ST. PAUL, Minn. - Concordia University volleyball coach Brady Starkey has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play volleyball for CU in the fall of 2010. Kayla Koenecke, Amanda Konetchy and Cassie Weaver will join the two-time defending National Championship volleyball team next season.
"We are really excited about this year's recruiting class," said head coach Brady Starkey. "These are three gifted volleyball players with incredible work ethics to match their abilities," added Starkey.
Starkey added that these three talented student-athletes will fit in with this team on the court because of their experiences at a high level of competition. The newcomers also possess the competitive nature it takes to compete at a high level in volleyball.
"All three of these players come from winning programs," said Starkey. "They will help continue the tradition that our players have have created at CU," added Starkey.
Kayla Koenecke is a 5-9 outside hitter from Delano, Minn. She is a three time letter-winner in volleyball at Delano High School.
"We are very lucky to get an athlete as dynamic as Kayla is here at CU," said Starkey. "Kayla is a versatile player that excels in several positions on the court."
In her high school career, Koenecke has compiled over 1,000 kills and been named the offensive and defensive Most Valuable Player on her team.
"Kayla is an explosive hitter than can terminate balls at both pins. She is also an excellent setter that will be able to run our offense with the proficiency of a starting setter," said Starkey.
Koenecke has been named to the All-State, All-Metro and All-Conference teams while also being named to the 2008 Minnesota State High School League All-Tournament team. She was also highlighted as a KARE 11 Player of the Week.
"We are expecting Kayla to be a future dominant player in the NSIC," said Starkey. "We can't wait to see what kind of impact she has on our program," added Starkey.
Amanda Konetchy is a 5-7 setter from Victoria, Minn. who attends Chaska High School.
"It is great for our program to get Amanda, she is a very polished setter who as played at the highest levels of high school and Junior Olympic volleyball throughout her career," said Starkey.
Konetchy is a four year letterwinner in volleyball. She was a member of the 2006 Minnesota State High School Championship team who has recorded 1,938 career set assists as a setter in high school. In 2008, Konetchy was named to the All-State, All-Metro and All-Conference teams at Chaska. She was also named to the Star Tribune All-Metro First team and the Pioneer Press All-State Honorable Mention Team. In 2009, she was nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year award. Konetchy was named to the 2009 All-State team, Star Tribune All-Metro First team and the Pioneer Press All-State Honorable Mention team.
"We expect Amanda to have an immediate impact on our program," said Starkey. "She has some pretty big shoes to fill (replacing All-American setter Magie McNamara)," added Starkey.
In addition to her high school team, Konetchy has played for the M1 Junior Olympic volleyball team. As a member of the M1 team she has participated in numerous national tournamentw and was named All-Tournament MVP at the National Jr. Classic, as well as Outstanding Setter at the PVB.com Classic 17 Open.
"We are hoping that with her great skill set and knowledge of the game that it will be a smooth transition for her to the college game," said Starkey.
Cassie Weaver, a 5-3 libero from Lakeville, Minn., is a two-sport athlete at Lakeville North High School. Along with her three letters in volleyball she has earned three letters on the track and field team.
"Cassie is an incredibly powerful and athletic back court player," said Starkey. "She has grown up around the game and has played for one of the best coaches in the history of Minnesota volleyball."
Weaver was named to the All-Metro Third Team and All-Conference team in 2009. She also helped lead her team to a Lake Conference Championship in 2008. Weaver has accomplished TAGS level 10 in gymnastics outside of her school activities.
"Once Cassie adapts to the college game we expect her to make her own name here at CU," said Starkey. "She has the potential to be a game-changing player for us."
Starkey added that the new talented recruits have more to offer the Golden Bear program than just their athletic abilities.
"These three are also great students," said Starkey. "They excel in the classroom and will do the same here at Concordia University."
The Concordia University volleyball team heads into the NCAA Central Region Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Central Region. The Golden Bears will host the tournament, which will be held this Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 19-21 at the Gangelhoff Center. This will be the sixth time hosting the event in the past seven years. CU has a 31-0 overall record and is 23-0 in regional action. The Golden Bears will take on No. 8 seed Colorado Mines in the first round of the tournament. CU has won 68 consecutive matches while winning 52 consecutive NSIC matches.
