Ball State University Athletics
Men’s Volleyball Signs Three Newcomers for 2018-19 Season
December 14, 2017 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State men's volleyball team is excited to announce the signing of three athletes for the 2018-19 season. The class includes one middle attacker and two outside hitters.
"These three players will be strong additions to next year's team," said head coach Joel Walton. "They will be able to replace two middles and one outside attacker who will finish up their eligibility this season. We are excited to add them to our team."
Nicholas Martinski (Lake Park High School/ Elk Grove, Illinois) is the middle attacker in the 2018 class. Martinski is a three year letterwinner at Lake Park and will be earning his fourth letter this upcoming season. He was named to the all-conference team as a sophomore and junior. He was also named to first team all-state and team captain as a junior. Last season, Martkinski tallied 271 kills, 118 blocks and 39 aces. He is a member of the Pipeline Volleyball Club based in Palatine, Illinois.
"Nick Martinski is a tall and versatile athlete," said head coach Joel Walton. "At 6'7, Nick has the ability to compete as either a middle or outside attacker. In addition to strong attacking and blocking skills, Nick has developed a fluid jump serve."
Kaleb Jenness (Wando High School/ Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina) is a two year member of Carolina Union Volleyball Club. The outside attacker was named team captain during his second year with the club. In 2016, Jenness competed in the Junior National Championships. Jenness competed in the Junior National Championships again in 2017 and tied for sixteenth. Jenness is the first person to play Division I men's volleyball from the state of South Carolina.
"Kaleb Jenness is a skilled volleyball player capable of competing left side attacker, right side attacker or setter," said Walton. "His height (6'6) and physical ability allow him to attack and block at a very high level. Kaleb's versatility will benefit our team and create opportunities for him to play a major role early in his career."
Outside hitter, Brandon Shepherd (Glenda Dawson High School/ Pearland, Texas) competed for five years on the HVA Performance club team. Shepherd was named to the all-tournament team at the Boys Southwest Tour in 2016-17 season. During that same season, Shepherd was selected to the Texoma Boys Regional Team. Shepherd and his squad competed three years at the Boys Junior National Championships earning two 15th place finishes and a 13th place finish.
"Brandon Shephard plays a very dynamic style of volleyball," said Walton. "Brandon jumps well and has a live arm. We expect Brandon to thrive in our program and add depth to our team's talented group of outside attackers. He will benefit from our staff's experience and the competitive environment of our team's training."
Be sure to catch the 2018 men's volleyball team when they kick off their season on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6 in Worthen against Lees-McRae College and Emmanuel College. First serve is set for 7:30 p.m. for both matches.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State men's volleyball team, please follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateMVB.
"These three players will be strong additions to next year's team," said head coach Joel Walton. "They will be able to replace two middles and one outside attacker who will finish up their eligibility this season. We are excited to add them to our team."
Nicholas Martinski (Lake Park High School/ Elk Grove, Illinois) is the middle attacker in the 2018 class. Martinski is a three year letterwinner at Lake Park and will be earning his fourth letter this upcoming season. He was named to the all-conference team as a sophomore and junior. He was also named to first team all-state and team captain as a junior. Last season, Martkinski tallied 271 kills, 118 blocks and 39 aces. He is a member of the Pipeline Volleyball Club based in Palatine, Illinois.
"Nick Martinski is a tall and versatile athlete," said head coach Joel Walton. "At 6'7, Nick has the ability to compete as either a middle or outside attacker. In addition to strong attacking and blocking skills, Nick has developed a fluid jump serve."
Kaleb Jenness (Wando High School/ Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina) is a two year member of Carolina Union Volleyball Club. The outside attacker was named team captain during his second year with the club. In 2016, Jenness competed in the Junior National Championships. Jenness competed in the Junior National Championships again in 2017 and tied for sixteenth. Jenness is the first person to play Division I men's volleyball from the state of South Carolina.
"Kaleb Jenness is a skilled volleyball player capable of competing left side attacker, right side attacker or setter," said Walton. "His height (6'6) and physical ability allow him to attack and block at a very high level. Kaleb's versatility will benefit our team and create opportunities for him to play a major role early in his career."
Outside hitter, Brandon Shepherd (Glenda Dawson High School/ Pearland, Texas) competed for five years on the HVA Performance club team. Shepherd was named to the all-tournament team at the Boys Southwest Tour in 2016-17 season. During that same season, Shepherd was selected to the Texoma Boys Regional Team. Shepherd and his squad competed three years at the Boys Junior National Championships earning two 15th place finishes and a 13th place finish.
"Brandon Shephard plays a very dynamic style of volleyball," said Walton. "Brandon jumps well and has a live arm. We expect Brandon to thrive in our program and add depth to our team's talented group of outside attackers. He will benefit from our staff's experience and the competitive environment of our team's training."
Be sure to catch the 2018 men's volleyball team when they kick off their season on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6 in Worthen against Lees-McRae College and Emmanuel College. First serve is set for 7:30 p.m. for both matches.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State men's volleyball team, please follow @BallStateSports and @BallStateMVB.
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