Your future, our focus
By RANDAL HOROBIK
Tribune Sports Editor
Northwest College head volleyball coach Flavia Siqueira unveiled the members of her 2010 recruiting class. The Trappers have currently signed a total of seven players to supplement the returning members of the 2009 Region IX North championship team.
“I’m really excited with this class,” said Siqueira, who was honored this past year as one of the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association’s “30 under 30” award recipients. “We could still add one or two more before the fall.”
Members of the 2010 volleyball recruiting class at Northwest College include:
• Lauren Buseman, a middle hitter/blocker from Round Valley High School in Arizona. Buseman was an all-region selection as a senior and was also an all-star team member. A member of the varsity team since her sophomore season, Buseman finished first in her region for blocks, third in hitting percentage and seventh in kills.
“I chose to go to Northwest because their volleyball team is more like a family and I would love to be a part of that,” Buseman said of her decision to attend school in Powell. “The team is very disciplined, and they give everything they have in every match to win.”
Buseman plans to pursue a career in pharmacy.
• Allison Hart, originally from Pagosa Springs, Colo., will transfer to Northwest College after starting as setter for NJCAA national tournament qualifier Seminole State College this past season. Hart was named a member of the all-tournament team at Region IX member Lamar last year as a member of the Trojans.
“I really like the success of the Trappers’ volleyball team,” said Hart. “They are a good team, led by a very good coach. I am very excited to play volleyball with them next year. I am looking forward to a successful season.”
In high school, Hart was an all-state selection in both volleyball and basketball during her senior season.
• Allie Kottke, a setter from Billings Senior High, was part of two state championship teams, earning Class AA all-state honorable mention honors. She ended her prep career with 1,036 set assists in a single season and ranks in the top five all-time for serving percentage at Billings Senior.
Kottke is also an academic allstate award recipient. She plans to major in communication in college.
“Playing college volleyball has been a dream of mine since I was 10,” said Kottke. “I am so fortunate that I do get the opportunity to continue playing.”
Kottke has attended volleyball camp at Northwest College for several summers. In addition to her obvious role as setter, she could also find her way onto the floor as a defensive specialist along the Trappers’ back row.
• Gianesi Tarafa, an outside hitter who played for high school teams in Winnemucca, Nev., and Rexburg, Idaho. Tarafa has first-team selection in Idaho’s High Country Conference as a senior and was also a second-team selection on her 5A district team.
“I’m very excited to go to Northwest College, and I am very happy that I will be playing volleyball for Northwest College next semester,” said Tarafa.
• Laura Uffelman, Hardin, Mont., is an outside hitter, who describes herself as an “all-around player” — as in she’s been all around the court throughout her high school career, filling a multitude of positions and roles. Uffelman was the co-MVP of the Eastern A divisional volleyball tournament as a senior and led her team in kills, blocks and aces.
Uffelman was also an academic all-state selection who was also named Miss Montana Rainbow Service for her service in her church, community and state by her grand executive committee of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
“Both of my parents attended Northwest College,” Uffelman said. “When I visited campus, I was welcomed with open arms and I loved everything about the campus.”
Uffelman was also a four-year letter winner with the Hardin High School wrestling team. She plans to pursue a degree in education and hopes one day to teach and coach volleyball.
• Cailey Washington, Silverton, Wash., is a left-handed outside hitter who has been playing volleyball at both the school and club levels since the eighth grade.
“I made my decision to play for Northwest because of the high competitiveness of Coach Siqueira and the great opportunity to play at such a level,” said Washington, who earned numerous awards for both her volleyball and academic prowess throughout high school. “The girls on the team are really amazing, and I’m very excited to play with them in the fall.”
Washington plans to pursue a business degree in college, with an eye toward either sports or fashion merchandising.
The group will be joined by Sandra Chaudouet, who will be joining the Trappers’ roster after playing club volleyball in France. Chaudouet is expected to make an impact on the team’s front line.
Northwest College begins the defense of its Region IX North title and begins the quest for a return to the national tournament on Aug. 27 as part of the College of Southern Idaho tournament field. Northwest College hosts Sheridan College on Sept. 7 for its first home contest.