For Immediate Release
Coach Chad Braegelmann is optimistic that his first recruiting class at the University of Minnesota, Morris will make an immediate and lasting impact on the Cougar Volleyball program. At the very least, Coach Braegelmann is confident that there will be increased competition in the P.E. Center come practice time and there will be depth as Braegelmann has 11 new Cougars slated to show up in the fall to help nine returning players from last year.
Providing a wealth of experience for the 2009 class are three Junior College transfers Lindsey Jacobson (Hibbing Community College, Hibbing HS), Jordan Olerud (Ridgewater Community College, Redwood Falls HS) and Megan Theis (North Dakota State College of Science, Shakopee HS).
Jacobson, a 5’7 opposite hitter has been in five-straight state tournaments for volleyball- her last three years at Hibbing High School, and both years at Hibbing Community College. She was an All-Region and Northern All-Division player for the Cardinals as well as a two-time All-State Tournament selection and was All-Conference in 2008. She also helped her team to the NJCAA DIII National Tournament in 2008, finishing 3rd. Lindsay graduated from HCC in the spring and is the daughter of Jeff and Vikki Jacobson.
Olerud, a 5’8 outside hitter was an All-Region, 2nd team All-State and All-Southern Division player for the Warriors while leading Ridgewater to back-to-back runner-up finishes at the NJCAA DIII National Championships. She was also a two-time All-Conference performer in high school. Jordan is the daughter of Jerry and Barb Olerud and graduated from Ridgewater this spring.
Theis, a 5’11 middle hitter, led the NDSCS Wildcats in hitting efficiency during her sophomore year helping her team win their Conference and Regional title. In her first year at NDSCS, she helped the team to Nationals. At Shakopee High School Megan was a two time All-Conference performer. Megan is the daughter of Mitch and Julie Theis and graduated from NDSCS this spring.
“We are ecstatic to bring in this strong group of junior college transfers,” says Coach Braegelmann. “We get some much needed depth and experience in the front row with this group. We were set to only have two seniors and two juniors and thing brings our junior class up to five- All three of these women are very talented players and will get a chance to get on the court and exhibit their volleyball skills and experience. We have high hopes for this group as a whole.”
The freshmen class is eight strong with: Justine Banken (Breckenridge HS), Katie Dalton (Minneapolis Southwest HS), Nichelle Grage (Austin HS), Allie Humphrey (Minnetonka HS), Brita Humphrey (Minnetonka HS), Kat Nelson (Barnum HS), and Stephanie Schmiesing (Melrose HS) and Ashley Serbus (Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa HS).
Banken, a middle blocker, was twice voted Most Outstanding Attacker and Blocker and was a Team Captain in both 2007 & 2008. She was also a two time All-Conference volleyball player for the Cowgirls. Justine is the daughter of Randy and Karen Baker.
Dalton, an outside hitter, was an All-City Honoree in both 2007 and 2008 and is the daughter of Rick and Pat Dalton.
Grage, a setter, was an All-Conference selection for Austin High School as a setter. Nichelle is the daughter of Myron and Kimberly Grage.
Brita, an outside hitter, and Allie Humphrey, a middle blocker, were both members of the Minnetonka volleyball team. Allie was selected as an All-Conference performer in 2008 and was a team captain. They are the daughters of John and Pam Humphrey.
Nelson, an opposite hitter who is also planning on participating in Track and Field at UMM, was an All-Conference selection and team captain for the 2008 season. She is the daughter of Robert Nelson and Granddaughter of Richard and Retta Nelson.
Serbus, an outside hitter, helped BBE to two State Tourney appearances in her time as a Jaguar, including a 4th place finish in 2008. Ashley was named the Rookie of the Year in the 2007 season and was an All-Conference selection in 2008. Ashley is the daughter of Robert and Gail Serbus.
Schmiesing, a middle blocker, was voted All-Conference for her play in the 2008 season, was selected as a member of the All-Sauk Valley team as well as being voted Best Offensive Player by her team and coaches. Schmiesing is the daughter of Mark and Lois Schmiesing.
“I am extremely excited about this group as well,” commented Coach Braegelmann. “We bring in depth at every front row position and at setting with this recruiting class. We have some height, some very good athletes and some very good volleyball players. It is going to be a treat to watch this group mesh with our returning players and to see the improvement through the fall season. Practices should be a blast with intense competition for playing time. I am looking for us to be even more competitive within the UMAC and look forward to our first-ever appearance in the conference tournament.”
