June 8, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The 2009 Texas A&M volleyball recruiting class has been ranked No. 18 in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com.
A&M's recruiting class consists of three middle blockers -- Caitlin Adams (6-2) of Kansas City, Mo., Alisia Kastmo (6-4) of Tyler, Texas, and Lindsey Miller (6-2) of Katy, Texas -- and outside hitter/defensive specialist Tori Mellinger (5-10) of Dallas.
PrepVolleyball.com ranking coordinator John Tawa writes, "The Aggies have loaded up on the outside in recent years, making the addition of middles Adams, Kastmo and Miller so crucial to the cause. Two of the three could start right away. Miller is the most highly regarded of the three. No. 51 in the Senior Aces, Miller is a great athlete with strong blocking instincts and the ability to terminate with speed and power behind the setter. Kastmo has great size and an above average jump that allow her to play way above the net. Adams is an athletic, aggressive competitor who takes a back seat to no one. Mellinger, a late commitment and the only one who doesn't play middle, could flourish in the back row. A strong server, she is one of the best passers in the country in her class and has a winning personality."
Aggie head coach Kelsey Bryant (6-2), Darla Donaldson (6-2), and Jillian Phillips (6-1). In addition, Stephanie Wells (6-1), who started five matches as a freshman while Bryant was out with an injury, was leaving the team to concentrate on academics.
"Obviously we are going to need these freshmen to play right away after losing a large number of middle blockers," Corbelli said. "But this group has the size and the athleticism, and they are bright, intelligent girls. They all come from some of the best club programs where there has been a good foundation set for their skill level and their understanding of the game.
"The primary job of this group is going to be block a lot of balls, slow down a lot of balls and to be quick in transition. They are all very good at that right now at their level. Given that there are 320-plus Division I programs, we got collectively one of the best groups of middle blockers out there."
Mellinger, a PrepVolleyball.com All-American as an outside hitter, is projected to be a standout back row player at the collegiate level.
"Tori is an extraordinary passer, and you can never have too many kids who are confident and well skilled at serve reception to kick off an offensive set," Corbelli said. "She is a wonderful competitor. She has won awards and stood out at national tournaments. She brings a good, strong foundation of the game, a passion for the game, and is just an all-around well-skilled volleyball player."
The newcomers will be surrounded by a veteran group of six seniors, three of whom were part of a seven-member recruiting class that was ranked No. 11 in the nation in 2006: outside hitters Sarah Ammerman, Jennifer Banse and Mary Batis.
"I'm really excited for this class, because their supporting cast, the perimeter of our court, is going to be experienced with setting, outside attacking, and passing and defense," Corbelli said. "So we know exactly what we are going to need this group to do this year. They are athletic enough that they will be able to do what we are going to be asking them to do, and they don't have to carry pressure. The older players are going to be able to really take a leadership role. In this year where we have to bring in starters right away, the middle blocking position is going to be fine. It is going to work out just beautifully. "
According to Tawa, each school's recruiting class was judged using both size and strength of the class and impact on that program. The ranking is not based on immediate impact during the 2009 season, but based on the cumulative impact the class could make in 4-5 years at the school. The classes consist only of players making their initial appearance in a four-year program. Transfers, including those from junior colleges, did not figure into the rankings, as well as foreigners who are not well known.
Minnesota's recruiting class topped the list, while Nebraska, Stanford, Penn State and Texas round out the top five. Other Big 12 schools making the list of 30 are No. 10 Iowa State, No. 14 Baylor and No. 27 Missouri.
"I don't know how much the ranking is going to mean, but to me it just recognizes that these people are great athletes and that they are bringing what Aggie volleyball needed to bring in," Corbelli said. "I'm really excited. I think they are going to be a great addition to the squad."
The recruiting class makes its Aggie debut August 28 against Iona in the opening match of the Texas A&M Invitational.
Texas A&M 2009 Volleyball Recruiting Class
Name, Height, Position, Hometown, High School, Club Team
Caitlin Adams, 6-2, MB, Kansas City, Mo., Notre Dame de Sion, KC Power
Alisia Kastmo, 6-4, MB, Tyler, Texas, All Saints Episcopal, ACE Volleyball
Tori Mellinger, 5-10, OH/DS, Dallas, Texas, Lake Highlands, Skyline Juniors
Lindsey Miller, 6-2, MB, Katy, Texas, Cinco Ranch, Texas Tornados