November 10, 2005 SYCAMORE VOLLEYBALL SIGNS WHITAKER & VOLDEN FOR 2006 TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State head volleyball coach Julie Krofcheck announced the signing of Kelli Whitaker (New Palestine, Ind./New Palestine HS) and Stephanie Volden (McFarland, Wisc./McFarland HS) to National Letters of Intent to begin playing for the Sycamores during the 2006 season. “We are very excited to have these two student-athletes join our Sycamore family,” said Krofcheck. “We believe Kelli and Stephanie have a great future ahead of them. Adding these two players with our large class from last season, we believe we have a great foundation set for a successful future at ISU.” Kelli Whitaker (5-10, OH) is a three-time letterwinner at New Palestine High School and was recently named to the 2005 Indiana 3A All-State team after posting a school-record 503 kills during the fall. She was named the Indianapolis Star All-East Co-Player of the Year as she led NPHS to a 26-7 record this past season. Whitaker also earned a spot on the Star All-East Team in 2004. In addition, she was the Hancock County Player of the Year each of the past two seasons and was a two-time All-Heritage Conference selection. Whitaker played for the Central Indiana Volleyball Club team last year. She has also earned all-conference honors in softball and track at NPHS. “Kelli is a very dynamic player and has been extremely successful throughout her prep career,” said Krofcheck. “She is a great athlete that jumps very well. She is going to excel in our system and will definitely make considerable contributions early in her career.” Stephanie Volden (5-11, MB) earned two varsity letters at McFarland High School and was named Southern Badger First Team All-Conference during both seasons. In 2005, she was named to the Wisconsin State Journal All-Area Second Team after posting 439 kills and 120 blocks. She was also was an Academic Achievement Award recipient. In addition, Volden played two seasons for the Wisconsin Select Club team. “Stephanie not only gives us more size at the net but is also very quick and mobile,” said Krofcheck. “We are excited because she has such a high ceiling as she hasn’t been playing volleyball for that long. She has the potential to be a great player for us.” The Sycamores will finish the 2005 season with three home matches
over the next two weekends. ISU hosts MVC rival Illinois State on
Friday (Nov. 11) at 7 pm at ISU Arena, before welcoming No. 23 Wichita
State and Missouri State to Terre Haute next weekend.
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