GLENVILLE – Glenville State University Volleyball recently announced the signing of nine recruits to make an immediate impact on the 2022 season. Junior college transfers Katarzyna Niderla (#2 New Mexico Junior College) and
Zoe Schmidt (Hutchinson Community College) join Helin Halden (#13 Northeastern Junior College) who signed earlier this year. The freshman additions for the program include
Nalaina Funk,
Larissa Howe,
Malerie Ross,
Morgan Stephenson,
Lauryn O'Lenic, and
Rita Kelly.
Kataryzna Niderla is a 6-foot-1 middle hitter from Poniatowa, Poland. She transfers to Glenville from New Mexico Military Institute after an incredible 33-5 overall season with the Broncos and completing her Junior College career at the NJCAA Division I national championship. Niderla ranked fourth in the nation for hitting (.372) percentage, third in block assists (142), and fifth in total blocks (169). At New Mexico Military, she was second in kills, first in service aces, and first in blocks. Niderla took home Region V Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) first-team all-conference honors, was named WJCAC player of the week five times, and was named volleyballmag.com NJCAA All-American.
"I chose Glenville because of the coaches and all the information about them and their relationship with [my] teammates," said Niderla. "I'm very excited to learn new things about volleyball. [Coach John] can tell me a lot of new stuff that will help me to be better. I'm also excited to meet my new teammates and having our first practice."
Zoe Schmidt is a 5-foot-8 defensive specialist from Rogers, Arkansas. She transfers from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. The Blue Dragons were quarter finalists in the 2021 NJCAA D1 Tournament. Schmidt was a key player for Hutchinson, playing six rotations as a middle hitter and serving as team captain. In her one season with the Blue Dragons, she had 245 digs, 106 kills, and played in 33 of 34 matches. Prior to Hutchinson, Schmidt also spent her freshman year at No. 2 Coffeyville Community College (39-2) where she had 140 kills, .298 hitting percentage, and 36 digs.
"I'm excited to play at GSU because it gave me an opportunity not to hang up my jersey and be able to explore a new destination," said Schmidt. "I think playing for Coach John will not only help me as a player, but I'll learn a lot from him for my future coaching as well. I am excited to push myself because coming back from an injury is never easy and I continue to surprise myself with my ability."
Helín Halden is a 5-foot-11 outside hitter from Izmir, Turkey. She transfers to Glenville from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. While Halden played for the Plainswomen, NJC ranked 10th and 13th in the Nation in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and took home the Region IX title in 2021. Prior to her junior college career, Halden's club team won Turkey's national tournament.
"I chose Glenville State University because of their psychology program is very successful, the coaches are amazing, and everyone is welcoming," says Halden. "I am very lucky to join a team which is NCAA DII. It is very exciting for me to play in such a successful team as a JUCO transfer, with amazing coaches. I believe that we will work hard with my team and my coaches to achieve great success. I will also try my best to be better for myself, for my team, and for my coaches. As an international student, my biggest goal is to learn more about American volleyball and work with American coaches to add new skills to myself. Working towards this goal and being with new friends at my new school makes me very excited and I want to share the knowledge I have gained in America with people when I return to my country."
Nalaina Funk is a 6-foot-4 middle hitter from Okotoks, Alberta Canada. In high school, Funk also played for the women's Calgary Club, DINOS. She attended Foothills Composite High School where she led her team as captain. During her high school career, Funk's team won their league championship, zone championship, and multiple expedition tournaments. Academically, she held a 3.8 GPA with honors.
"I chose Glenville because of the family dynamic it has to offer. The school has focus academically and athletically, allowing me to get the most out of my experience," says Funk. "I'm most excited to play for GSU because of the relationships that I am going to make with my fellow teammates along with staying competitive and improving as an athlete."
Larissa Howe is a 6-foot outside/right side hitter from Tomball, Texas. Howe has nabbed a plethora of achievements in her career at Tomball high school, including Texas Girl's Association Academic All-State (2021), Greater Houston All-Academic Honors (2021), Defensive Player of the Year (2019), and Academic All-District (2021 & 2020).
"I chose Glenville because I feel like I'm going to get a quality education and I also continue to play volleyball. I'm super excited to play for Coach John because of his depth of experience coaching, and I know he can develop my skills and knowledge to a higher level," Howe says. "I'm stoked to be blessed with the chance to showcase my skills and compete at one of the highest levels of volleyball. I hope to keep advancing my knowledge and skills."
Malerie Ross is a 6-foot-1 outside hitter from Brookville, Ohio. The Brookville High School athlete accumulated 401 kills, ultimately finishing her career with a .400 hitting percentage. Ross is a three-time principal scholar athlete, second-team SWBL, honorable all-district, and played Varsity volleyball for three years. She also achieved honors every year and is a member of the National Honor Society.
"I chose Glenville because I believed it was the best fit for me," says Ross. "It was a beautiful campus and everyone seemed so nice and welcoming! I am excited to make myself a smarter player and for coach to make me more of a successful player for my years to come. I am very excited to meet new people on the team and have fun and create more bonds with everyone!
Morgan Stephenson is a 5-foot-5 defensive specialist from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Stephenson received multiple achievements at Waynesburg High School, including WPIAL Section 2A Class 3 Second Team All-Star, Third Team All-Star, GCADA All-Star two years in a row. She was the varsity captain her senior year and most recently played club volleyball at Ohio Valley Volleyball Company.
"I chose Glenville because of how well they take care of their athletes and how much the program is advancing and growing for the better each day," says Stephenson. "I am excited about playing for Coach John because he is always a fighting voice for his athletes. He also takes the time to explain the "why" behind everything he teaches. I am excited to work with the team and continue to grow as a player and person alongside the GSU volleyball team."
Lauryn O'Lenic is a 6-foot-1 lefty right-side hitter from Sylvania, Ohio. O'Lenic attended Sylvania Northview High school and played for Athlete Headquarters 18-Young team. O'Lenic achieved honor roll all four years of high school and graduated with a 3.5 GPA.
"I chose Glenville because it felt like home as soon as I stepped into campus," says O'Lenic. "I am most excited about playing for GSU because of the positive environment as well as playing for a coach that believes in me! I am excited to be able to compete at the next level and hopefully win a title during my collegiate volleyball career!"
Rita Kelly is a 6-foot-3 right side hitter from Collierville, Tennessee. The 2021 District MVP totaled 199 kills her senior year and locked in a .292 hitting percentage along with 73 blocks and 54 digs. She finished high school with a 3.7 GPA, District All-Academic honors. She is also a member of the Honors French Society.
"I chose Glenville because of its scenery, positive environment and to also pursue my goals in playing collegiate volleyball," says Kelly. "I am most excited about learning from Coach John and being the best player I can be and hopefully be involved in bringing countless victories to GSU. I am excited to learn about myself and where my potential will lead me and also new people meeting new teammates with different interests. I'm also excited about playing super competitive matches because I believe those are more exciting than anything else."
