CENTRAL — Southern Wesleyan Head Volleyball Coach Julia Reininga has announced the signing of five new players and the addition of one player already at Southern Wesleyan for the 2016 season.
“I am very excited about the 2016 team,” said Reininga. “We have a great mix of returning talent coming off of a great 2015 campaign. We lost two key components in Megan Widener and Courtney O’Brien, but we have reloaded with 6 incoming players. Anna Hughey will also be ready to compete after sitting out for a year in residence after transferring in last year.”
Annika Jones
Annika Jones is a 5-8 sophomore setter from Piedmont (Woodmont High School/Queens University). She played 29 matches at Queens as a freshman and tallied 470 assists, 212 digs, and 38 aces. She was named All-Region three times at Woodmont.
“Annika has a lot of college playing experience coming off of a year playing in the Southern Athletic Conference at Queens,” said Reininga. “She is a great communicator and runs the court well. I am excited to have her become a Warrior.”
Jenna Karel
Jenna Karel is a 5-11 senior outside hitter and middle blocker from Byron Center, Mich., that is currently on the track & field team at Southern Wesleyan. She played in the NJCAA Regional and National Championship in 2013 and 2014 while at Grand Rapids Community College.
“Jenna is a tremendous student athlete and is also very athletic and powerful,” said Reininga. “I am very excited she will be joining the volleyball program after competing in track and field her first year at SWU. It will be exciting to see what is in store for her this season.”
Anna Martin
Anna Martin is a 5-6 freshman setter from Central (Liberty High School/KC11). She was named All-Region as a junior and as a senior. She was also named Team MVP, Region Player of the Year, CAWS All-State, and Female Athlete of the Year as a senior.
“Anna is a quiet player, but works very hard and lets her play do the talking,” said Reininga. “She is a great fit for SWU volleyball and has all the characteristics of what a Warrior should be.”
Sarah Stone
Sarah Stone is a 5-10 freshman right side hitter and middle blocker from Simpsonville (Southside Christian School/Excell Storm). She will also be on the track & field team at Southern Wesleyan.
“Sarah is a very talented athlete which everyone will see as she competes in both volleyball and track & field,” said Reininga. “She is a great communicator and a kid that can play the game very well, but also lifts up her team with her great attitude.”
Katlyn Von Ins
Katlyn Von Ins is a 5-7 freshman outside hitter and defensive specialist from Anderson (Anderson Christian School/Carolina One). She was named Team MVP as a junior and senior. As a senior, she was selected as HSSR Player of the Year and was captain of the state championship team.
“Katlyn is a lot in a small package, as she makes an impact in both the front and the back row,” commented Reininga. “She is a dynamic player that will bring a lot to the team. Her attitude and work ethic are perfect for the Warrior Way.”
Lauren Wanner
Lauren Wanner is a 5-3 freshman defensive specialist from Lexington (King Academy/Intense Volleyball Club). She was named Team MVP, Female Student-Athlete of the Year, All-Region SCISA All-Star, and Christian Leadership Female Athlete of the Year.
“Lauren grew up around SWU volleyball and is following in her sister Tori’s footsteps by becoming a Warrior,” said Reininga. “Her brother Tyler is also a part of our team as a manager. I am so excited Lauren decided to come to SWU as I have seen her grow on and off the court. I know she will bring her talent to the program in many different ways.”