Index of Sports Press Releases

Mar. 31, 2008

Tolsma and Gill Headline DWU Volleyball Signings

MITCHELL, S.D. — Dakota Wesleyan University head volleyball coach Eric Viney has announced the signing of eight players to join the DWU volleyball program.

Polly Gill from T.F. Riggs High School (Pierre), Janel Tolsma from Avon High School, Callie DeBondt from Centerville High School, Cassie Brinker from Rapid City Stevens High School, Kacie Sanderson from Laurel High School (Laurel, Mont.), Trista Schultz from Hitchcock-Tulare High School, Robbi Letcher from Bridgewater High School, and Rebecca Knox from McCook Central High School all have committed to play for the Tigers during the 2008 volleyball season.

“We are eager to have these eight young ladies join our program for the 2008 campaign. These are exciting times for DWU volleyball, and we feel fortunate to sign such great athletes who have had wonderful careers at the high school level,” Viney said. “These athletes are thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead of them within this program as well as the GPAC. Having quality athletes is a key to sustaining success, and we feel this is a group of athletes that can be a solid core for the program in the next four years.”

Gill (5-8, MB/OH) was a 2007 South Dakota All-State First-Team selection as a senior and was a South Dakota All-State Second Team pick as a junior. The Pierre native was named All-Conference E.S.D. as a junior and senior. She was named to the South Dakota State “AA” All-Tournament Team her junior and senior seasons. She helped lead her teams to the South Dakota State “AA” Tournament championship games in volleyball and basketball her senior year. Gill is a four-year letterwinner in volleyball and track, and is a three-year letterwinner in basketball.

Tolsma (5-10, OH/MB) was an All-Conference volleyball selection her junior and senior years. The Avon native was a team captain her senior year and was voted most improved on her team. She is a four-year letterwinner in cheerleading and a three-year letterwinner in volleyball and basketball. Off the court, Tolsma is on the “A” honor roll and Merit honor roll.

DeBondt (5-6, DS) was an All-Conference Honorable Mention her senior year. The Centerville native is a four-year letterwinner in volleyball, basketball and track. DeBondt is a member of the National Honor Society.

Brinker (5-3, L/DS) was a member of the Rapid City Stevens volleyball team that won the 2007 Class “AA” District Championship and 2007 State “AA” Championship. Off the court, the Rapid City native is an honor roll student.

Sanderson (6-0, MB) was named All-Conference Honorable Mention her senior year. The Laurel, Mont., native led her team in blocks and was named most improved her senior season. She is a three-year letterwinner in volleyball and a two-year letterwinner in basketball at Laurel High School. Academically, Sanderson is a three-time Academic All-State selection and a four-year member of the honor roll.

Schultz (5-6, DS) was a captain of the Hitchcock-Tulare volleyball team her senior year. She is a four-year letterwinner in volleyball and basketball. The Tulare native is a four-time member of the honor roll.

Letcher (5-10, MB/OH) was an All-Conference Second-Team selection. The Bridgewater native is a two-year letterwinner in volleyball. She plans to major in nursing.

Knox (5-6, DS) was a member of the McCook Central High School team that won their conference in 2007. She received a letter in volleyball. Knox plans to major in nursing.

“There are very few NAIA programs that sign multiple players who have won state championships, let alone played in state championship matches. We feel very blessed to have some of these girls with that state championship and state tournament experience,” said Viney.

These are the first eight commitments to the volleyball program for the 2008 recruiting class.