Class of 2018 Part 1: Mid Major Commits Having an Instant Impact

In the world of college volleyball, just like men’s basketball, the mid major programs have the potential to derail the schools from the Power 5 Conferences (Big 10, Big 12, SEC, ACC, Pac 12, and Big East).  What separates these athletes from those in the Power 5?  Really not a whole lot.  For some of these athletes, they might be able to contribute to their team earlier, might have a particular major in mind, or have found a better fit with these schools that are not in the Power 5.  The following athletes are those who pursuing their college volleyball career outside Wisconsin, for information on athletes going to Green Bay and UW-Milwaukee check out the “In-State Noteables” Article.

*Mikaylah Van Lanen (Appleton North – Wisconsin Volleyball Academy/Milwaukee Sting)

Committed to Dayton – Atlantic 10 Conference

Van Lanen exploded onto the national scene at the end of her Sophomore  year playing for Wisconsin Volleyball Academy 16 Black.  Very long and athletic, much like Brooke Anderson of Lake Country Lutheran, she is a 6 rotation outside that can score from any spot on the court and is lethal on a backcourt attack.  She was an First Team All State Selection the past two seasons at Appleton North, while playing in the 2015 and 2016 State Tournaments with the Lightning.  Originally, Van Lanen committed to Clemson, but after Clemson had a coaching change it opened up the recruiting process again which landed her at Dayton which is a perennial Atlantic 10 powerhouse, one that is very familiar with the NCAA Tournament.

*Abby Neidinger (Slinger – Wisconsin Premier)

Committed to Oakland – Horizon League

Neidinger will still be making appearances in Wisconsin when Oakland travels to Green Bay and Milwaukee for Horizon League match-ups.  Oakland is a program up and coming that recently finished second in Horizon League regular season play.  Neidinger is a very physical outside with a recorded approach reach of 10’4.  She would be able to play on either pin with her ability to block and a heavy swing to terminate.  This past season she was an All-State player for Slinger, with over 300 kills and a hitting efficiency of .305.  

*Haley Multerer (DSHA – Milwaukee Sting)

Committed To Western Carolina – Southern Conference

If there is anything that Multerer is accustomed to that is playing for a high level volleyball program at perennial high school powerhouse, DSHA, and club at Milwaukee Sting.  Multerer is a 6’1 dynamic middle blocker who is also able to play on the right side.   An example of her athleticism and overall volleyball IQ is for a middle blocker at the high school level, there were times where she would serve and play her own back row.   With a incredibly fast arm swing and the ability to score in transition she will be playing for the Catamounts of Western Carolina who are part of the Southern Conference.

*Paige Jaeger (Oconomowoc – Milwaukee Sting)

Committed To Stony Brook – American East Conference

Jaeger will make the transformation of being a Raccoon at Oconomowoc to a Sea Wolf at Stony Brook University in Stony, Brook, New York.  Jaeger is a scrappy libero who is accustomed to playing for successful programs as well with Oconomowoc and Milwaukee Sting.  Oconomowoc had four potentential Division One players on their team this past fall.  Jaeger brings a high IQ court awareness which also tandems will with being a standout in the classroom with over a 4.0 GPA.