Your future, our focus
Seven New Spikers Set to Suit UP
By RANDAL HOROBIK
Tribune Sports Editor
The success enjoyed last fall by the Northwest College volleyball program is paying dividends in the 2009 recruiting class. Trapper head coach Flavia Siqueira announced several new players coming to campus this fall.
Two members of the list are products of Wyoming high school programs. Rock Springs' Megann Legerski and Kemmerer's Randi McInerney will stay in-state to play for the Trappers.
"Megann is a very disciplined student and athlete," said Siqueira. "She will bring a lot of hard work and dedication to our team."
McInerney was an all-state selection as a senior. Standing 6'3", she has the potential to make her presence immediately felt along the net.
"I feel excited to be joining a winning program," said McInerney. "I liked Coach Siqueira and how the program was set up. I'm excited to be coming there."
The Trappers also announced five out-of-state players from throughout the West.
Danielle York, an outside hitter from the Las Vegas area, was a second-team selection in Nevada's 4A Northwest League, the state's largest classification of schools. York helped guide her program to a 27-3 mark last fall and, like McInerney, is excited to be coming to Powell later this summer.
"I like to win," said York, alluding to Northwest College's presence in the NJCAA rankings last fall. "I was excited when Coach Siqueira gave me her card at a camp. I really liked the way she conducted drills."
The Trappers have also tapped into two traditional volleyball hotbeds by signing Danielle Stewart out of Los Angeles and Hawaii native Valerie Lesu. "Danielle is a very smart player with a passion for the game," Siqueira said of Stewart, who led her 22-7 Las Lomas team in service aces last fall. "She has great setting hands and good court vision. She will help our team at a high level."
"I played with the team while I was up there visiting and loved it," said Stewart. "I really felt like I fit in."
In Lesu, the Trappers appear to be getting a good thing in a smaller package. Lesu earned honorable mention honors and was known for her back row play as a libero, as well as her ability to plug in up front as a blocker.
"Valerie will bring a different style of playing volleyball coming from Hawaii," said Siqueira. "She will be another great addition to our team."
Portland, Ore., grad Reana Mott is expected to redshirt for the Trappers in 2009. Mott was a second-team all-conference selection as a junior and honorable mention honors as a senior in Oregon's largest classification.
"She has a lot of potential," said Siqueira. "She will get better and will be a great addition for our 2010 class."
The Trappers also announced one additional player for the 2009 season. Ashton Hudspath, who played middle blocker for Utah's powerhouse Provo program, is expected to walk on to the Trappers' program.
"Ashton will add energy to our group," said Siqueira. "She is a great student and a very dedicated athlete."
The group of fresh faces will join Kayla Propes, Irelis Avendano, Marsa Shigetomi, Brianna Reed, Rebekah DePesa and Katie Gregg, the six returning members of last season's team. The Trappers are coming off a 41-10 season that included appearances in the national rankings and a 15-game winning streak.
"Being a part of that makes me excited," said Stewart. "I want to be a part of that and help make it even better." The Trappers will officially begin practice for the 2009 season in August.