Anna Haak Signs with @CanesVB
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball program is excited to announce the addition of Anna Haak to the Hurricane volleyball family.
An outside hitter from Sweden, Haak is a talented player with international experience. She recently helped Engelholm finish 37-0 and claim the championship in the Svensk Volleyboll League. Haak also helped Sweden earn a gold medal at the NEVZA U19 tournament in 2014, earning a spot on the all tournament team.
“Anna had a great season this year where she helped her team win a championship,” Miami head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “She also has international experience with her national team. Anna is explosive, driven and passionate about the game. Anna is a proven passer and defensive player, but also has a powerful arm. We expect Anna to have an immediate impact when she joins our program.”
Slated to join the Hurricanes in the spring of 2016, Haak is the first player from the class of 2016 to sign with Miami.
“I am really happy about signing with the University of Miami,” Haak said. “I am excited about this great opportunity and am looking forward to start playing for the Hurricanes!”
A week ago, the Hurricane announced three additions to the 2015 class: Olga Strantzali, Mhairi Agnew and Codi Lee. The trio joins fall signees Lucia Pampana and Kolby Bird to increase the 2015 crop of Canes to five.
The Hurricanes bring back 10 players from a 2014 squad that finished 22-9 and reached the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament, falling to No. 8 Florida in a hard-fought four-set battle.
Miami brings back five of seven starters from the 2014 team. Seniors Taylor Scott and Kalysta White will be joined by junior Kelsie Groot and sophomores Sakile Simmons and Haley Templeton, whom was named the 2014 ACC Freshman of the year, as key returners heading into 2015.
Senior Caitilin Donahoe and sophomores Sylvia Hernandez, Michele Marenus and Brooke McDermott also made contributions for the Hurricanes in 2014, while 2013 All-ACC selection Alexis Mourning is back on the court for her final season after redshirting in the 2014 season.
“We had a great spring and the girls made good progress,” Gandara said of the 10 returners. “It is certainly exciting to add this group to the core we have coming back. I can’t wait to get to work.”
For all the latest information on Miami Hurricanes volleyball, follow the official Twitter feed, @CanesVB, or “Like Us” on Facebook at facebook.com/UMVolleyball. The program is also on Instagram.
