ERIE, Pa. -- Head women’s volleyball coach
Ryan Patton has announced the addition of nine recruits for the 2009 season that include four all-state selections and one state champion.
“I couldn’t be more pleased than I am with the way this recruiting class came together” said Patton. “We set out looking for quality and some quantity – players to contribute quickly and a number to make our team deeper – and the end product exceeded my hopes and expectations in both areas.”
Headlining the class are Gretta Freyermuth, Kiera Rebert, Becky Smith and Elyse Texido. The first three earned all-state honors in Pennsylvania while Texido, a native of Lancaster, N.Y., garnered honors after helping her squad to the New York Catholic State Championship in 2008.
Additionally, three-sport standout Chelsea Jensen from Georgetown, Ontario should figure into the mix prominently as she was a member of the 2008 17+Under Team Ontario squad.
“I can’t say enough about the job that our recruiting coordinator Jenell Patton did with the day-to-day recruiting of this class,” added R. Patton. “There is no way this class would have come together as well as it did without the time and effort she put in.”
Both Pattons will look for the incoming class to bolster a lineup that returns all but two from a roster that posted a record-breaking season, including the program’s first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
The Lakers finished the season with a 21-15 overall mark, including a 6-6 record against PSAC Western Division foes. They qualified for the PSAC Tournament where they handed Edinboro a 3-1 loss in the first round before falling to perennial powerhouse Lock Haven in the semifinals, 3-0. Earlier in the year Mercyhurst made conference opponents take notice when the Lakers handed Lock Haven a 3-0 setback at the California Invitational.
“I am very confident that our program will continue to make strides with these players on board, “ said Patton.
The following are capsules on each of the 2009 additions:
Amanda Balasko (5-9, OH, North Olmstead, Ohio/North Olmstead)
A two-year captain and a two-time first-team All-Southwest Conference selection, Patton believes that Balasko will bring a tremendous amount of offensive production.
“The first time I watched Amanda play, she was essentially willing her team to a high finish in a very strong tournament. I knew then I wanted her on our team. She has a very good arm and a good arsenal of shots on offense that we should be able to use right away.”
Gretta Freyermuth (5-9, OH, Pittsburgh,Pa. /North Allegheny)
An all-state selection and All-WPIAL honoree, Freyermuth competes with athleticism that allows her to transform into what the situation dictates.
“Gretta comes from a very good high school and club background that will have her very ready for the collegiate level. She is a fun, rangy athlete which allows her to impact the game in a lot of different areas.”
Chelsea Jensen (5-10, OH, Georgetown, Ont./Georgetown District)
A member of the 2008 17+Under Team Ontario, Jensen brings a wealth of athleticism to Mercyhurst as she was the Team MVP of volleyball, basketball and track during her high school career.
“I noticed Chelsea as a competitor before I noticed her as a player. The more I watched, the more apparent it was that she can flat out play. She has a good arm and court sense, and she has the potential to be a very, very good collegiate passer.”
Becky Leusch (5-11, OH, Cleveland, Ohio/St. Joseph Academy)
Leusch continues to improve her game at all levels and possesses a great passion for the game.
“I think Becky has barely scratched the surface of her potential. She is a very good player at the net and has a love for the game that is infectious. As the rest of her game catches up to her arm, she will be very fun to coach.”
Stacey Miozzi (5-9, OH, Chardon, Ohio/Notre Dame Cathedral Latin)
Miozzi brings a competiveness that will push those around her.
“Stacey is one of the key players on her club team, which I’ve sort of thought of as the ‘little team that could’. She has a good all around game and is awfully competitive – both things that will make our team better.”
Katie Powell (5-6, DS, Euclid, Ohio/Euclid)
Powell possesses a great work ethic and personality that should add to the team environment.
“I love the spirit and personality that Katie is going to bring to our program. She has good platform skills and will add to our team’s ball control and I look forward to working with her.”
Kiera Rebert (5-9, S/OPP, Hanover,Pa. /SouthWestern)
A three-year team captain and 2008 Evening Sun Player of the Year, the all-state selection could see action at a variety of positions for the Lakers.
“Kiera is a special volleyball player from a volleyball family. She was one of the top setters in the state this past year, and could actually play any number of positions for us. She will make an immediate impact and will be an important player for us for four years.”
Becky Smith (6-2, MB, Butler, Pa./Butler)
The all-state selection will have a physical presence on the court but her mindset and work ethic off the court could lead to increased productivity throughout her collegiate career based on the improvements from her junior to senior year scholastically.
“Becky made a staggering improvement from her junior to senior year. She has a dominating presence at the net and she is a great technical blocker. When all is said and done, I think Becky is going to be a very, very good college volleyball player.”
Elyse Texido (5-4, S, Lancaster, NY/St. Mary’s)
Adding depth to at setter, the NY Catholic State Champion brings a winning tradition to the program.
“We got a late gift in the form of Elyse. She has been a winner and got experience at a high level of club ball this past season. She adds depth to our setting position and rounds out our roster very nicely.”