Volleyball Inks Four For 2012
11/30/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - Seton Hall head volleyball coach Kris Zeiter has announced the signing of Molly Grammer (Center Valley, Pa.), Amanda Hansen (Pewaukee, Wis.), Kayla Kohler (Whitehall, Pa.), and Kacey Richards (Macedon, N.Y.) to National Letters of Intent to play for the Pirates next fall.
"I could not be more excited about this incoming class," stated Zeiter. "Each class we have signed in my time here keeps getting better and this one is no different. We have added depth at both pin hitting positions and more size and athleticism across the net. All of these players will challenge for playing time immediately and add to our philosophy of speed and aggressiveness. In addition, they are all wonderful student-athletes who will enhance our program and Seton Hall University."
Grammer is a 6'0" outside hitter, who comes from Synergy Volleyball Club, the same program that produced Shelbey and Stacey Manthorpe. She hails from Southern Lehigh High School, where she helped the team earn State Champion runner-up in Class AA. Grammer was named 2011 AA Player of the Year, Pennsylvania All-District MVP, and Player of the Year by the Morning Call.
"Molly is going to be a big time hitter in the BIG EAST," Zeiter said. "She can terminate with the best of them and gets better every time I see her play. She has a powerful arm and will contribute in the front row for us right away."
Hansen is a 6'2" middle blocker who has garnered All-Conference First Team honors in 2010 and 2011, while earning an All-State Second Team nod after her senior year. She guided Catholic Memorial High School to a state championship in 2010. An honor roll student, Hansen plays club volleyball for the Milwaukee Sting.
"Amanda will add more size to our program and will greatly help us as a blocker," Zeiter said. "She moves great for a middle blocker her size and is going to be a very good player in the BIG EAST. I expect Amanda to fill the void left by Krissy Wrobel and know that she will be a force for this program."
Kohler is a four-year letterwinner at Whitehall High School who was named to the Lehigh Valley Conference All-Star First Team, District 11 3a All-Star First Team, and the Cumberland Valley All-Tournament Team as both a junior and senior. This season, Kohler led the Zephyrs to the LVIAC Semifinals and District XI AAA Semifinals and was selected All-Area 3a First Team by the Morning Call. In 2010, the 6'0" outside hitter was tabbed by the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association as a First Team All-State selection. In the classroom, Kohler is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society.
"Kayla is another pin hitter with size and athleticism who can play outside hitter or right-side hitter," said Zeiter. "She hits the ball a ton and can contribute as a passer and defender as well. Kayla is going to add depth and skill to both positions and may see playing time immediately. She is also another recruit from the Pennsylvania area and was a teammate of Molly Grammer last season for Synergy Volleyball Club."
Richards has played five years on the varsity squad at Penfield Central High School and has spent two seasons with Paradigm Volleyball Club in Rochester, N.Y. Standing at 6'0", the outside/opposite hitter, she was named All-County in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, her Club team competed in the 16U Junior National Championships this year she guided Penfield to a NYSPHSAA Class AA State Championship.
"Kacey is a very long and athletic pin hitter," Zeiter stated. "She can play outside and on the right side and will be very good in serve/receive for us as well. With Kacey's blocking and attacking ability, I expect her to challenge for playing time right away."
Seton Hall completed one of the best seasons in recent history, compiling a 17-13 overall record with an 8-6 mark in BIG EAST play to earn a third straight trip to the conference tournament.
