highlights include starting at outside hitter on the Valiants' 2005 team that captured the Tri-Valley League title. Wikander was also a two-year letterman on the VCHS Track and Field team, competing in hurdles, javelin, high jump and triple jump.

Wikander brings five years of club experience to the court. In that time, she has played for three teams, spending the last year and a half with Portland Volleyball Club. This year she was named the Global Challenge's Best Spiker.

Shoemaker plans for Wikander to play right side. “I see her training primarily on the right side, but no position is beyond her ability.”

An intended biology major at the University of Alaska Fairbanks , Wikander aspires to eventually pursue a doctorate in the medical field and a career in physical therapy. She joins Simone Chavous (Aurora, Colorado ) in the 2008 recruiting class.

Nanooks Sign Player From Colorado (4/11/08)

Simone Chavous (SIM-moan CHE-vis), a senior outside hitter at Bishop Machebeuf Catholic High School in Aurora, Colo., has signed a national letter of intent to play for Alaska Fairbanks.

"Simone is an explosive athlete with a solid skill base and a very competitive and positive court demeanor,” said UAF coach Phil Shoemaker. “She topped our ‘wish list' for outside hitters, and whenever we sign our No. 1 prospect at any position, we are especially pleased."

The 5-foot-9 Chavous was a two-time captain and three-time Most Valuable Player for the Buffaloes volleyball team, which finished the 2007 season with a 14-10 Class 3A record and 6-5 mark in the Metropolitan Conference.

As a senior at BMCHS, Chavous garnered Metro League first team honors and received honorable mention for the Colorado all-state team. She was a Metro League second team selection as a junior.

A member of Juggernaut Volleyball Club, Chavous plays for the Under-18 team that took 13th place at the AAU Girls' Junior National Volleyball Championship (18 Open Division) last summer. Chavous will pursue a degree in biological science at UAF and hopes to become a physical therapist.

Central Washington

Wildcats Sign Two To National Letters (12/8/07)

Outside hitter Meg Ryan of Spokane's Mead High School and outside hitter/middle blocker Mandy Saintz of Bothell High School have signed National Letters-of-Intent with Central Washington.

The 5-11 Ryan played for three WIAA Class 4A state championship teams in as many seasons at Mead. Her signing marks the fourth consecutive year that a former Mead Panther joins the Central Washington program, following in the footsteps of Rachael Schurman (Class of 2005), Erin Norris (Class of 2006) and Kady Try (Class of 2007). Ryan was a teammate of both Norris and Try under head coach Judy Kight.

"Meg is a well-rounded player who has a live arm, but also has terrific ball-handling," CWU coach Andaya, who has guided CWU to national playoff appearances in three of the last four years, said. "Meg's size gives her great range as a passer, and also as a defender. We're excited to add another player from an outstanding program where players are well-coached and are prepared to play at the next level."

In the classroom, Ryan carries a 3.8 grade-point average and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Saintz will tentatively be the Wildcats' tallest player on the 2008 roster at 6-foot-2. The Bothell High standout was a two-time first team all-KingCo League selection who helped the Cougars advance to the second round of the 2007 WIAA Class 4A state tournament.

A three-year letter winner for head coach Marlie Davis, Saintz hit .430 as a junior and totaled 29 kills, 19 digs, and six service aces in the district championship match against Woodinville earlier this fall.

"At 6-2, Mandy's size and physicality bolsters our front line," Andaya explained. "Playing middle blocker at the club level and outside hitter in high school, Mandy's versatility makes her a dangerous presence at any position. You always hear about potential in a lot of players, and Mandy has that, but she can flat-out play now. It's crazy to think about what she might be able to accomplish in the near future."

Saintz's blocking ability will add to a Central Washington squad that led the Great Northwest Athletic Conference with 2.56 blocks per game this past season. That average was also the program's highest since joining the NCAA Division II ranks in 1998.

Montana State Billings

Yellowjackets Sign Three to National Letters (11/29/07)

Montana State-Billings has signed three high school seniors to national letter of intents including Ashley Welborn (Billings, MT), Hannah Rasmussen (Omaha, Neb.) and Jody Lutz (Dugald , Manitoba).

Welborn is a 6-foot-0 middle blocker from BillingaSenior High School. Welborn has been part of a strong volleyball tradition at her high school winning the state championship as a sophomore, junior, and senior. She was named to the all-conference and all-state teams as a middle blocker and outside hitter for the Broncs.

“Ashley is a very solid all-around player whose versatility is her best asset,” said MSUB coach Sara Schaub. “She hits at a very high plane and can attack every play set. She is a great back row player with a very effective serve."

Rasmussen is a 5-foot-10 libero from Millard North High School. She was twice named the captain of her team and was part of the team that won the district championship and made it to the state semi finals match as a senior posting a record of 33-3.

“Hannah was mainly recruited for her back row abilities as a libero or defensive specialist,” said Schaub. “I think she has the ability to be one of the best defensive players in the GNAC conference. She has a very solid platform, reads well of defense, and can pass half the court. She may also find her way into the front row as she has a nice arm swing. "

Lutz is a 6-foot-1 outside hitter who is a multi-sport athlete lettering twice in track, three times in basketball, and four times in volleyball. Lutz was named the Athlete of the Year as a freshman and senior while also being named Athlete of Distinction as a senior.

“Jody will add some height for us in the front row,” said Schaub. “She is 6-foot-1 and can jump well. She has great mobility and will be a big blocker for us on the right side. At her height, she also is a solid back row player as well."

Northwest Nazarene

NNU Signs Five Prep Standouts (5/14/08)

Kailey Trautman, Kelly Van Elderen, Kelsey Smith, Alaina Barber and Meagan Swenson have signed National Letters-of-Intent to attend Northwest Nazarene and play volleyball for the Crusaders this fall.

Trautmann, a senior at King's High School in Seattle , is a 5-10 Outside Hitter and plays club volleyball for the Washington Volleyball Academy .

“Kailey is going to be a great addition to the program,” NNU coach Jared Sliger said. “Her knowledge of the game and ability to perform under pressure are going to be key ingredients for us.”

Van Elderen will come to Nampa from Ripon Christian High School in California/ Van Elderen is a 6-2 middle blocker and also plays for the Delta Valley Volleyball Club.

“Kelly will be a force at the net,” Sliger said. “The first thing that drew us to Kelly was her incredible blocking and the second thing was her arm swing. She was blocking everything and the balls she didn't block…she hit back at them.”

Kelsey Smith, a 5-9 setter, will graduate from Temecula Valley High School in Temecula, Calif., and plays club volleyball for the 951 Volleyball Club.

Alaina Barber, a senior from Rogers High School in Puyallup , Wash., is a 5-9 middle blocker who plays club volleyball for the Puyallup Volleyball Club.

“Alaina is an explosive jumper with a great arm that is cut from the same cloth as Chelsea Lewis,” Sliger adds. “Alaina will add depth to our already very talented middle blocking corp.”

Rounding out the signing class is Meagan Swenson, a 5-11 middle blocker from Salem Academy in Salem , Ore.

Crusaders Add High School League MVP (12/13/07)

Haley Abbott, the emerald City League MVP this past fall at Cedar Park Christian in Bothell, Wash., has signed a a National Letter of Intent to attend Northwest Nazarene University and play volleyball for the Crusaders.

Abbott (5-11, OH, Kenmore, Wash.), was a two-time League MVP and also earned Washington 1A All-State second team selection as a junior.

Abbott will bring some much needed physicality and ball-handling to the outside hitter spot due to the graduation of Loni Evenson, NNU coach Jared Sliger said.

Currently a member of the Island Thunder club team, Haley was awarded the Best Attacker award for the Northwest Juniors Volleyball Club in 2006 and also served two years as the Cedar Park Christian team captain.

Off the court, Haley carries a 3.90 grade point average and intends on pursuing a pre-med major at NNU.

Western Oregon

Three Sign NLIs With Wolves (6/11/08)

New Western Oregon University volleyball coach Brad Saindon has signed three players to National Letters of Intent.

Freshmen Danielle Reese, Sylvia Herrold and Brittany Barstad have signed NLIs. One other player - Kirsten Hoffman - will join the team this fall as a walk-on.

“I was worried about our late start in the recruiting process,” said Saindon, who became the new Wolves leader on March 3. “But I inherited a great list of names and I am ecstatic about the kids that we signed. We pulled off a great recruiting class in a short amount of time.”

Barstad is a 5-6 libero from Estacada. She is a two-time second team all-state (4A) selection and three times was named to the All-Capital Conference squad while playing for the Rangers.

Herrold, from Naselle High School in Ilwaco, Wash. , is a 5-11 opposite side hitter. She was a first team all-state pick at the 2B level for the Comets last fall and is a two-time winner of the MVP award in the Pacific League.

Reese is a 5-11 outside hitter from Gig Harbor, Wash. She was the Tri-MVP of the Narrows League in 2007, and will play in the Washington all-state series in Fife in July.

Hoffman is a 5-10 setter that played at Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver , earning first team All-Greater Saint Helen's League honors last fall.

Western Washington

Vikings Sign Lewis & Clark Setter (12/13/07)

Laurie Yearout, a senior setter at Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, has signed a national letter of intent to play for Western Washington University.

The 5-foot-9 Yearout helped the Tigers to three straight top-five finishes at the Class 4A state tournament, posting four-year per match career averages of 22.0 assists, 3.2 blocks, 9.4 digs and 2.1 service aces. Her career match highs were 34 assists and 20 digs.

Yearout was a first-team Greater Spokane League all-star as a junior and senior on L&C squads that placed second at state each year and had an overall record of 40-9. As a sophomore, she started on a team that finished fifth at state.

Yearout, who was a second-team state all-tournament pick as a junior, lettered four years in volleyball and has earned three letters in track and field as a pole vaulter.

Yearout's mother, Julie, who played volleyball at Whitworth College, is the girls volleyball coach at L&C; and her father, Tom, who played football at Washington State, is the head football coach at L&C.

2008 Recruits

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