Crusaders Ink Three to National Letters of Intent
Balsis, a 5'7" outside hitter from Benton Harbor, Mich., has led Coloma High School to three consecutive Lakeland Conference championships. She has earned first team All-Conference honors in each of her three seasons as a member of the Comets, and was named to the All-District and All-Region teams last year as a junior. In addition, she has lettered in softball, basketball, track, and equestrian for Coloma, and was a member of the 2005-2006 state champion equestrian team.
Andrea is a small but dynamic outside hitter," said Avery. She is a true gym rat with a love for the game of volleyball. She has a tremendous competitive fire that will be a great asset to our program."
Layman, a 6'0" middle blocker from LaPorte, Ind., is a four-year letterwinner at New Prairie High School. She has helped guide the Cougars to three Northern State Conference titles, and is a two-time All-Conference selection, along with being named to the LaPorte Herald Argus All-Area second team last year. Layman has also traveled with the Dunes Volleyball Club for four years, and was a member of the Dunes squad that won at the Asics Nationals earlier this year.
Katie is a very athletic middle whose size and quickness make her a great addition for our program," said Avery. We are excited to bring in another local product, especially one who brings the amount of club experience that Katie does."
Newton, a 6'1" middle hitter/outside hitter from Indianapolis, Ind., is a two-time All-Conference honoree, and has been named the Flashes' team MVP each of the last two years. Newton received All-County accolades from the Marion County Coaches of Girls Sports Association last year, as well as being named to the Indy Star second team.
Tara, much like Katie, is a very athletic and strong middle who brings a lot to our program," said Avery. She has shown rapid improvement in her game over the past year, making her a nice addition for our team."
The athleticism this class brings to the table will help our program tremendously," said Avery about the three signees. They are all great student-athletes who will contribute immediately and help us as we compete for the Horizon League championship next year."
