2018 Recruits Headed to the MIAA

Some of Nebraska's top prospects are looking forward to going into the MIAA Conference next year. The MIAA Conference has been known as one of the most competitive leagues in Division II Volleyball. Last season the conference had three teams advance to the Central Region: University of Nebraska-Kearney, University of Central Oklahoma, and Missouri Western University. The following athletes will step into the gyms of some of the top DII teams this fall with goals to contribute to the teams' competitive natures.   #16 Halle Meister - Washburn <a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DOI8KliUMAAcXjX.jpg"></a>Meister will be headed to Kansas this fall to train with one of the most prestigious programs in the conference, the Washburn Ichabods. After finishing her career at Omaha Roncalli, the 6-foot OH/MH had 1,002 kills and 307 blocks in four years. Her future team, the Ichabods, finished their season 18-14 and went 8-10 in conference play. Meister's net presence will make her a vital asset to the Washburn team as they seek to continue their reputation for being highly competitive in the conference. When choosing the place to continue her career, Meister said, "I selected Washburn because it is part of a great conference with a legendary coach and outstanding facilities. And it is close enough to home for my family to watch me play." When asked about some possible goals for her next season with Washburn, Meister replied, "I want to contribute as a freshman and my long-term goal is to keep this program going and to be as successful as possible. I also want to be the best teammate I can be and always strive to improve." Meister is playing with Nebraska Juniors 181 this club season.   #22 Sami Mauch - University of Nebraska-Kearney <a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DOI_fm-VwAA0_ab.jpg"></a>Mauch, a 5'10" outside hitter, is a seasoned high school player that will join the Lopers in the near future. In her career at North Platte she acquired 853 kills as well as 796 digs. As an all-around athlete, she plays just as well in the front as she does in the back row, which gives her the ability to contribute in various places for the Lopers. Though she may seem undersized, Mauch's athleticism makes up for what she lacks in height and her ball control and all-around skills give her unlimited potential for her next four years of volleyball. UNK finished the season 33-4 and won the MIAA Conference Tournament for the second year in a row. Mauch's decision to play at UNK was clear when she visited. She said, "I wanted to be apart of a winning/successful program and a reasonable distance from home. They have a great fan base and a phenomenal coaching staff. After practicing with the team, I felt that I could step in and impact the program. UNK also offers great academic programs." Mauch also commented on her goal to "continue the tradition of winning the MIAA Conference Tournament" and is highly aware of the status of the team she is joining and looks forward to doing what she can to uphold the MIAA championship dynasty. Mauch is playing with Nebraska Juniors 181 this club season.   #31 Sydney Fitzgibbons - Washburn <a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DOHrMfEVwAAnFmY.jpg"></a>Another quality recruit for Washburn, Fitzgibbons had a fantastic career playing four years of varsity volleyball at Papillion-LaVista high school. In her time with the Monarchs she tallied 1,090 kills and had an impressive .376 hitting percentage. The 6'0" middle hitter also had 71 solo blocks in her career and led her team to the state semifinals this past season. Similar in size to Meister, she will be a force at the net for the Ichabods next season. In regards to her choice to attend Washburn, Fitzgibbons said, "I felt I had an immediate connection with the coaches. They did a good job communicating what they were looking for and how I fit in. I could see myself playing for them right away." Playing at the next level is exciting for this top-notch recruit, she said, "I've enjoyed my high school and club experience, but I'm ready for a new challenge. I'm excited to get on campus and get to know my team and begin my college experience." Fitzgibbons will play this club season with Premier 18 Gold.   #53 Lindsay Nottlemann - University of Nebraska-Kearney <a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/DB4yhOGV0AA7GZR.jpg"></a>Nottleman is the only non-hitter in the 2018 class headed to the MIAA, and deservedly so as her career at Pius X as a defensive specialist/libero led her to emerge as perhaps one of the state's most underrated players in her position. In her two year varsity career, the UNK recruit racked a whopping 1,357 digs in 206 sets played. She averaged 6.6 digs per set while helping the Thunderbolts to two state tournament appearances. When asked about what she was looking forward to next season, Nottleman said, "I am excited to play with the UNK girls, when I watched them play a few times this season there was so much energy on the team and I can’t wait to be a part of that." Nottlemann is playing this club season with Nebraska Juniors 181.