V-Hawks News
Sat, Mar 20, 2010 - [Volleyball]
La Crosse, Wis. - Viterbo University Volleyball Head Coach Ryan DeLong has announced the signing of twotop notch student athletes for the 2010 season. Amanda Baumeister (Burlington, Wis.) and Erica Willadsen (Cochrane, Wis.) have both signed letters of intent to play for the V-Hawks this fall.
"I am excited about these two student athletes coming into our program, commented Coach DeLong."They have both been very successful at the high school and club level and have the ability to take the next step and contribute to our success right away. They fill positions that we were looking for and needed to fill in this recruiting class.They are very versatile and athletic players, those qualities will immediately have a positive impact on our team.I also feel that they will be great off the court as well, both in the class room and out in the community."
Amanda Baumeister - Burlington High School (Outside, Defensive Specialist)Viterbo University Volleyball Head Coach Ryan DeLong announced today that Amanda Baumeister (Burlington, Wis.) has signed a letter of intent to play for the V-Hawks in the fall of 2010.
"Amanda has played at the highest level of volleyball, both in high school and on her club team," commented Coach DeLong."She is a very versatile player who can play both outside and defensive specialist. Amanda's ability to see the court as a hitter is what sets her apart from other players; she isa smart player who knows how to get the ball to the floor.Her experience and ability will allow her to compete and be successful very quickly."
Baumeister comes to Viterbo after playing her high school career at Burlington High School. A four year letter winner, Baumeister capped off a stellar senior season by being named third team all-state. She also helped lead her team to a 36-12 overall record, a perfect 7-0 conference record and a trip to the WIAA State Tournament where they lost to eventual state champion Muskego High School.
"Playing volleyball in college is an absolute dream come true for me," stated Baumeister. "Through the whole recruiting process, I wanted to make sure that I found a school and volleyball program that was a perfect and I cannot express how much I believe that Viterbo is that perfect fit."
A two time first team all-conference selection, Baumeister recorded 664 kills and 237 digs her junior and senior season combined. She was also named a team captain as well as the team MVP. As much success as she has had on the court she has had just as much in the classroom. A four year academic letter winner, Baumeister will pursue a degree in Accounting at Viterbo.
"Everyone from the coaching staff, to the players, to the professors made me a priority when I came to campus and they showed me that they cared about me as a person," stated Baumesiter. "I am very happy with my decision to attend Viterbo and believe it will not be a decision I regret."
Erica Willadsen - Cochrane Fountain City High School (Middle/Outside Hitter)Viterbo University Volleyball Head Coach Ryan DeLong announced today that Erica Willadsen (Cochrane, Wis.) has signed a letter of intent to play for the V-Hawks in the fall of 2010.
"Erica brings a tremendous amount of skill and athletic ability to our program," commented Coach DeLong."Erica is a player that has the ability to playall three front row positions, whichmakes her very valuable. She plays and competes with the emotion, passion,and energy we love.Her ability along with her drive will allow her to be successful and make the jump to the next level."
Willadsen comes to Viterbo after having a stellar high school career at Cochrane-Fountain City (CFC) High School. At CFC, Willadsen started since her freshman season where she was named honorable mention all-conference. As a sophomore and junior, she was then honored as a first team all-conference selection. She saved her best for her final season as she was named honorable mention all-state as well as the Winona Daily News Player of the Year
"I cannot express the excitement that I have about wearing a V-Hawk uniform," stated Willadsen. "I really enjoyed my visits to campus and playing with the girls. The returning players were amazing to play with and really liked the coaching staff."
As much as volleyball means to Willadsen, it played just a small part in her decision of where she wanted to go. A four year academic all-conference selection, Willadsen made sure that the school she was considering also had a great academic program. She will pursue a degree in pre-physical therapy with the goal of attend PT school once done at Viterbo.
"I had the pleasure of meeting a couple of professors and they really showed me that they cared about their students development and growth," commented Willadsen. "The academic reputation that Viterbo has played huge role in my decision and I cannot be more happier than I am with my decision to attend Viterbo."
