Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Montana State Volleyball Program Adds Five Newcomers
4/17/2013 3:16:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
First-year Montana State head volleyball coach Kyle Weindel has announced five freshmen will join the Bobcat program this fall, bringing the total of MSU newcomers to eight for the 2013 fall campaign.
First-year Montana State head volleyball coach Kyle Weindel has announced five freshmen will join the Bobcat program this fall, bringing the total of MSU newcomers to eight for the 2013 fall campaign.
Joining the Montana State volleyball program are Cassie Krueger, a 6-foot outside hitter from Kalispell; Loni Kreun, a 6-foot outside hitter from Davis, Calif.; Christine Markowski, a 6-foot-4 middle blocker from Orlando, Fla.; Danae Theiler, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter from Newbury Park, Calif.; and Dana Vestman, a 5-foot-5 libero from Elk Grove, Calif.
Krueger, who completed an outstanding career at Flathead High School this fall, is Weindel's first Montana recruit. The 6-foot outside hitter led the Bravettes to a 23-8 overall mark and a runner-up finish at the Class AA state tournament. On the season, she averaged 4.10 kills per set, while hitting .289 from the floor. In addition, Krueger chipped in 98 digs, 40 blocks and 34 aces. She led the Montana Western AA in hitting percentage and kills. For her efforts, she was a 2012 First-Team All-State selection. She also garnered Academic All-State honors, as well. For her career, Krueger notched 1,045 kills, while hitting .260. She led Flathead High School to four state tournament appearances as a four-time letterwinner.
“After talking to many local high school coaches they all came back and said the same thing; 'Cassie would help Montana State,'” Weindel said. “I am excited to add Cassie to the roster as my first Montana recruit. Although a little less experienced nationally and smaller than the others, Cassie is a very powerful athlete with a great arm. We like how athletic she is, and because of that athleticism, we will be able to train her to play at a very high level.”
She is the daughter of Art and Anna Krueger of Kalispell.
Kreun, who finished an exceptional career at St. Francis High School, helped guide the Troubadours to a 38-3 record last fall, which included a second place showing at the 2012 State Championship Division 1 tournament and a 2012 Northern California State title. In addition, SFHS also captured the 2012 Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 championship, as well as the 2012 Delta River League crown for the third consecutive season. For her efforts, Kreun garnered Sacramento Bee All-Metro Honorable Mention kudos for the second straight season. As a senior, she was named MVP of the High Sierra tournament, and garnered Delta River All-League honors as a junior.
“Loni is a very accomplished all-around player,” Weindel said. “Her ball control skills will help become the backbone of our passing for many years. She has the ability to get kills from a lot of different positions on the court. Her greatest value is her ability to adapt to various situations. Technically and tactically, Loni will push others to become better volleyball players.”
She is the daughter of Russell and Karen Kreun.
Markowski comes to Montana State with a wealth of high school and club experience. The 6-foot-4 middle blocker played club with the Orlando Volleyball Academy Asics 17 team that won the 2012 AAU National Title in the Open Division. In addition, OVA won three national qualifiers. A four-year starter and letterwinner at Lake Highland Prep, Markowski guided the Highlanders to a 19-6 mark, last fall. As a senior, she was listed by Brighthouse Sports Network as the No. 13-ranked player in Central Florida. In her first season at Lake Highland Prep, Markowski was named most improved player.
“At 6-4, Christie might be one of the tallest players to play at MSU in recent years,” Weindel said. “After watching her for several years, I noticed that she is one of the best natural blockers at the club level. Her club team has won multiple national championships. She has played at the highest level and been successful while doing so. She comes to MSU with a lot of 'big game' experience. That experience will be invaluable come conference season and conference tournament play. She has the ability to come in and immediately make an impact at the net as one of the conference's top blockers.”
She is the daughter of Steven and Connie Markowski.
Theiler, who preps at Thousand Oaks High School, led the Lancers to a 20-6 mark this season and garnered All-Marmonte League honors for her efforts. During her tenure, Thousand Oaks recorded a 72-31 overall mark; made four consecutive appearances in the CIF Division I playoffs; won three straight Marmonte League titles; and strung together a 42-match winning streak. A four-year letterwinner, she played club ball with the LAVA-South 18-1s – (Los Angeles Volleyball Academy). As a U-15 player, her team finished third in the nation at the junior Olympic tournament, while her U-16 squad was ranked in the top 10 in the nation.
“Danae was a late pick-up for us,” Weindel said. “One of first things I noticed about Danae was how hard she could attack the ball. She brings a very powerful style to MSU. She can play on both the right and left pins. Initially, we will have her play left side to utilize her power. She has the ability to get numerous kills in sets and matches. We will look to her to score points for us through her entire career at MSU. Danae is a student of the game and has the technical skill to go with her cannon of an arm.”
She is the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Theiler.
Vestman, a teammate of Kreun's at St. Francis High School, racked-up 859 digs and 41 aces to help the Troubadours to a 76-9 overall mark during her tenure. She also helped guide SFHS to a 38-3 record last fall, which included a second place showing at the 2012 State Championship Division 1 tournament and a 2012 Northern California State title.
“With the departure of Nicole Baker after the 2013 season, we wanted to recruit a high level passing libero,” Weindel said. “Dana became that player. She will be a tremendous passer/defender for the Bobcats. She comes to MSU with a ton of high level experience especially at the high school level. Her platform skills and her ability to pass really separated her as one of the top liberos in Northern California.”
She is the daughter of Ron and Yun Sun Vestman.
In all, Weindel will welcome eight players as part of the 2013 freshmen class.
“The 2013 class brings a vast amount of experience nationally (at the club level) that hasn't been seen in a freshmen class at MSU in quite some time,” Weindel said. “Each player brings their own unique niche to the program. Each was recruited for their ability to be successful within our system. If you combine that with their overall athleticism, experience and skill; this will be our formula for success over the next several years. I am excited to combine this class with the players who are currently on the roster. The expectations will continue to rise. This will be and is an exciting time for MSU volleyball.”
2013 Montana State Freshmen Class:
Kennadie Clute OH 6-1 Fr. Spokane, WA/Mt. Spokane HS
Cassie Krueger OH 6-0 Fr. Kalispell, MT/Flathead HS
Loni Kreun OH 6-0 Fr. Davis, CA/St. Francis HS
Christie Markowski MB 6-4 Fr. Orlando, FL/Lake Highland Prep
Alexandra Rader OH 6-0 Fr. Shingle Springs, CA/Ponderosa HS
Anna Sykora S 5-11 Fr. Rapid City, SD/Stevens HS
Danae Theiler OH 6-1 Fr. Newbury Park, CA/Thousand Oaks HS
Dana Vestman L 5-5 Fr. Elk Grove, CA/St. Francis HS
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