Ball State University Athletics
Sydnee VanBeek Signs NLI to Join Women?s Volleyball
November 11, 2015 | Women's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State women's volleyball program has added a dominating blocker and explosive offensive weapon to its 2016 roster with the signing of Sydnee VanBeek (St. John, Ind./Illiana Christian) to a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period which began today (Wednesday, Nov. 11).
“We are absolutely thrilled and grateful to have Sydnee join our team at Ball State,” sixth-year head coach Steve Shondell said. “She is a young lady of high character and brings to our program many intangibles. She is the ultimate team player, and all about making her teammates better through positive leadership.”
VanBeek, a four-year letterwinner in volleyball for coach Nikki Vandyke at Illiana Christian located in Illinois across the border from her hometown of St. John, was named the 2015 Metro-Suburban Conference Most Valuable Player after blasting 325 kills and tallying 56 total blocks her senior year. She helped lead the Vikings to a 26-10 overall record last season, including an 11-1 mark in league play. A first-team all-conference selection in 2015, she also helped guide Illiana Christian to the Illinois High School Association Class 3A regional championship match.
“As a player, Sydnee can defend at the net with any player in America,” Shondell continued. “She has the ability to evolve into the wall of Ball State volleyball. What separates Sydnee from most players is her versatility. She can play any position along the front line, and will not shy away from any block. She hits a cannon ball and can score with the best. Sydnee will make an impact on our team from the day she arrives on our beautiful campus.”
VanBeek, who was named to the Monteno All-Tournament Team as both a junior and senior, finished her high school career with 951 kills and 264 blocks. She also served up 180 aces and recorded 387 digs over 147 career matches. She is the daughter of Steve and Michelle VanBeek, and has two older brothers, Zach and Josh. Her brother Josh is set to join the IPFW baseball team as a pitcher this coming spring, after playing two seasons at Wabash Valley College.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State women's volleyball, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateWVB and @SteveShondell on Twitter.
- BallStateSports.com -
