Volleyball adds 6 on National Signing Day
11/14/2019 9:02:00 AM | Volleyball
Nearly three years into her tenure as head coach, Allison Lawrence finally feels like she has built a foundation.
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So much of her first two seasons has been about stability and reshaping a culture. Now, she and her staff can work to build the pieces that will lead to success both on and off the court, and a big part of that came on Wednesday.
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A year after bringing in six freshmen, the Grizzlies again will welcome a large class, with another half-dozen players announcing their commitments to Montana on Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period.
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In total, Montana will bring in Carly Anderson (setter from Mississauga, Ontario), Sarah Ashley (outside hitter from Helena), Madi Chuhlantseff (middle blocker from Salem, Ore.), Sophia Meyers (outside hitter from Maple Valley, Wash.), Ellie Scherffius (middle blocker from Eagle River, Alaska), and Kellie Van Kirk (outside hitter from Bozeman).
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"Our staff is really thrilled with the combined potential of this group," Lawrence said. "When we were recruiting these last two classes, we formed relationships so well and so early that we were able to take a lot of time with both of the classes to find people that are going to make this place great, in whatever role they play over the next four years."
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Gallery: (11/14/2019) VB: National Signing Day (11.13.19)
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The players are diverse, hailing from four states and one Canadian province, and fill a variety of positions. The main thing that bonds them together is their desire to be great.
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"The thing that stood out is the internal drive that each of these athletes have," Lawrence said. "They have a motor and a relentless pursuit of success at a higher level than we've had."
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The other unique link is the athletic genes in their families. All six have direct family members who were collegiate athletes, including four fathers, three mothers and three siblings.
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The signing class was Lawrence's third since being elevated to head coach after seven seasons as an assistant with the Griz. Between the last two classes, Montana could nearly fill an entire roster, welcoming in 12 new players. It will make for another young team in 2020, but one that Lawrence finally feels gives the Grizzlies the pieces to build momentum with.
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With the six new additions, Montana will have zero seniors and just one junior on its roster in 2020.
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"I look at this year's big class, in combination with last year's, as a new era to this program," Lawrence said. "We believe these six will seamlessly fit in with last year's signing class. We believe that the players we will have on our team next year can get Montana on track to where we want to get to. These last few classes are the core that will move us through the next several years."
CARLY ANDERSON / 5-9 / SETTER / MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Lorne Park Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario… Twice named her team's MVP… Three-year captain… Has twice represented her province on Team Ontario, including at the 2019 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships in Florida… Has earned academic honors every semester… Has twice earned a bronze medal (2018, 2019) in addition to a silver medal (2017)… In 2018 was named a national all-star… Volleyball coach was Ron Chong… Plays club volleyball for Halton Region Volleyball Club (Halton Hurricanes).
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Personal: Born in Edmonton, Alberta… Hometown is Mississauga, Ontario… Parents are Barbara and Dennis Anderson… Has an older sister, Olivia, who is a swimmer at Georgia… Intends to study health and human performance.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am most excited to play the sport that I love with amazing coaches and teammates! I am looking forward to becoming super close with the team and repping UM!
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose to commit to Montana because the environment and the campus are so amazing!! It is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play and study in such a supportive college town surrounded by the incredible scenery.
SARAH ASHLEY / 5-11 / OUTSIDE HITTER / HELENA, MONTANA
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Helena Capital High School in Montana… Holds Helena Capital records for career kills and kills in a season, while helping the Bruins to back-to-back Western Conference championships (2018, 2019) and a state title in 2018… Three-time all-state first-team selection (2017-19), also earning first-team all-conference honors all three seasons… Three-year captain… In addition to four varsity letters in volleyball, she also competed in basketball and track & field… Is a four-time Academic All-State honoree… Volleyball coach was Rebecca Cleveland… Plays club volleyball for Montana Volleyball Academy.
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Personal: Born in Coon Rapids, Minn. … Hometown is Helena, Mont. … Parents are Tamara and Jeff Ashley… Both were collegiate athletes at the University of Jamestown, with Jeff playing baseball and football and Tamara participating in the high jump… Has a younger brother, Ryan… Intends to study health and human performance.
What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am most excited to join such a family oriented program that includes so many amazing players and coaches. I'm also excited to play in my home state with such a dedicated fan base.
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose Montana because Missoula truly feels like my second home. The campus is beautiful and the school has so much to offer education wise. I also love how driven the volleyball program is, and I have always felt very at home around Griz volleyball.
MADI CHUHLANTSEFF / 6-1 / MIDDLE BLOCKER / SALEM, OREGON
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Sprague High School in Salem… Played her first three seasons at West Salem High School… Earned all-conference recognition three times… Helped the Olympians to a 2019 Mountain Valley Conference championship… Two-time team MVP… Honor roll student with a 4.0 GPA three times… Volleyball coach was Anne Olsen… Plays club volleyball for North Pacific Juniors, earning a bronze medal at the 2019 GJNC nationals.
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Personal: Born and raised in Salem, Ore. … Parents are Daniela and Donald Chuhlantseff… Has an older sister, Brooke, and an older brother, Logan… Father (football) and mother (track & field) competed at Arizona State… Brooke runs track at Oregon State… Intends to study athletic training.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am most excited about making a difference and adding to the team's greatness.  I am also excited for making new relationships and lifelong friendships!
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose the University of Montana because I was drawn to the family atmosphere on the team. I love the positive and winning mindset throughout the players and coaches. I also love the mountains, and it reminds me of Oregon!Â
SOPHIA MEYERS / 6-0 / OUTSIDE HITTER / MAPLE VALLEY, WASHINGTON
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, Wash. … Spent her first three seasons at Tahoma High School… Earned Metro League MVP honors in 2019, leading the state of Washington (Class 3A) in hitting… Earned first-team all-league recognition in 2018… Twice was named her team's MVP (2018, 2019) and was the most-improved player in 2017… Helped her schools to league titles in both 2018 and 2019, and is currently playing in the state tournament… High school coach is Taylor Forney… Plays club volleyball for Sudden Impact Tsunami with former Griz Isabelle Garrido.
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Personal: Born in Aurora, Colo. … Hometown is Maple Valley, Wash. … Parents are Keely and Griffin Meyers… Has an older brother, Layton, and a younger sister, Bella… Layton is a cyclist at Colorado Mesa… Undeclared on a major.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am most excited about coming to Montana because I get to play volleyball with my family and make life-long friends while bettering my education at the same time.
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose Montana because of the support that the program provides. I love the teammates and the coaches. It feels like home!
ELLIE SCHERFFIUS / 6-0 / MIDDLE BLOCKER / EAGLE RIVER, ALASKA
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Chugiak High School in Chugiak, Alaska… Spent her first three years at Billings West High School in Montana… Earned all-conference honors at both schools, receiving second-team All-Middle Eastern recognition in 2018 in Billings and a first-team All-Cook Inlet Conference nod in 2019 in Alaska… Has earned four varsity letters in track & field and three in volleyball… Is a state record-holder in track in both Montana and Alaska, winning the 4x100 relay in Montana (2018) and Alaska (2019) and the 4x200 relay in Alaska (2019)… Also placed second at state in the 200 (Montana, 2018), third in the 100 (Montana, 2018) and fourth in the 100 (Alaska, 2019)… Volleyball coaches were Bobby Mason (Chugiak) and Monica Grimsrud (Billings West)... Plays club volleyball for Inspire Volleyball.
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Personal: Born in Anchorage, Alaska… Hometown is Eagle River, Alaska… Lived in Billings, Mont., for several years… Parents are Steven and Jamie Scherffius… Has a younger sister, Skylar, and a younger brother, Cooper… Father played football and ran track at Central Washington… Uncle, Chad Nickerson, played baseball at Orange Coast Community College… Intends to study business.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I'm most excited about playing at the next level of volleyball, and getting to become part of the amazing Griz Volleyball family!
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? What made me choose to commit to Montana was the amazing coaching staff and players! Also just how pretty Montana is! Go Griz!
KELLIE VAN KIRK / 6-1 / OUTSIDE HITTER / BOZEMAN, MONTANA
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Manhattan Christian High School in Bozeman, Mont. … Earned all-state and all-conference recognition as a junior in 2018… Helped the Eagles win back-to-back divisional championships (2018, 2019), including a fourth-place finish at state in 2018… Has earned 10 varsity letters across volleyball (four), basketball (three), track & field (two) and cross country (one)… Has also earned Academic All-State recognition 10 times, in addition to being a member of the National Honor Society… Volleyball coach was Jill Ayers… Plays club volleyball for Big Sky Volleyball Club.
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Personal: Born in Iowa City, Iowa… Hometown is Bozeman, Mont. … Parents are Holly and Kenneth Van Kirk… Both parents played basketball at Boise State… Has three younger sisters – Kiersten, Katelyn and Karissa… Intends to double major in education and pre-med.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am excited to be a part of an amazing volleyball program with incredible coaches and an awesome team. I am honored to be able to play for and represent the University of Montana, both academically and athletically.
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose to play volleyball for the University of Montana because of the incredible coaching staff and the positive environment they have created. I love the volleyball team and the support the community of Missoula gives to the University of Montana and its athletic programs.
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So much of her first two seasons has been about stability and reshaping a culture. Now, she and her staff can work to build the pieces that will lead to success both on and off the court, and a big part of that came on Wednesday.
Â
A year after bringing in six freshmen, the Grizzlies again will welcome a large class, with another half-dozen players announcing their commitments to Montana on Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period.
Â
In total, Montana will bring in Carly Anderson (setter from Mississauga, Ontario), Sarah Ashley (outside hitter from Helena), Madi Chuhlantseff (middle blocker from Salem, Ore.), Sophia Meyers (outside hitter from Maple Valley, Wash.), Ellie Scherffius (middle blocker from Eagle River, Alaska), and Kellie Van Kirk (outside hitter from Bozeman).
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"Our staff is really thrilled with the combined potential of this group," Lawrence said. "When we were recruiting these last two classes, we formed relationships so well and so early that we were able to take a lot of time with both of the classes to find people that are going to make this place great, in whatever role they play over the next four years."
Â
The players are diverse, hailing from four states and one Canadian province, and fill a variety of positions. The main thing that bonds them together is their desire to be great.
Â
"The thing that stood out is the internal drive that each of these athletes have," Lawrence said. "They have a motor and a relentless pursuit of success at a higher level than we've had."
Â
The other unique link is the athletic genes in their families. All six have direct family members who were collegiate athletes, including four fathers, three mothers and three siblings.
Â
The signing class was Lawrence's third since being elevated to head coach after seven seasons as an assistant with the Griz. Between the last two classes, Montana could nearly fill an entire roster, welcoming in 12 new players. It will make for another young team in 2020, but one that Lawrence finally feels gives the Grizzlies the pieces to build momentum with.
Â
With the six new additions, Montana will have zero seniors and just one junior on its roster in 2020.
Â
"I look at this year's big class, in combination with last year's, as a new era to this program," Lawrence said. "We believe these six will seamlessly fit in with last year's signing class. We believe that the players we will have on our team next year can get Montana on track to where we want to get to. These last few classes are the core that will move us through the next several years."
CARLY ANDERSON / 5-9 / SETTER / MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
Lawrence on Anderson: "We've been really impressed with Carly's maturity and professionalism in everything she does. We were drawn to her because she's such a dynamic setter. She's in the air most of the time jump-setting and is able to hold tempo from out-of-system situations. She's fast and she makes really good decisions under pressure. What's most exciting is that she's a little bit new to the setter position; she's definitely going to be a late bloomer physically, so I think she's just scratching the surface of her game physically and mentally. Her potential is so high.Our newest Canadian! 🇨🇦
— Montana Griz VB (@MontanaGrizVB) November 13, 2019
Help us welcome setter Carly Anderson, who has played the past two years for Team Ontario!#GrizVB #NSD19 #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/Uvc1hhJlhG
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Lorne Park Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario… Twice named her team's MVP… Three-year captain… Has twice represented her province on Team Ontario, including at the 2019 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships in Florida… Has earned academic honors every semester… Has twice earned a bronze medal (2018, 2019) in addition to a silver medal (2017)… In 2018 was named a national all-star… Volleyball coach was Ron Chong… Plays club volleyball for Halton Region Volleyball Club (Halton Hurricanes).
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Personal: Born in Edmonton, Alberta… Hometown is Mississauga, Ontario… Parents are Barbara and Dennis Anderson… Has an older sister, Olivia, who is a swimmer at Georgia… Intends to study health and human performance.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am most excited to play the sport that I love with amazing coaches and teammates! I am looking forward to becoming super close with the team and repping UM!
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose to commit to Montana because the environment and the campus are so amazing!! It is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play and study in such a supportive college town surrounded by the incredible scenery.
SARAH ASHLEY / 5-11 / OUTSIDE HITTER / HELENA, MONTANA
Lawrence on Ashley: "I think Sarah's greatest asset is that she's a really good student of the game. I've seen her develop over the years in ways that I haven't always seen in our recruits. Watching her mental game evolve has been so much fun and so impressive. She approaches volleyball the same way she approaches every aspect of her life: she studies it, she's prepared and she excels by really latching onto information and being a really cerebral player."Welcome to Montana, Sarah Ashley! The Montana native is Helena Capital's all-time kills leader, helping the Bruins to a 2018 state title!#GrizVB #NSD19 #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/yrWwBf9XWe
— Montana Griz VB (@MontanaGrizVB) November 13, 2019
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Helena Capital High School in Montana… Holds Helena Capital records for career kills and kills in a season, while helping the Bruins to back-to-back Western Conference championships (2018, 2019) and a state title in 2018… Three-time all-state first-team selection (2017-19), also earning first-team all-conference honors all three seasons… Three-year captain… In addition to four varsity letters in volleyball, she also competed in basketball and track & field… Is a four-time Academic All-State honoree… Volleyball coach was Rebecca Cleveland… Plays club volleyball for Montana Volleyball Academy.
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Personal: Born in Coon Rapids, Minn. … Hometown is Helena, Mont. … Parents are Tamara and Jeff Ashley… Both were collegiate athletes at the University of Jamestown, with Jeff playing baseball and football and Tamara participating in the high jump… Has a younger brother, Ryan… Intends to study health and human performance.
ÂHere is the story on Sarah Ashley signing with @MontanaGrizVB! #mtscores @Capitalhighvb pic.twitter.com/x5TiIi4FZk
— Jeremy Grant Schnell (@JGSports_6) November 14, 2019
What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am most excited to join such a family oriented program that includes so many amazing players and coaches. I'm also excited to play in my home state with such a dedicated fan base.
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose Montana because Missoula truly feels like my second home. The campus is beautiful and the school has so much to offer education wise. I also love how driven the volleyball program is, and I have always felt very at home around Griz volleyball.
MADI CHUHLANTSEFF / 6-1 / MIDDLE BLOCKER / SALEM, OREGON
Lawrence on Chuhlantseff: I was lucky enough to see Madi early in her career through a personal connection to her coach. She has a lot of physical potential that I don't think she's even gotten into yet. I think as we add some strength to her, she has the potential to be very explosive, and really long and high. She fell in love with Montana really early, and I think our relationship and connection with her and her family was so strong so quick that it felt like a really natural fit right away. She plays on a really high-level club team and is one of the best players in the state of Oregon. She works really hard and has all of the pieces.She has wanted to be a Griz for a long time, and now it's official. We're glad you're here, @madichooie!#GrizVB #NSD19 #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/C56yG1vGO9
— Montana Griz VB (@MontanaGrizVB) November 14, 2019
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Sprague High School in Salem… Played her first three seasons at West Salem High School… Earned all-conference recognition three times… Helped the Olympians to a 2019 Mountain Valley Conference championship… Two-time team MVP… Honor roll student with a 4.0 GPA three times… Volleyball coach was Anne Olsen… Plays club volleyball for North Pacific Juniors, earning a bronze medal at the 2019 GJNC nationals.
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Personal: Born and raised in Salem, Ore. … Parents are Daniela and Donald Chuhlantseff… Has an older sister, Brooke, and an older brother, Logan… Father (football) and mother (track & field) competed at Arizona State… Brooke runs track at Oregon State… Intends to study athletic training.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am most excited about making a difference and adding to the team's greatness.  I am also excited for making new relationships and lifelong friendships!
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose the University of Montana because I was drawn to the family atmosphere on the team. I love the positive and winning mindset throughout the players and coaches. I also love the mountains, and it reminds me of Oregon!Â
SOPHIA MEYERS / 6-0 / OUTSIDE HITTER / MAPLE VALLEY, WASHINGTON
Lawrence on Meyers: Sophia is a spark. I was drawn to her personality first. One of the first matches I ever saw her play was a really tight match. The way she supported her teammates, the energy she had when pressure was on and the amount that she demanded the ball – in serve-receive, on defense and attacking – was something we look for. Continuing to watch her develop, she's a very terminal left side. She jumps big, she swings big, she's hyper-aggressive and she scores a lot.Washington's top 3A attacker is coming to Missoula. Welcome, Sophia Meyers!#GrizVB #NSD19 #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/q7FZSEqCB2
— Montana Griz VB (@MontanaGrizVB) November 14, 2019
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, Wash. … Spent her first three seasons at Tahoma High School… Earned Metro League MVP honors in 2019, leading the state of Washington (Class 3A) in hitting… Earned first-team all-league recognition in 2018… Twice was named her team's MVP (2018, 2019) and was the most-improved player in 2017… Helped her schools to league titles in both 2018 and 2019, and is currently playing in the state tournament… High school coach is Taylor Forney… Plays club volleyball for Sudden Impact Tsunami with former Griz Isabelle Garrido.
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Personal: Born in Aurora, Colo. … Hometown is Maple Valley, Wash. … Parents are Keely and Griffin Meyers… Has an older brother, Layton, and a younger sister, Bella… Layton is a cyclist at Colorado Mesa… Undeclared on a major.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am most excited about coming to Montana because I get to play volleyball with my family and make life-long friends while bettering my education at the same time.
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose Montana because of the support that the program provides. I love the teammates and the coaches. It feels like home!
ELLIE SCHERFFIUS / 6-0 / MIDDLE BLOCKER / EAGLE RIVER, ALASKA
Lawrence on Scherffius: "Ellie has always wanted to be at Montana. Living in Billings, this has been her dream school for a long time. She's a really dynamic middle, she has fast feet and she jumps really well. I think she'll add some speed to our middle position that we need. She's so eager to play high-level volleyball, and do that at Montana. Her demeanor on the court is pretty stoic because she's down to business. I love her competitive drive and her desire to make this place great.From Montana to Alaska and now back to Montana.
— Montana Griz VB (@MontanaGrizVB) November 13, 2019
Welcome home, @EllieScherffius!#GrizVB #NSD19 #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/kqWkVMatYF
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Chugiak High School in Chugiak, Alaska… Spent her first three years at Billings West High School in Montana… Earned all-conference honors at both schools, receiving second-team All-Middle Eastern recognition in 2018 in Billings and a first-team All-Cook Inlet Conference nod in 2019 in Alaska… Has earned four varsity letters in track & field and three in volleyball… Is a state record-holder in track in both Montana and Alaska, winning the 4x100 relay in Montana (2018) and Alaska (2019) and the 4x200 relay in Alaska (2019)… Also placed second at state in the 200 (Montana, 2018), third in the 100 (Montana, 2018) and fourth in the 100 (Alaska, 2019)… Volleyball coaches were Bobby Mason (Chugiak) and Monica Grimsrud (Billings West)... Plays club volleyball for Inspire Volleyball.
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Personal: Born in Anchorage, Alaska… Hometown is Eagle River, Alaska… Lived in Billings, Mont., for several years… Parents are Steven and Jamie Scherffius… Has a younger sister, Skylar, and a younger brother, Cooper… Father played football and ran track at Central Washington… Uncle, Chad Nickerson, played baseball at Orange Coast Community College… Intends to study business.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I'm most excited about playing at the next level of volleyball, and getting to become part of the amazing Griz Volleyball family!
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? What made me choose to commit to Montana was the amazing coaching staff and players! Also just how pretty Montana is! Go Griz!
KELLIE VAN KIRK / 6-1 / OUTSIDE HITTER / BOZEMAN, MONTANA
Lawrence on Van Kirk: "What Kellie brings is a physicality to our gym that we need and that we're excited about. She's long and she has a good arm, and she's been a leader on all of the teams she's been on. She's grown up wanting to be a Griz, so her enthusiasm for this place and what it means to play here makes her a really great addition. She caught our eye from the beginning."From Bozeman to Missoula, we'd say Kellie Van Kirk made the right decision.
— Montana Griz VB (@MontanaGrizVB) November 14, 2019
Welcome, Kellie!#GrizVB #NSD19 #GoGriz pic.twitter.com/KrEwXewGNM
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High School: Will be a 2020 graduate of Manhattan Christian High School in Bozeman, Mont. … Earned all-state and all-conference recognition as a junior in 2018… Helped the Eagles win back-to-back divisional championships (2018, 2019), including a fourth-place finish at state in 2018… Has earned 10 varsity letters across volleyball (four), basketball (three), track & field (two) and cross country (one)… Has also earned Academic All-State recognition 10 times, in addition to being a member of the National Honor Society… Volleyball coach was Jill Ayers… Plays club volleyball for Big Sky Volleyball Club.
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Personal: Born in Iowa City, Iowa… Hometown is Bozeman, Mont. … Parents are Holly and Kenneth Van Kirk… Both parents played basketball at Boise State… Has three younger sisters – Kiersten, Katelyn and Karissa… Intends to double major in education and pre-med.
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What are you most excited about playing for Montana? I am excited to be a part of an amazing volleyball program with incredible coaches and an awesome team. I am honored to be able to play for and represent the University of Montana, both academically and athletically.
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What made you choose to commit to Montana? I chose to play volleyball for the University of Montana because of the incredible coaching staff and the positive environment they have created. I love the volleyball team and the support the community of Missoula gives to the University of Montana and its athletic programs.
Players Mentioned
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