Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Kyle Crawford
Women's Volleyball Set To Welcome Nine Newcomers for 2019
November 20, 2018 | Women's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - Ball State women's volleyball head coach Kelli Miller and her staff have put together one of the biggest and most talented recruiting classes in program history, as nine student-athletes will join the program for the 2019 season.
Set to join the Cardinals next fall are: Cailyn Bolser (Fairmount, Ind./Mississenewa), AléJa Culbreath (Avon, Ind./Avon), Allison Hamaker (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East), Maggie Huber (Loveland, Ohio/Ursuline Academy), MyKel Ivy (Muncie, Ind./Burris Laboratory School), Marie Plitt (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland), Natalie Mitchem (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook), Chloe Rickenbach (Avon, Ind./Avon)and Natalie Risi (Clarkston, Mich./Notre Dame Preparatory).
Below is more information on each of Ball State's nine additions.
Name Position Hometown (High School)
Cailyn Bolser Middle Blocker Fairmount, Ind. (Mississenewa)
MILLER ON BOLSER: Cailyn is a middle attacker with a ton of potential. I love how quick she moves laterally which allows her to attack very well off one foot. She has a quick arm and will continue to get better and better. I'm excited to add her to the program.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner in volleyball who played her first three seasons at North Miami High School and her final year at Mississenewa High School for her mother Jody Bolser, Bolser tallied 313 kills, 385 digs, 59 blocks and 23 aces, while hitting .321 her senior season … a four-time first team all-conference selection, she was team captain each of her final three seasons … twice named her team's Most Valuable Player (junior and senior) and twice named her program's Offensive Most Valuable Player, she was a second team All-State honoree as a junior … two-time Miami County Player of the Year, earning the honor as a sophomore and junior while at North Miami … she finished her high school career with 1,461 kills, 1,291 digs, 341 blocks and 128 aces … she earned three letters in basketball, including being named second team all-conference as a junior, and one in track and field while at North Miami.
CLUB: Played three seasons for Impact Volleyball Club, including finishing fifth in the nation at the 2018 AAU Nationals.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because when I was in seventh grade, I came to my first volleyball camp at BSU and fell in love with the environment. I looked up to the players teaching me, and knew right then I wanted to be just like them. I honestly didn't know for sure if I'd ever get the opportunity to do so, but when I got the chance to tour the campus again, I was reminded of why I first fell in love with the school and knew it was the right place for me.
Name Position Hometown (High School)
AléJa Culbreath Outside Attacker / Defensive Specialist Avon, Ind. (Avon)
MILLER ON CULBREATH: AléJa is such a fun player to watch. She jumps extremely well and plays with great energy. She can attack at the pin but also is capable of making plays in the backcourt as well. She plays for big time club and high school programs so she's used to competing for championships yearly. She is always eager to learn and grow her skillset and that's the type of player I want in my program.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Amie Sherrod at Avon High School, Culbreath helped guide the Orioles to a 33-4 record and a runner-up finish at the 2018 IHSAA State Championships this season … an 2018 Academic All-State honoree, she smashed 264 kills, recorded 56 digs and tallied 13 blocks as a senior to also earn second team all-state, all-district and a spot on the 2018 South All-Star Team … as a junior, Culbreath helped guide Avon to the IHSAA Class 4A State Championship by registering 130 kills, 62 digs and 19 total blocks … overall she helped guide Avon to four conference championships, three county championships, four sectional championships, four regional championships, two semi-state championships and the 2017 IHSAA Class 4A State Championship … she finished her career with 456 kills, 136 digs and 35 total blocks … also earned two letters in track & field and one letter in cheerleading at Avon.
CLUB: Has played five seasons for the Circle City Volleyball Club.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because it offered everything I wanted; pre-med, volleyball, dance and a beautiful campus. Not to mention my grandfather swears Ball State is the best and only college in the state.
Allison Hamaker Opposite Lombard, Ill. (Glenbard East)
MILLER ON HAMAKER: Allison is a physical left-handed attacker that not only brings a heavy arm in the front row but also can pass and defend at a high level in the backcourt. She has a great touch on the ball and a large variety of shots that she's capable of hitting which allows her to be very effective in the front row. She is a natural leader who plays with great energy and enthusiasm.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Marci Maier at Glenbard East High School, Hamaker finished her senior season with 343 kills, 253 digs, 40 aces and 33 blocks to help guide the Rams to a 30-8 record and a regional championship as team captain … a four-time all-conference recipient, earning first team status over her final three seasons after earning honorable mention as a freshman, Hamaker was also an all-academic selection as a sophomore and senior year … she garnered all-area honors as a senior, and was the program's Co-Most Valuable Player as a junior and senior … over her four-year playing career, Hamaker was captain for three-years and recorded 1012 kills, 665 digs, 114 blocks and 109 aces.
CLUB: Played seven years for the 1st Alliance Volleyball Club and one year for the Adversity Volleyball Club.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because it was the perfect fit for me. I loved the campus, the coaches and the whole volleyball program.
Maggie Huber Defensive Specialist Loveland, Ohio (Ursuline Academy)
MILLER ON HUBER: Maggie is a player that flies all over the court to make plays on defense. She wants to own the entire backcourt and her competitiveness and quickness allow her to do so. She is very natural at reading attackers and that allows her to cover a ton of ground as well. She has led her team to two state championships and is hungry to add more championships to her resume.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for coach Jeni Case at the Ursuline Academy, Huber helped guide the program to back-to-back OHSAA Division I State Championship as a junior and a senior … she registered 455 digs and 19 aces as a senior, while collecting 553 digs and 25 aces as a junior … a two-time first team all-conference selection as a junior and senior, Huber was also an honorable mention all-conference honoree as a freshman … she garnered second team all-state accolades and was named first team all-district as a junior … Huber helped guide Ursuline Academy to three sectional championships, two regional championships and a pair of state titles over her career … she also set the OHSAA State record for digs in a match with 58 her junior season, while her 553 digs as a junior were also a program record … she finished her career with 1,520 digs and 78 aces.
CLUB: Played seven seasons for the Elevation Volleyball Club and was named a Prep Volleyball "Defensive Dandy" in 2018.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because I felt at home when I visited. I really like the conference and the distance from home, as well as the size of the school. I felt like I immediately fit in with the team and program, and I can't wait to be a Cardinal!
MyKel Ivy Middle Blocker Muncie, Ind. (Burris Laboratory School)
MILLER ON IVY: MyKel is a Muncie native that has grown up playing extremely high level volleyball at both the club and high school level. She is a middle attacker but also is very versatile due to her high volleyball IQ. She is quick, dynamic and has a fast arm which allows her to hit around big blocks. She is not afraid of any challenge and loves to compete. We are very happy that she chose to stay in Muncie to attend BSU!
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Mike Dodrill at Burris Laboratory School, Ivy helped guide the Owls to a 28-6 overall record her senior season by racking up 461 kills, 83 total blocks and 66 service aces … the 2017 Delaware County 3A Player of the Year, she also helped lead Burris to four consecutive conference championships serving as the team captain all four years … she also helped lead the Owls to both the 2017 and 2018 Don Shondell Tournament Championships … she finished her playing career with 1,675 kills, 279 blocks, 293 digs and 170 service aces.
CLUB: Has played six seasons for the Munciana Volleyball Club, including the past two seasons on the Samurai … Helped guide her teams to the 2016 and 2017 national championships, as well as a runner-up finish at the 2018 national championship.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because when I came to visit, something clicked, and I knew I wanted to call this place my home. The girls and the coaching staff are all amazing people that I am lucky to be around and get to know. I also wanted my family and friends to be able to support me playing at the next level.
Natalie Mitchem Outside Hitter Bolingbrook, Ill. (Bolingbrook)
MILLER ON MITCHEM: Natalie is a pin attacker that hits the ball with a ton of pace. She puts up a big-time block and makes it very difficult on opponents to attack around her. She plays for a high level club that consistently competes for national championships and she will bring that experience with her to our gym as well. With her physicality and work ethic, the sky is the limit for how good she can become. I am really looking forward to adding Natalie to our program.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Molly Deserf at Bolingbrook High School, Mitchem blasted 351 kills and served up 53 aces her senior season to help guide the Raiders to a 24-10 overall record, with the 24 wins setting a program record … named the team's Most Valuable Player as a senior, she was also a first team all-conference selection in each of her final two seasons … Mitchem, who also earned all-area as a junior, finished her career with a school record 801 career kills.
CLUB: Played five seasons for Sports Performance, helping guide her team to the 2018 AAU National Championship.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because I wanted to go to a larger school with lots of people and somewhere out of Illinois that was Division I for volleyball. The atmosphere and community feeling of Ball State is what drew me in. As I was working through my college decision, I grew to love Ball State, what the program had to offer and the culture the coaching staff has built. The team was extremely nice and all I heard were good things. Everything I heard was positive and everyone I know who has gone to Ball State said they loved it and I would have lots of fun and enjoy myself there. My main goal in deciding on a college was to find somewhere I could call home for the next four years and have the best time of my life while getting a great education. Ball State was the best fit for that.
Name Position Hometown (High School)
Marie Plitt Middle Blocker Loveland, Ohio (Loveland)
MILLER ON PLITT: Marie may be one of the most versatile players that we have added to the program. She typically plays as a middle blocker, but she also passes, plays backrow, sets and hits at the pin. You name it, she's done it. I love that Marie is not afraid of any challenge and is willing to do whatever the team needs. She has a very high volleyball IQ and loves to compete. She is natural at attacking off one-foot as a middle, but also has the arm, quickness and IQ to play anywhere in the front row.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for her mother coach Julie Plitt at Loveland High School, Plitt helped guide the Tigers to a 22-2 record this season by smashing 229 kills, collecting 256 digs and registering 70 total blocks … the ECC Player of the Year as a junior and senior, Plitt was also a first team all-ECC selection in each of her four seasons … she earned all-state honorable mention accolades as a junior, while garnering all-district honors all four seasons, including first team honors as a junior and senior … named the team's Most Valuable Player in each of her final three seasons, while serving as team captain her final two … over her career, she helped guide the Tigers to a pair of ECC championships, with undefeated conference seasons her junior and senior years, as well as sectional and district titles her sophomore season … finished her career as the school's all-time leader in career kills (1,081), blocks (256), matches played (94), sets played (317) and attack percentage (.458) … also earned four letters in basketball, earning all-conference honorable mention honoree as a freshman.
CLUB: Has played four seasons for the Elevation Volleyball Club.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because I loved the coaches, campus, courses offered and the great tradition of the volleyball program.
Chloe Rickenbach Defensive Specialist Avon, Ind. (Avon)
MILLER ON RICKENBACH: Chloe is another player that loves to command the back court. She is a natural passer and defender that's not afraid to face any opponent. Her quickness and reading ability make her extremely tough in the back row. She has a high energy personality that loves to compete. I am excited to add her to our program.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Amie Sherrod at Avon High School, Rickenbach helped guide the Orioles to a 33-4 record and a runner-up finish at the 2018 IHSAA State Championships this season … the 2018 IHSAA Class 4A Mental Attitude Award winner, she paced the Avon defense with 324 digs and served up 57 aces this season to also earn first team all-conference honors … as a junior, Rickenbach helped guide Avon to the IHSAA Class 4A State Championship by registering 382 digs and 53 service aces … she was an all-county selection and an all-conference honorable mention as a junior … overall she helped guide Avon to four conference championships, three county championships, four sectional championships, four regional championships, two semi-state championships and the 2017 IHSAA Class 4A State Championship … she finished her career with 935 digs and 155 aces.
CLUB: Has played 10 season for the Circle City Volleyball Club, being named a 2015 Prepvolleyball.com Frosh 59 highest honorable mention, a 2017 AVCA Phenom and a 2018 Prep Volleyball "Defensive Dandy".
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because it was close to home, and it has a great volleyball program. I wanted to be at a school where my parents could easily come watch me play. Also, Ball State is known for its architecture program which is what I plan to study.
Natalie Risi Outside Hitter Clarkston, Mich. (Notre Dame Preparatory)
MILLER ON RISI: Natalie is a six rotation outside attacker that not only can frustrate opponents with her precision attacks, but also with her relentless ball control and defense. She reads incredibly well and uses her quickness and touch on the ball to put pass after pass on target. Offensively she's a shot maker that makes blockers chase her all across the net. She remains steady even in tough situations and is used to competing in high pressure moments.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Betty Wroubel at Notre Dame Preparatory, Risi has helped guide the Irish to a runner-up finish at the 2018 MHSAA Division 2 State Tournament … she finished her senior season with 550 kills, 466 digs, 180 service aces and 67 total blocks this season … a two-time All-State honoree, earning first team honors as a senior and second team accolades as a sophomore, Risi was also named the Maxpreps and AVCA Player of the Week in August of this season … as a junior, she helped guide Notre Dame Preparatory to the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship by blasting 473 kills and 171 aces, while tallying 455 digs and 91 total blocks … overall, she has helped guide the Irish to four district titles and a pair of regional championships … her 171 aces her junior season led all players in the state of Michigan … Risi's other accolades over her career including being named to the All-America Team as a junior, earning all-region, all-county and being named a Michigan High School Volleyball Insider "All-Insider" Team honoree as a sophomore and being named to the AVCA Phenom List as both a freshman and junior … she finished her four-year Irish career with 1,628 kills, 1,705 digs, 499 aces and 275 total block.
CLUB: Played for the Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because I liked the family environment of the volleyball program, and the beautiful campus that feels like home.
Follow The Cardinals: For the most up-to-date news on Ball State women's volleyball, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateWVB and @VBCoachMiller on Twitter.
- BallStateSports.com -
Set to join the Cardinals next fall are: Cailyn Bolser (Fairmount, Ind./Mississenewa), AléJa Culbreath (Avon, Ind./Avon), Allison Hamaker (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East), Maggie Huber (Loveland, Ohio/Ursuline Academy), MyKel Ivy (Muncie, Ind./Burris Laboratory School), Marie Plitt (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland), Natalie Mitchem (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook), Chloe Rickenbach (Avon, Ind./Avon)and Natalie Risi (Clarkston, Mich./Notre Dame Preparatory).
Below is more information on each of Ball State's nine additions.
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
1? ... @cailyn_bolser
@VBCoachMiller on Bolser:
"Cailyn is a middle attacker with a ton of potential. I love how quick she moves laterally which allows her to attack very well off one foot. She has a quick arm and will continue to get better and better."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/3xGpOsFDiL
Name Position Hometown (High School)
Cailyn Bolser Middle Blocker Fairmount, Ind. (Mississenewa)
MILLER ON BOLSER: Cailyn is a middle attacker with a ton of potential. I love how quick she moves laterally which allows her to attack very well off one foot. She has a quick arm and will continue to get better and better. I'm excited to add her to the program.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner in volleyball who played her first three seasons at North Miami High School and her final year at Mississenewa High School for her mother Jody Bolser, Bolser tallied 313 kills, 385 digs, 59 blocks and 23 aces, while hitting .321 her senior season … a four-time first team all-conference selection, she was team captain each of her final three seasons … twice named her team's Most Valuable Player (junior and senior) and twice named her program's Offensive Most Valuable Player, she was a second team All-State honoree as a junior … two-time Miami County Player of the Year, earning the honor as a sophomore and junior while at North Miami … she finished her high school career with 1,461 kills, 1,291 digs, 341 blocks and 128 aces … she earned three letters in basketball, including being named second team all-conference as a junior, and one in track and field while at North Miami.
CLUB: Played three seasons for Impact Volleyball Club, including finishing fifth in the nation at the 2018 AAU Nationals.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because when I was in seventh grade, I came to my first volleyball camp at BSU and fell in love with the environment. I looked up to the players teaching me, and knew right then I wanted to be just like them. I honestly didn't know for sure if I'd ever get the opportunity to do so, but when I got the chance to tour the campus again, I was reminded of why I first fell in love with the school and knew it was the right place for me.
2? ... @AlejaCulbreath
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
@VBCoachMiller on Culbreath:
"AléJa is such a fun player to watch. She jumps extremely well and plays with great energy. She can attack at the pin but also is capable of making plays in the backcourt as well."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/QSBlFWqFhM
Name Position Hometown (High School)
AléJa Culbreath Outside Attacker / Defensive Specialist Avon, Ind. (Avon)
MILLER ON CULBREATH: AléJa is such a fun player to watch. She jumps extremely well and plays with great energy. She can attack at the pin but also is capable of making plays in the backcourt as well. She plays for big time club and high school programs so she's used to competing for championships yearly. She is always eager to learn and grow her skillset and that's the type of player I want in my program.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Amie Sherrod at Avon High School, Culbreath helped guide the Orioles to a 33-4 record and a runner-up finish at the 2018 IHSAA State Championships this season … an 2018 Academic All-State honoree, she smashed 264 kills, recorded 56 digs and tallied 13 blocks as a senior to also earn second team all-state, all-district and a spot on the 2018 South All-Star Team … as a junior, Culbreath helped guide Avon to the IHSAA Class 4A State Championship by registering 130 kills, 62 digs and 19 total blocks … overall she helped guide Avon to four conference championships, three county championships, four sectional championships, four regional championships, two semi-state championships and the 2017 IHSAA Class 4A State Championship … she finished her career with 456 kills, 136 digs and 35 total blocks … also earned two letters in track & field and one letter in cheerleading at Avon.
CLUB: Has played five seasons for the Circle City Volleyball Club.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because it offered everything I wanted; pre-med, volleyball, dance and a beautiful campus. Not to mention my grandfather swears Ball State is the best and only college in the state.
Name Position Hometown (High School)3? ... Allison Hamaker
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
@VBCoachMiller on Hamaker:
"Allison is a physical left-handed attacker that not only brings a heavy arm in the front row but can also pass and defend at a high level in the backcourt."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/QcW2liwk8l
Allison Hamaker Opposite Lombard, Ill. (Glenbard East)
MILLER ON HAMAKER: Allison is a physical left-handed attacker that not only brings a heavy arm in the front row but also can pass and defend at a high level in the backcourt. She has a great touch on the ball and a large variety of shots that she's capable of hitting which allows her to be very effective in the front row. She is a natural leader who plays with great energy and enthusiasm.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Marci Maier at Glenbard East High School, Hamaker finished her senior season with 343 kills, 253 digs, 40 aces and 33 blocks to help guide the Rams to a 30-8 record and a regional championship as team captain … a four-time all-conference recipient, earning first team status over her final three seasons after earning honorable mention as a freshman, Hamaker was also an all-academic selection as a sophomore and senior year … she garnered all-area honors as a senior, and was the program's Co-Most Valuable Player as a junior and senior … over her four-year playing career, Hamaker was captain for three-years and recorded 1012 kills, 665 digs, 114 blocks and 109 aces.
CLUB: Played seven years for the 1st Alliance Volleyball Club and one year for the Adversity Volleyball Club.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because it was the perfect fit for me. I loved the campus, the coaches and the whole volleyball program.
Name Position Hometown (High School)4? ... @McHuber6
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
@VBCoachMiller on Huber:
"Maggie is a player that flies all over the court to make plays on defense. She wants to own the entire backcourt and her competitiveness and quickness allow her to do so."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/Pehy1XG2aj
Maggie Huber Defensive Specialist Loveland, Ohio (Ursuline Academy)
MILLER ON HUBER: Maggie is a player that flies all over the court to make plays on defense. She wants to own the entire backcourt and her competitiveness and quickness allow her to do so. She is very natural at reading attackers and that allows her to cover a ton of ground as well. She has led her team to two state championships and is hungry to add more championships to her resume.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letterwinner for coach Jeni Case at the Ursuline Academy, Huber helped guide the program to back-to-back OHSAA Division I State Championship as a junior and a senior … she registered 455 digs and 19 aces as a senior, while collecting 553 digs and 25 aces as a junior … a two-time first team all-conference selection as a junior and senior, Huber was also an honorable mention all-conference honoree as a freshman … she garnered second team all-state accolades and was named first team all-district as a junior … Huber helped guide Ursuline Academy to three sectional championships, two regional championships and a pair of state titles over her career … she also set the OHSAA State record for digs in a match with 58 her junior season, while her 553 digs as a junior were also a program record … she finished her career with 1,520 digs and 78 aces.
CLUB: Played seven seasons for the Elevation Volleyball Club and was named a Prep Volleyball "Defensive Dandy" in 2018.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because I felt at home when I visited. I really like the conference and the distance from home, as well as the size of the school. I felt like I immediately fit in with the team and program, and I can't wait to be a Cardinal!
Name Position Hometown (High School)5? ... @mykelivy @VBCoachMiller on Ivy:
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
"MyKel is a Muncie native that has grown up playing extremely high level volleyball at both the club and high school level. She is a middle attacker but also is very versatile due to her high volleyball IQ."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/2DixOpkQsQ
MyKel Ivy Middle Blocker Muncie, Ind. (Burris Laboratory School)
MILLER ON IVY: MyKel is a Muncie native that has grown up playing extremely high level volleyball at both the club and high school level. She is a middle attacker but also is very versatile due to her high volleyball IQ. She is quick, dynamic and has a fast arm which allows her to hit around big blocks. She is not afraid of any challenge and loves to compete. We are very happy that she chose to stay in Muncie to attend BSU!
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Mike Dodrill at Burris Laboratory School, Ivy helped guide the Owls to a 28-6 overall record her senior season by racking up 461 kills, 83 total blocks and 66 service aces … the 2017 Delaware County 3A Player of the Year, she also helped lead Burris to four consecutive conference championships serving as the team captain all four years … she also helped lead the Owls to both the 2017 and 2018 Don Shondell Tournament Championships … she finished her playing career with 1,675 kills, 279 blocks, 293 digs and 170 service aces.
CLUB: Has played six seasons for the Munciana Volleyball Club, including the past two seasons on the Samurai … Helped guide her teams to the 2016 and 2017 national championships, as well as a runner-up finish at the 2018 national championship.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because when I came to visit, something clicked, and I knew I wanted to call this place my home. The girls and the coaching staff are all amazing people that I am lucky to be around and get to know. I also wanted my family and friends to be able to support me playing at the next level.
Name Position Hometown (High School)6? ... @mitchem_6@VBCoachMiller on Mitchem:
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
"Natalie is a pin attacker that hits the ball with a ton of pace. She puts up a big-time block and makes it very difficult on opponents to attack around her."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/bBTzDbehtP
Natalie Mitchem Outside Hitter Bolingbrook, Ill. (Bolingbrook)
MILLER ON MITCHEM: Natalie is a pin attacker that hits the ball with a ton of pace. She puts up a big-time block and makes it very difficult on opponents to attack around her. She plays for a high level club that consistently competes for national championships and she will bring that experience with her to our gym as well. With her physicality and work ethic, the sky is the limit for how good she can become. I am really looking forward to adding Natalie to our program.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Molly Deserf at Bolingbrook High School, Mitchem blasted 351 kills and served up 53 aces her senior season to help guide the Raiders to a 24-10 overall record, with the 24 wins setting a program record … named the team's Most Valuable Player as a senior, she was also a first team all-conference selection in each of her final two seasons … Mitchem, who also earned all-area as a junior, finished her career with a school record 801 career kills.
CLUB: Played five seasons for Sports Performance, helping guide her team to the 2018 AAU National Championship.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because I wanted to go to a larger school with lots of people and somewhere out of Illinois that was Division I for volleyball. The atmosphere and community feeling of Ball State is what drew me in. As I was working through my college decision, I grew to love Ball State, what the program had to offer and the culture the coaching staff has built. The team was extremely nice and all I heard were good things. Everything I heard was positive and everyone I know who has gone to Ball State said they loved it and I would have lots of fun and enjoy myself there. My main goal in deciding on a college was to find somewhere I could call home for the next four years and have the best time of my life while getting a great education. Ball State was the best fit for that.
7? ... @MariePlitt@VBCoachMiller on Plitt:
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
"Marie may be one of the most versatile players we have added to the program. She typically plays as a middle blocker, but she also passes, plays backrow, sets and hits at the pin. You name it, she's done it."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/dqxPjpZcY5
Name Position Hometown (High School)
Marie Plitt Middle Blocker Loveland, Ohio (Loveland)
MILLER ON PLITT: Marie may be one of the most versatile players that we have added to the program. She typically plays as a middle blocker, but she also passes, plays backrow, sets and hits at the pin. You name it, she's done it. I love that Marie is not afraid of any challenge and is willing to do whatever the team needs. She has a very high volleyball IQ and loves to compete. She is natural at attacking off one-foot as a middle, but also has the arm, quickness and IQ to play anywhere in the front row.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for her mother coach Julie Plitt at Loveland High School, Plitt helped guide the Tigers to a 22-2 record this season by smashing 229 kills, collecting 256 digs and registering 70 total blocks … the ECC Player of the Year as a junior and senior, Plitt was also a first team all-ECC selection in each of her four seasons … she earned all-state honorable mention accolades as a junior, while garnering all-district honors all four seasons, including first team honors as a junior and senior … named the team's Most Valuable Player in each of her final three seasons, while serving as team captain her final two … over her career, she helped guide the Tigers to a pair of ECC championships, with undefeated conference seasons her junior and senior years, as well as sectional and district titles her sophomore season … finished her career as the school's all-time leader in career kills (1,081), blocks (256), matches played (94), sets played (317) and attack percentage (.458) … also earned four letters in basketball, earning all-conference honorable mention honoree as a freshman.
CLUB: Has played four seasons for the Elevation Volleyball Club.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because I loved the coaches, campus, courses offered and the great tradition of the volleyball program.
Name Position Hometown (High School)8? ... @c_rickenbach11@VBCoachMiller on Rickenbach:
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
"Chloe is another player that loves to command the back court. She is a natural passer and defender that's not afraid to face any opponent."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/oPGshorMd9
Chloe Rickenbach Defensive Specialist Avon, Ind. (Avon)
MILLER ON RICKENBACH: Chloe is another player that loves to command the back court. She is a natural passer and defender that's not afraid to face any opponent. Her quickness and reading ability make her extremely tough in the back row. She has a high energy personality that loves to compete. I am excited to add her to our program.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Amie Sherrod at Avon High School, Rickenbach helped guide the Orioles to a 33-4 record and a runner-up finish at the 2018 IHSAA State Championships this season … the 2018 IHSAA Class 4A Mental Attitude Award winner, she paced the Avon defense with 324 digs and served up 57 aces this season to also earn first team all-conference honors … as a junior, Rickenbach helped guide Avon to the IHSAA Class 4A State Championship by registering 382 digs and 53 service aces … she was an all-county selection and an all-conference honorable mention as a junior … overall she helped guide Avon to four conference championships, three county championships, four sectional championships, four regional championships, two semi-state championships and the 2017 IHSAA Class 4A State Championship … she finished her career with 935 digs and 155 aces.
CLUB: Has played 10 season for the Circle City Volleyball Club, being named a 2015 Prepvolleyball.com Frosh 59 highest honorable mention, a 2017 AVCA Phenom and a 2018 Prep Volleyball "Defensive Dandy".
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because it was close to home, and it has a great volleyball program. I wanted to be at a school where my parents could easily come watch me play. Also, Ball State is known for its architecture program which is what I plan to study.
Name Position Hometown (High School)9? ... @risinatalie@VBCoachMiller on Risi:
— Ball State Volleyball ?? (@BallStateWVB) November 20, 2018
"Natalie is a six rotation outside attacker that not only can frustrate opponents with her precision attacks, but also with her relentless ball control and defense."#ChirpChirp | #WeFly pic.twitter.com/GqMTXFcYIi
Natalie Risi Outside Hitter Clarkston, Mich. (Notre Dame Preparatory)
MILLER ON RISI: Natalie is a six rotation outside attacker that not only can frustrate opponents with her precision attacks, but also with her relentless ball control and defense. She reads incredibly well and uses her quickness and touch on the ball to put pass after pass on target. Offensively she's a shot maker that makes blockers chase her all across the net. She remains steady even in tough situations and is used to competing in high pressure moments.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letterwinner for coach Betty Wroubel at Notre Dame Preparatory, Risi has helped guide the Irish to a runner-up finish at the 2018 MHSAA Division 2 State Tournament … she finished her senior season with 550 kills, 466 digs, 180 service aces and 67 total blocks this season … a two-time All-State honoree, earning first team honors as a senior and second team accolades as a sophomore, Risi was also named the Maxpreps and AVCA Player of the Week in August of this season … as a junior, she helped guide Notre Dame Preparatory to the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship by blasting 473 kills and 171 aces, while tallying 455 digs and 91 total blocks … overall, she has helped guide the Irish to four district titles and a pair of regional championships … her 171 aces her junior season led all players in the state of Michigan … Risi's other accolades over her career including being named to the All-America Team as a junior, earning all-region, all-county and being named a Michigan High School Volleyball Insider "All-Insider" Team honoree as a sophomore and being named to the AVCA Phenom List as both a freshman and junior … she finished her four-year Irish career with 1,628 kills, 1,705 digs, 499 aces and 275 total block.
CLUB: Played for the Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy.
WHY BALL STATE: I chose Ball State because I liked the family environment of the volleyball program, and the beautiful campus that feels like home.
Follow The Cardinals: For the most up-to-date news on Ball State women's volleyball, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateWVB and @VBCoachMiller on Twitter.
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