NMU V-Ball adds 4 players
Courtesy of NMU Athletics
MARQUETTE, Mich. – Dominic Yoder, coach of the Northern Michigan University volleyball team, announces the addition of two junior college transfers and two high school seniors to the roster for the upcoming 2012 season. Kellisha Harley and Cayla Vimr come to NMU from Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa. The two high school seniors are Bria Mays from Cincinnati, Ohio and Alexis Nelson from Chandler, Ariz.
Harley is a 5-foot-5 setter from Lakewood, Colo. She was an all-region selection at ILCC and the team was national qualifiers, finishing fifth. Harley played at Lakewood High School and club volleyball All-American for Juggernaut.
“Kellisha is 5-5 but her athleticism and playing experience has her playing at a much high level at the setter position,” Yoder said. “She is a junior college transfer and her experience competing in the top 10 in the NJCAA will be tremendous for our team. She was originally recruited out of high school as a libero but transitioned to a setter during her senior year.”
Vimr is a 5-11 left side hitter, hailing from Maplewood, Minn. She was a second team all-conference selection at ILCC. Vimr lettered twice at Roseville High School and played club for Centennial M1.
“Cayla is a strong left side hitter,” Yoder added. “She is very athletic and played with Kellisha. Her experience and athleticism will hopefully fill the shoes of Emma Wolfe. She is a six rotation player similar to Lina Lopes and we’re expecting a lot out of her.”
Mays is a 6-0 middle hitter. She lettered three times at Purcell Marian High School. She was a first team all-conference selection her senior year along with a second team all-city selection. She was a two-time third team all-conference selection during her sophomore and junior seasons. She also played club for Dayton Juniors, Kingdom and Queen City Crush.
“Bria is very athletic and fast,” said Yoder. “She has some high expectations coming from a very athletic family and has potential to compete and start for us in her first year.”
Nelson is a 6-2 middle hitter. She lettered once at Mountain Pointe High School where she was honorable mention division I all-state and Tempe all-city. She lettered twice at Platteview High School where she was all-conference and the team was state runner-up. She also played club volleyball for Sarpy 46, River City Juniors 171 and Aspire 18-1 Black.
“We’re very excited to be working with Alexis,” Yoder said. “She was highly sought after and has the potential to be freshman of the year. She has size and speed to play the middle blocker position at a high level.”
The ‘Cats open the 2012 season with the annual Green and Gold match from Vandament Arena on Aug. 28 before traveling to the Ferris State Tournament (Aug. 21-Sept. 1).