V-Hawks News
Mon, Jun. 18, 2012 - [Volleyball]
La Crosse, Wis. – Viterbo University volleyball Head Coach, Ryan DeLong, announced today that Sara Biermaier (Woodbury, Minn.) has signed a letter of intent to play for the V-Hawks in the fall of 2013.
"I am so very excited to have finally made my decision to attend Viterbo University and play volleyball for the V-Hawks," commented Biermaier. "I prayed a lot about this decision and really feel that Viterbo is the best fit for me as it offers a wonderful education and a very competitive volleyball program. Another important factor for me was that Viterbo has a wonderful Catholic tradition and my faith is so important to me. I could not be happier with my decision as I am really looking forward to being a V-Hawk.
"Sara really fits the type of student athlete we are looking for here at Viterbo," stated Coach DeLong. "Sara has a combination of tremendous skill, great work ethic and character, which will help her have success on and off the court. Sara has been someone myself and our staff has watched over the course of this past spring and are really excited for her to join the V-Hawk family!"
Biermaier will join the V-Hawk volleyball family after finishing her high school career at Woodbury High School. At Woodbury, Biermaier has earned a varsity letter both her sophomore and junior seasons playing outside for the Royals. As a junior, Biermaier earned first team all-conference honors and has received the schools high academic honor award each of her seasons with the Royals.
"The school itself has great pride in the volleyball program and everyone I met at the school really shared an excitement for the volleyball team," stated Biermaier. "Coach DeLong and his staff have done a great job with the program and from the day I met them, they have made my parents and I feel a part of the program. They have a great emphasis on family, are very approachable and open to talk to but are very serious about building a successful/competitive program."
Biermaier does not only play volleyball for Woodbury High School but also plays for one of the best volleyball clubs in Minnesota, Northern Lights. This season, Biermaier is playing for the 17 2's team and has traveled across the country. Most recently Biermaier helped lead her team to a tournament championship at the very competitive Northern Junior Classic in Chicago, Ill. Biermaier and her teammates also took second at a tournament in Denver, Colo. and fifth at the January Thaw in Minneapolis. Her club season will come to an end the first week of July as they are playing at AAU Nationals in Orlando, Fla. and JVA Nationals in Ohio.
"Sara and her club team have had a wonderful year-playing the top competition not only in the Midwest, but all over the country," commented Coach DeLong. "Sara has been trained well and plays at a level that will prepare her to take the next step and we expect she can come in and have an immediate impact on our team."
Academics was just as important in the decision making process as volleyball was for Biermaier. She will pursue a degree in Math Education during her time at Viterbo. Beirmaier pointed to the fact that Viterbo offered an opportunity for an emphasis in math but could also get her teaching license was a deal breaker for her as well.
"When I met with the dean of education I was really impressed with what Viterbo had to offer me academically," commented Biermaier. "It became very evident to me that I could see myself having tremendous success both in the classroom and on the court. I cannot wait to put on a V-Hawk uniform and represent the university with great pride and dignity."
Biermaier is the second student-athlete to commit for the 2013 school year as she joins Imani Mansfield (Minneapolis, Minn.) who recently signed a letter of intent. Mansfield and Biermaier know each very well as both play club ball for Northern Lights.
