WORTHINGTON -- The Minnesota West volleyball program added six new players Wednesday who signed national letters of intent in the Student Services Center.
Cassie Pap (Luverne), Brittany Bullerman (Adrian), Julia Jimenez (Fulda), Karie Shaner (Red Rock Central), and Rosie Lewis (Ellsworth) were in attendance, while another recruit -- Mandy Schmidt (Canby) -- was unable to attend.
"We are thrilled to have these six recruits join our returning players for the 2006 season," Minnesota West head coach Janet Haren said in a statement. "Not only are these young ladies talented volleyball players, but they are ambassadors for the Minnesota West volleyball program."
The six players join a team which finished last season with a 14-13, and qualified for the Region 13A tournament.
For the new recruits, one player who will be very familiar is Brittany Williams. In the case of Bullerman, Jimenez and Pap, they have all played with or practiced with the freshman volleyball and basketball player. Having that familiarity will help make the transition smoother for the players.
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"It will make it a little bit easier," Jimenez said.
A smooth transition could help the Lady Jays continue their success from a year ago under Haren, who added in a statement, "I believe this group will provide our team with added athleticism and versatility needed to compete at the collegiate level."
For Bullerman, choosing Minnesota West was an easy one, based on her ability to now be closer to home.
"I love the game of volleyball, but I also love my family," she said. "This way, I can be with my family and play volleyball, and go to school at the same time."
As for Pap, signing with Minnesota West is the realization of a dream she's had to play on the college level. She had previously attended college at Mankato, but wanted to be closer to home.
"I like being home more than what I did. I was home a lot on weekends," Pap said. "I get to be closer to my friends and family, attend a small school."
