Volleyball Lands Three Recruits for 2006 season
Jan. 4, 2006
<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Coral Gables, Fla. – University of Miami head volleyball coach Nicole Lantagne Welch announced the signing of Casilia Loessberg, Genevieve Mayhew and Elescia McGee to National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Miami in the fall of 2006. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
“Cassie, Genny and Elescia combine to make one of our most talented recruiting classes ever,” said Lantagne Welch. “They are a great mix of ball control, volleyball smarts and athleticism. We look forward to having this class help launch Miami volleyball to new levels.”
Loessberg, a 5-7 libero from Rancho Cordova, Calif. comes to Coral Gables via <?xml:namespace prefix=”st2″ ns=”urn:schemas:contacts”?>St.FrancisHigh School. Her high school squad was ranked 11th in the nation during the season and went on to win the California State Championship.
In her senior season, Loessberg was named one of the Top 100 players in the nation and one of the Top 23 backrow players.
Loessberg, a member of the Team Force Volleyball Club, finished second at the 2004 Junior Olympics where she was named to the All-Tournament team. In 2005, Loessberg was selected to the Mitty National Invitational All-Tournament Team.
“Cassie is a phenomenal athlete and has such a great feel for the game,” said Lantagne Welch. “She is a very gifted ball control player and is one that makes the game easier for everyone around her. Cassie also has a contagious love for the game and it shows with her court energy and amazing plays. She has the special ability to read the play and stay one step ahead of her opponents. Cassie should help secure our backcourt play upon her arrival.”
Mayhew, a 5-11 outside hitter from Clovis, Calif. hails from ClovisHigh School where she was named the Fresno Bee’s 2005 Player of the Year after leading Clovis to a Central Section Championship.
While at Clovis, Mayhew was named both an All-City and All-Conference selection in 2003 and 2004. In 2003 she was selected as the High Performance Classic Best Attacker.
In 2004, Mayhew garnered various honors including being named a Fresno Bee All-Star, Clovis High Schools’ Most Outstanding Player and a Prepvolleyball.com Senior Ace.
“Genny is the definition of a great all around outside hitter,” Lantagne Welch said. “She is strong in the key areas of passing, defense and attacking. She has the knack of passing and digging the ball right to target. She can put the ball away with power or finesse, and is a smart attacker. Genny is an experienced player who has been playing this game at a high level for a long time.”
McGee heads to Coral Gables via Warr Acres, Okla. The 6-3 middle blocker out of PutnamCityOriginalHigh School brings with her an impressive resume.
In 2003, McGee was chosen as the Gatorade Rookie of the Year. During her high school career, she has been named to the All-Conference Second Team and All-District Runner-up.
In 2005, McGee was selected as one of the Top High School Players to Watch by the Daily Oklahoman. She was also selected as the KOKH FOX-25 Star Athlete of the Week and Putnam City Original Most Valuable Player. McGee was an All-Tribune Volleyball team selection and was named the All-Tribune Player of the Year.
Prepvolleyball.com recently ranked McGee among Top 100 senior recruits of the 2006 class. The national on-line publication said, “At 6-3, long and lean, McGee oozes athleticism. She touches 10-4 easily and had the frame to add several more inches to that leap. Her arm is super fast and her lateral quickness second to none. She can play D-I ball at the highest levels if she has the mindset to be great.”
“Elescia is an incredible athlete,” noted Lantagne Welch. “She combines height and long limbs with pure athleticism. She will enter our program touching higher to start than any previous player began their careers. She is an explosive player with a lot of speed and has amazing amounts of potential. We look forward to utilizing her strengths of attacking and blocking. Lici also plays the game with a lot of fire. She will challenge immediately at the middle blocking position.”
Miami Volleyball 2006 Recruiting Class:
Casilia Loessberg
5-7, Libero
Rancho Cordova, Calif.
(St.FrancisHigh School)
Genevieve Mayhew
5-11, Outside Hitter
Clovis, Calif.
(ClovisHigh School)
Elescia McGee
6-3, Middle Blocker
Warr Acres, Okla.
(PutnamCountyOriginalHigh School)
