NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State volleyball team added four high school seniors, who will be able to compete for the team in 2017, head coach Melissa Myers announced Thursday. Â
The class includes Sydney Holt (Wildwood, Mo./Eureka HS), Stef Jankiewicz (Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison HS), Briana Kipp (Dallas, Texas/Bishop Lynch HS) and Kendal Meier (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/John F. Kennedy HS).
"We're looking forward to adding Sydney, Stef, Briana and Kendal to our roster in 2017. These are four quality student-athletes that excel both in the classroom and on the court," Myers said. "They come from great high school and club programs and will bring high-level playing experience with them. They are a competitive, hard-working group that will make an immediate impact in our gym."
The class includes (listed alphabetically):
Sydney Holt | Middle Blocker/Right Side Hitter | 6-1 | Wildwood, Mo. | Eureka HS
A three-time all-conference selection and a team captain the past two seasons, Holt helped her team to a 32-3 record as a senior. The daughter of a former Division I volleyball player – her mom played at West Virginia – Holt was named her team's most valuable player as a junior.
Myers on Holt: "Sydney is a strong, versatile athlete with solid all-around skills. She has a strong attack and block presence that will help strengthen our net play."
Stef Jankiewicz | Setter | 5-10 | Farmington Hills, Mich. | Harrison HS
Jankiewicz helped her high school team to 115 wins as a four-year starter. A co-captain of her prep team the past three years, Jankiewicz was a Michigan Miss Volleyball nominee this fall, in addition to earning all-state, all-conference, all-area and all-region honors for the second year in a row.Â
Myers on Jankiewicz: "Stef is a competitor who is committed to refining her craft. She is a savvy setter with excellent game knowledge, putting her hitters in good situations where they can score."
Briana Kipp | Middle Blocker | 6-1 | Dallas, Texas | Bishop Lynch HS
Kipp is seeking a perfect finish to her high school career as her team is currently chasing its fourth state title in as many years. An all-district selection as a junior, Kipp has helped her prep team win 30-straight matches this fall, while posting a perfect record against district opponents. She is also a member of the Bishop Lynch track and field team.
Myers on Kipp: "Briana is a versatile athlete that has good altitude and a solid overall skill set. She brings a tradition of winning and is a standout track and field athlete as well."
Kendal Meier | Defensive Specialist | 5-6 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | John F. Kennedy HS
A two-sport student-athlete competing in both volleyball and basketball, Meier led her volleyball team in both digs and aces, while earning first-team all-conference status, this fall. Meier's stellar play helped her team to a No. 1 ranking during her senior year. She finished her career with over 1,200 digs.
Myers on Meier: "Kendal has great touch, both in serve receive and defense. She is also a high-level thinker with excellent communication on the court. She is driven and relentless at improving her game."
The 2016 Redbird volleyball team is currently 16-10 overall and 9-5 in Missouri Valley Conference play. They return to action this weekend with matches on the road at Wichita State and Missouri State.
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