Miami Volleyball Recruiting Class Nationally Ranked
June 6, 2012
WEST LINN, Ore. – The 2012 University of Miami recruiting class has been ranked 27th in the PrepVolleyball.com listings, the organization announced. The Hurricanes will welcome four signees to campus this season, including Caiti Donahoe, Kelsie Groot, Misty Ma’a and Awele Nwaeze, and one transfer, Savannah Leaf.
“These players come in overall as the most experienced recruiting class we’ve ever had,” said head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch. “They have played a great deal of high level volleyball that will help make their transition a smooth one to the collegiate game.”
The four freshmen, in addition to transfer Leaf, will help bolster a squad that went 26-5 last season and 16-4 in the ACC with a berth to the NCAA Championships.
“The 2012 class is arguably one of the best all-time for the Miami Hurricanes,” according to the website. “The Hurricanes addressed all of their needs with this class.
“Donahoe, granddaughter of Miami Dolphin great Earl Morrall, is a natural setter who runs a fast-paced offense and isn’t afraid to utilize the middle and right side attack to keep opponents off balance. Teams she has set have experienced tremendous success at both the high school and club levels.
“Groot is a six-rotation outside hitter who has worked hard to become a go-to hitter. She can score from either pin and out of the back row with ease. She has size to be an intimidating block with finesse to handle the ball in any situation.
“Ma’a has played every position across the front row, bringing great versatility as an attacker. She makes the game look easy with her anticipation. Having played a lot of middle, she is a strong blocker on the left or the right, and is one of those players who really wants the ball in key moments. The 2010 Gatorade Player of the Year in Hawaii may be trading coastlines, but is ready to make her mark at the next level under the hot South Florida sun.
“Nwaeze, a late addition for the Canes after originally committing to Duke, is that hard-to-find middle that can impact the game with both her blocking and attacking. She is a smooth athlete who can cover the entire length of the net, and at the same time is extremely quick in transition to always be a threat offensively. Awele’s potential to improve, while already starting at a high level, will bring welcomed immediate competition in the middle in Coral Gables.
“Miami also will benefit by the transfer of Savanah Leaf, an athletic six-rotation transfer from San Jose State, where she led the teams in kills in 2011 as a freshman. In summary, the 2012 class is one that brings not only experience, but talent, depth and potential to help keep Miami on the rise.”
