HOUGHTON -- Courtesy: MTU
Michigan Tech head volleyball coach Matt Jennings has announced the addition of three student-athletes to the Husky’s 2012 incoming class. Their commitment completes the team’s roster for the 2012-13 season.
“One of the first things I found to be true upon my arrival here in Houghton was the quality of the people who attend, work for, and dedicate themselves to Tech and the advancement of the overall experience to be had here. This certainly is true regarding our returning players, and I am proud to say that I feel we have five new members of our family coming in this fall that fit that mold very well. Top to bottom, this class is not only talented and intelligent, but also brings a variety of intangible qualities that should prove to be valuable for the rejuvenation of our volleyball program. I am very grateful for their trust in us and belief in how being a Tech student-athlete will better them now and upon graduation.”
Overall, Tech’s incoming class includes players from three different states and Canada, a valedictorian, all-state, all-conference, and all-region nominees, a two time AAU All-American, and several years of playing club at a high level on a national scale.
Jacqueline Aird (5-4) was a two-year varsity starter at libero/defensive specialist at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago. An all girls Catholic school located on Chicago’s Southside, Mother McAuley is considered a storied “powerhouse” in Illinois volleyball. The Orland Park, Ill., native earned all-conference first team honors her senior season. Aird played club volleyball for 1st Alliance and led the team to an AAU National Championship in 2010 and a fifth place finish in 2011. She earned AAU All-American honors both years. 1st Alliance is one the premier clubs in the United States and is well known for producing great teams and players through its elite level training.
“Jacqueline will fit in extremely well here for many reasons, first and foremost being her toughness and competitiveness. She’s the kind of player who will run down every ball and rarely lacks for effort. Her training and skill level, in combination with her mindset, will provide her ample opportunity to see the court right away as long as she continues to improve and never settles for anything less than what she is capable of.”
Aubrey Havlichek is a 5-9 outside hitter/right side attacker from Brighton, Colo. She was a two-time all-conference selection, including first-team honors her senior season at Horizon High School. Havlichek, who plays club volleyball for Juggernaut, chose Michigan Tech over St. Leo (Fla.) and West Texas A&M. A strong student, Havlichek earned high honor roll honors all four years in high school.
“Aubrey is a strong dynamic player who has the ability to swing at either pin position,” said Jennings. “She will provide depth offensively and has the capability of eventually being a six-rotation player for us if she works hard at it. She is a true competitor with a desire to win, and is someone who we look to contribute from the outset.”
Sarah Rasmussen is a 5-3 libero/defensive specialist from Chanhassen, Minn, who graduated No. 1 in her class. She helped Chanhassen High School to the 2011 Missota Conference Championship with an undefeated record and a 21-5 overall record. Rasmussen arrives in Houghton with several accolades earned during her prep career including, three all-conference awards and an academic all-state award. She was selected as team captain two of her three seasons on varsity. The Storm advanced to the Minnesota Section 2AAA Semifinals in 2011. She has played club volleyball for Minnesota One for four years.
“Sarah is a defensive specialist who will provide quality ball control and defense to our back-row game,” said Jennings. “She brings depth to the back court and a great work ethic to the gym and classroom.”
These three student-athletes complete Tech’s recruiting class that also includes Janelle RupKaluis (Andover, Minn.) and Sylvie Rokash (Calgary, Alberta).
RupKaluis is a 6-1 attacker who can play rightside and middle. She played five seasons at Northern Lights Volleyball Club and three years of varsity volleyball at Andover High School, earning all-conference recognition her senior year. RupKaluis intends on studying civil or biomedical engineering.
Rokash is a 6-2 attacker that plays for Dinos Volleyball Club in Calgary, and who also can play in the middle and on the rightside. Rokash intends on studying biomedical engineering.
The Huskies open their season on the road at the Crimson Invitational hosted by Indiana (Pa.). Their first home match is September 29th against GLIAC foe Wayne State.
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