Tech Volleyball Adds Five Freshmen to 2009 Class
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Oregon Tech head volleyball coach Angela Stewart announced the addition of five freshmen to the 2009 recruiting class. Joining the Owl roster in 2009 is Christine Bansen (Monmouth, Ore.), Kristen Walters (Springfield, Ore.), Adrianna Bucholtz (Sandpoint, Idaho), Bridget Harrison (Castro Valley, Cal.) and Jennifer Saltenberger (Klamath Falls, Ore.).
Bansen, of Central High School in Monmouth, led her team to four-straight Val-Co league titles, including the 2008 4A State Championship and a third place finish in 2007. The 6-0 outside hitter is a two-time 1st team Val-Co all conference selection and was recognized unanimously as a 1st team all-state player for the Cougars in 2008. Bansen was named team MVP, made the 2008 all tournament team and was honored as a second team statesman all-region player.
Off the court, Bansen was recognized on the Honor roll and the Award of Excellence, while making the Academic all-star 1st team.
“Christine is an exceptional athlete with great ball control and court awareness.” said Coach Stewart “She is smart both offensively and defensively and has proven to be a strong all-around player that will have a bright future in our program.”
Christine is the daughter of Julianne and Jonathan Bansen.
Walters, a two-time 1st team all-conference selection out of Thurston High School, was voted MVP of the Midwestern League, including second team all-state honors in 2008. Walters also spent two years competing for the Webfoot Gold club team of Eugene.
“Kristen is a strong player who will be a pleasure to coach.” said Stewart “I am excited about her all-around talent and desire for game. She exudes a calming disposition to her teammates, but delivers a tough swing.”
Kristen is the daughter of Russell and Patricia Walters plans to major in Engineering at OIT this fall.
Bucholtz, a two-sport athlete in both volleyball and track, competed at Sandpoint High School, leading her 2008 volleyball team to a 4A state championship in 2008 and a runner-up finish in 2007. Bucholtz also played for the Spokane Splash club team which qualified for the Junior Olympic National Championship.
“Adrianna has a big ceiling and it will be fun to watch her develop as a collegiate athlete.”
Adrianna is the daughter of Jim and Valerie Bucholtz and will major in Health Sciences at Oregon Tech this fall.
Harrison, a 5-6 DS at Castro Valley High School, was named 2008 HAAL 1st team all league and defensively led her team to the NCS semi-finals for Div. I schools. Bridget currently competes for the Xceleration Volleyball Club in California and has consistently been in the top-10 NCVA, while finishing in the Gold Division at the Junior Olympics Festival in 2008. Harrison recently qualified for a bid to Junior Olympics this July in Miami Beach through the Northern California Region.
Off the court, Harrison was recognized as part of the North Coast Section Distinguished Scholastic Team the past two seasons.
“Bridget is a talented defensive specialist and competitor. She is very athletic, reads well, and has good hands.” said Stewart “She comes from an exceptional club team and plays with skillful intensity.”
Bridget is the daughter of Paul and Karen Harrison and will major in Health Sciences this fall at OIT.
Saltenburger, a 5-10 two-sport athlete at Mazama High School, was a two-time 1st team Southern Sky all-conference volleyball selection for the Vikings.
“Jennifer is a remarkable athlete and quality person who will contribute to the success of our program.” said Stewart “She jumps well and her athletic ability gives her the potential to be a great player in our program. Jennifer has only scratched the surface of what she could become.”
Jennifer is the daughter of Richard and Diana Saltenberger and will major in Psychology at Oregon Tech this fall.