November 29, 2007

MSUB Volleyball Announces Recruiting Class

BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State-Billings volleyball coach Sara Schaub has announced the 2008 recruiting class, signing three high school seniors to letters of intent.  The Yellowjacket volleyball team posted an 18-10 overall and 10-8 conference record in its first season in the ultra competitive Great Northwest Athletic Conference.  The new recruits will join seven returning players on a team that lost three players to graduation or program transfer.  The recruits represent Dugald, Manitoba, Canada, Omaha, Neb., and Billings, Mont.

2008 Yellowjacket Volleyball Recruiting Class

Ashley Welborn, Billings, Mont., (Senior HS)
Welborn is a 6-foot-0 middle blocker who lettered two times in basketball and four times in volleyball for Senior 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.  Welborn is a member of the National Honor Society and is the daughter of Danny and Terri.

“Ashley is a very solid all-around player whose versatility is her best asset,” said 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.  Her high school coach, Jeff Carroll, has done a great job of teaching Ashley sound fundamentals.  It is also great to have a local player of her caliber join our team.  The success of her high school playing years has taught her the competitiveness that we are looking for at MSUB.  Ashley is a fighter that will to whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Hannah Rasmussen, Omaha, Neb., (Millard North HS)
Rasmussen is a 5-foot-10 libero who lettered once in track and three times in volleyball at Millard North High School.  Rasmussen 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.  She is the daughter of Delni Rasmussen.

“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.  Hannah is in a unique situation where she has all her high school credits complete and will be graduating this December.  She will be attending MSUB starting spring semester 2008.  I think it will be a great head start on her college career.  We are excited to have her here on campus this spring getting accustomed to the college academic course work and playing with the team.”

Jody Lutz, Dugald, Manitoba, Canada, (Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute)
Lutz is a 6-foot-1 outside hitter who is a multi-sport athlete lettering twice in track, three times in basketball, and three times in volleyball for MBCI.  Lutz was named the Athlete of the Year as a freshman and junior while also being named Athlete of Distinction as a junior.  As a junior, Lutz’s team placed fourth at the KPAC Divisional.  Academically, Lutz won the gold medal at the Science Olympics as a freshman and received first class honors as a sophomore.  She is the daughter of Blair and Alice.

“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.  She is currently coming off a knee injury that did not allow her to play this past fall, but I have no doubt that she will be hungry to get back on the court next fall.  She is working hard to keep up her strength and may even add some by the time she gets here in 2008.”

“Overall I am very excited to have these three outstanding athletes join our squad in 2008,” added Schaub.  “I think they are all going to make an immediate impact on our program and will mesh very well with the solid returning crew I have.  I am eager to get them on campus!”