Wayne State Locks In Top Players in 2019 Class

One of many of Nebraska’s top-notch collegiate volleyball programs, Wayne State, has clinched some of the top players in the 2019 recruiting class, which will prove essential to their success in the next few years. Last season the Wildcats went 19-12 and 12-8 in NSIC matches. In 2015, Wayne State advanced the national semifinals, and these recruits may be a driving force in another big finish in Division II.

#5 Kelsie Cada

Cada has established herself as one of the state’s top all-around players. Not only is she an outside hitter with a toolbox of tricks, but she plays excellent defense and showcases her athleticism on hustle plays. For Bishop-Neumann High, Kelsie has racked up 1,031 kills and 814 digs in her career thus far. Wayne State got a huge addition to their team in signing this all-around athlete, as she can play anywhere on the court to help the team. Cada said,

“My biggest reason for choosing Wayne State was because of the coaches and the atmosphere that Wayne State provides. When I visited I got this feeling that made me know that I wanted to be part of something great.”

Kelsie intends to major in excersise science.

#11 Elly Larson

This powerhouse hitter was a key contributor to Wahoo’s state championship (C-1) last fall. On a team full of finely-tuned volleyball players, Larson stood out as the go-to. The court knowledge and presence of Elly add to her effectiveness and ability to put the ball down. The Wildcats got a potential standout in this 6’0″ attacker who can hit the ball hard, and also has great placement and strategy on the outside. Larson has tallied 932 kills in her career for the Warriors. When asked about some of her goals at Wayne State, Larson said,

“One of my goals going into a competitive program is to learn from the people I am competing against and apply their success and progress to myself. I want to compete against the greatest and make myself even better also.”

Elly intends to major in something health related, possibly biology.

#15 Jessie Brandl

This undersized left-side hitter has big ups. Another well-rounded player, Brandl can contribute wherever she is needed. Her career stats will back her ability to play any position as she totaled 360 kills last season and 330 digs for the Stanton Mustangs in their 3rd place finish at state last fall (C-2). Brandl fits the bill as a strong recruit for the Wildcats as they add yet another utility player to their athletic roster.

#16 Jordan McCormick

Another versatile player, McCormick’s positioning and posture on defense and a no-hesitation mentality make her a valuable player on any team. The 5’10” OH/Libero adds skill at the net as well with her ability to make shots and score points in numerous circumstances. She helped Millard West to a state tournament appearance last fall and had 116 kills and 132 digs on the season. McCormick commented,

“The biggest reason I picked Wayne was because it felt like home. I loved the campus and the volleyball program was everything I was looking for.”

Jordan will major in education or psychology.

#20 Taya Beller

This 6’1″ MH has a quick arm and power to put the ball down. As an agile middle hitter, Beller still has a lot of potential to tap into, which makes her an essential recruit for the Wildcats. In her three seasons at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family, Taya has accumulated 1,009 kills and 277 solo blocks.

#28 Maggie Brahmer

Another quick middle with great athleticism, Brahmer is a great weapon out of the middle. With the fundamentals and power she has, the Wildcats will be able to develop her into an even more versatile player that hits out of various zones of the net. Last season for Pierce, Maggie contributed to her team’s success by adding 357 kills and hitting a .338 percentage on the season.