Volleyball added four freshmen to its roster this offseason to replace the players lost from last year’s team.
Many different factors are taken into account when deciding which players have the potential of contributing to the team. Each athlete being considered for the team not only is evaluated on technique but also personality.
“Personality is part of the package when recruiting, we see the player in the gym, then we bring them into a campus visit where they practice with our team and the ones who are serious do an official visit where they spend the night,” said Wegrich. “Even if they are a local, it is very important to sleep over. We really need to dig into the person’s personality.”
Wegrich plans four-years in advance for what the team will look like, so they are able to have players in place for when seniors graduate.
Although, five seniors will be leaving after this season, the incoming class will be ready because of the experience they will gain this season.
According to Wegrich, outside hitter Savannah Meinert will learn from senior outside hitters Jenna Goldsberry and Andrea Bosnic so she is ready to slot in when the two leave at the end of this year.
“It is never shocking when we bring in others,” Wegrich said. “She will get one year of shadowing and that means we will have three outsides.”
Camille Boone will be the substitute for senior middle blocker Kristen Hamlin and senior opposite hitter Desi Martin.
Sophomore Chloe Fields-Owens will be replacing this year’s libero Alexandria Bollier.
“It is really important that you have that continuity, it’s a real planning process” said Wegrich. “My reputation would be I give equal opportunity to all I recruit, and I pride myself in that.”
Middle blocker Camille Boone stands at 5’11 and according to Wegrich, her size and jumping ability will allow the offense to attack from many angles.
“Camille is going to be really exciting in my opinion.”
Meinert will train with Goldsberry in the offseason in Fresno, California.
“An alumni lifting weights with a freshman is really good because the freshmen do not know what it’s like to play for the next level, they do not know what it takes,” Wegrich said.
Outside hitter Sarah Clausen has a background playing softball that Wegrich believes can translate to Volleyball.
“If she can throw a softball from center field, she’s got strength, power and quickness,” said Wegrich.
Setter Kira Zimmerman signed in November and according to Wegrich has been on the program’s radar for some time.
She will replace senior setter and captain Alina Smith.
Wegrich looks for academic success as well as playing ability in possible recruits.
“We have to have good students, it is a culture we try to formulate in our recruiting,” said Wegrich. “The key is that the players keep each other accountable.”
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