Wittenberg University Volleyball Head Coach Evelyn Carus announces the addition of five high school standouts that have committed to play for the nationally ranked volleyball team this Fall. They will be members of Wittenberg's Class of 2022 and will begin their career as Tigers in the Fall of 2019.
The newest additions to the Tiger family include; Olivia Young, Hannah Schartz, Katie Springer, Sarah Hettich, and Maya Hagander.
Young is a 5'10", outside hitter and defensive specialist from Cleveland, Ohio. In her time at Rocky River High School, Young graduated with Honors and Magna Cum Laude, as well as being an important member of the National Honors Society. In her high school volleyball career, she was All-District Honorable Mention, All-Conference second team, and a varsity captain for three years. "Olivia Young is a solid all-around player. We are really looking forward to training her and seeing what she can accomplish. She's going to be a great addition to the Wittenberg volleyball team" Carus says.
Schartz is a 5'10", outside hitter from Springfield, Ohio. In her time at Shawnee High School, she has been a part of the Central Buckeye Conference 1st and 2nd team, Honorable Mention Buckeye Conference and All-District Player 9, 1st team All-District 9, and All-Clark County team.
Carus says, "Hannah is the only local kid in this class and we have had a lot of success in recent years with local kids making a huge impact in our program. We always try to keep an eye out for the kids in our backyard with lots of talent. This kid is an All-Ohio high jumper, so we are excited to incorporate her athleticism into our program!"
Springer is a 5'9", opposite hitter from Huron, Ohio. In her time at Huron High School, she has been a part of the All-Tournament team at the Gilmour Academy Invite, was captain of the Huron High School volleyball team, and was a varsity letter winner her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Springer graduated with a diploma of distinction. "Katie is going to be a very valuable lefty for us. She is a versatile player which is important to Coach Sterett and I, we will be able to put her anywhere. She has a positive spirit that we are eager to add to the team as well" Carus says.
Hettich is a 6'3", middle hitter and right side attacker from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In her time at Freeport Area Senior High School, she was a part of the distinguished Honor Roll four times, All Section Team, Volleyball Association for 4 years, and was a Summa Cum Laude graduate.
Hettich graduated with a 4.5 GPA. She was also a 2016 WPIAL State Champion, 2017 WPIAL Runner Up, 2017 PIAA State Champion, and on the 2018 Under Armor All America Watch List. "Sarah brings a good deal of height to Wittenberg volleyball! She will challenge our team with her tall block and aggressive swing" Carus says.
Hagander is a 6'0", outside hitter from Fort Knox, Kentucky. In her time at Fort Knox High School, Hagander was the Valedictorian of the Class of 2019 and earned 2018-2019 Academic All-State Kentucky honors. In Europe, Hagander was the DoDEA Europe Athlete of the Year, DoDEA Europe All-Europe First Team, DoDEA Europe All-Region First Team. "Maya was raised in United Kingdom, so she brings an interesting and different dynamic to our team. Her play style is slightly different, and will be fun to work with in the gym!"
The Tigers are coming off of a 25-3 season, making it to the Sweet Sixteen in the 2018 NCAA tournament. Wittenberg captured their 14th straight NCAC Tournament Title in 2018, which also served as the program's 24th overall NCAC Title.
Carus is entering her second season at the helm of the Wittenberg Volleyball program, along with assistant coach, Hadley Sterett, entering her first season. The Tigers are set to start the 2019 campaign on August 30-31, at the Ohio Northern Invitational.