Recruiting Class Taking Shape for IHCC Volleyball

Ottumwa -- Indian Hills Community College volleyball coach Terry Carlson is putting the finishing touches on his 2011 recruiting class. To date, Carlson has signed eight players and two others have agreed to join the IHCC program as walk-ons.

“One of our goals this recruiting season,” Carlson said, “was to increase team numbers and have multiple players at each position. We feel like we accomplished that.”

The members of the recruiting class, along with comments from the IHCC head coach, are:

Jessi Black, a 5’9” OH/DS from Ottumwa; “Jessi is an intense and determined player whom I have watched develop through her matches and attending my camps. I look forward to utilizing her passing skills. What impresses me is her passion for competing.”

Seanie Popp, a 5’10” MB from Adel, Ia.; “Seanie has above-average jumping ability and a powerful arm. She missed most of her senior season because of an illness so she may have some catching up to do. She played in the off-season for one of my former players, Tina Kruckenberg.”

Kelsey Wagner, a 5’10” MB from Carroll, Ia., who will transfer from Ellsworth CC where she was a first-team all-region performer as a freshman; “Kelsey is a strong middle attacker who will have the advantage of having played a full season of college volleyball.”

Courtney Blom, a 5’10” setter from Monroe, Michigan; “Courtney has great hands and can run a multiple offense. Playing soccer has helped her to develop great footwork. She was referred to us by a former Indian Hills student now living in Michigan.”

Emily Eswonia, a 5’10” OH from Tempe, Arizona; “Emily is going to be a nice all-around player for us. She has played a lot nationally with a USA club team. She is quick to the ball and can really jump.”

Andrea Soriano, a 5’9” OH from the Dominican Republic; “Andrea is a member of the Dominican Republic Junior National team and is currently practicing with her country’s national team. Her junior team won the gold medal at a tournament in Cuba in 2010. She is a very solid outside hitter who should be a nice complement to Eswonia.”

Ailime Gonzalez, a 5’8” setter from Brazil; “Ailime played for the top youth club in Sao Paulo. With her experience playing all over Brazil and internationally, Ailime should battle for the starting setter position.”

Deborah Ngotle, a 5’10” OH from Kenya; “Deborah is a friend of former IHCC All-American Jebet Sang. She played for the top club team in Kenya and is a versatile player who can play any of the front row positions.”

McKenzie Steinbrook, a 5’6” DS from West Burlington, Ia.; “McKenzie has extensive club volleyball experience and will add to our defensive depth.”

Victoria Ita, a 6’0” RS from Burlington, Ia.; “Victoria is a left-handed right-side player who played for the Iowa Rockets club team, along with Jessi Black, and knows what it takes to play at a high level. She should improve our blocking.”

Both Steinbrook and Ita will be walk-ons for the 2011 season.

“We will be very young this fall,” said Carlson, “but we will return three players in Carly Wehling, Erin Mosinski and Kelsey Lyons who are very capable of leading the team in the right direction. We are still looking at adding one more player to fill out the recruiting class.”