Corban's women's volleyball team with the addition of four new players next season will look to advance to the playoffs for the first time under head coach Nels Norquist.
Corban Announces First Wave of 2011 Recruits
SALEM, Ore. – Corban University's third-year head volleyball coach Nels Norquist announced Monday the signing of four players to next season’s roster with the addition of one transfer and three current high school seniors.
This season’s recruiting class includes sophomore transfer Olivia Shropshire (Gresham, Ore.) from Florida College and three incoming freshmen – Kayla Ping (Springfield, Ore.), Katherine Salness (Portland, Ore.), and Courtney Shropshire (Gresham, Ore.).
"We have just added some incredible talent and experience,” said Norquist. “All four of these girls have played at a very high level in some big games. They will give us some much needed depth and will have an immediate impact on the court. I have watched them for years compete at state for high school and on top club teams in the area. I can't wait for August."
The elder Shropshire, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter, comes to Corban after playing one season at USCAA member and No. 1-ranked Florida College. The sophomore transfer helped lead the Lady Falcons to their seventh USCAA national championship in 2010, while registering 328 kills and averaging 3.45 kills per set to rank seventh in the country among all USCAA players. Shropshire also tallied 319 digs and averaged 3.36 digs per set to rank second on the team and 24th in the country. Throughout all 95 sets that she played, Shropshire tallied a total of 396.0 points and averaged 4.17 points per set to rank seventh nationally. In helping lead Florida to the USCAA national title, Shropshire was named as a member of the All-Tournament Team.
In high school, Shropshire competed at Gresham High School where she was named team MVP, 1st team all-conference, and all-state honorable mention as a senior. Shropshire helped lead the Gophers to a pair of sixth place finishes at the state tournament as a junior and senior, while also helped lead Gresham to a fifth place showing at the conclusion of her sophomore season. Following the end of her junior year, Shropshire was named all-conference honorable mention as a hitter and earned the team’s most improved player award.
Along with her high school and collegiate experience, Shropshire also played club for Northwest Juniors Volleyball Club helping lead her team to a national championship in 2010 as well as being part of the George Pasero Team of the Year awarded annually at the Oregon Sports Awards.
“Olivia is a very smart player that can play any position,” said Norquist. “She brings great experience and will give us mental and physical toughness.”
Ping, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter, will arrive at Corban after playing four years at Thurston High School in Eugene. Ping helped lead the Colts to an 11-9 record last season, while finishing tied for third in Special District 1. Following the completing of her junior and senior seasons, Ping was named 1st team all-league and all-state honorable mention. As a sophomore, Ping earned all-league honorable mention and was awarded the team’s most improved player award.
Besides her high school accolades, Ping also competed for Webfoot Juniors Volleyball Club as part of the 18 Silver team under the direction of head coach Brian Wodke.
“Kayla has a very heavy arm swing and can really hammer the ball,” commented Norquist. “She is very strong and will be able to swing on the outside and the right. Kayla also brings a competitive edge and a desire to win.”
Salness, a 5-foot-6 setter, arrives at Corban after playing four seasons for her dad, Lad, at Sunset High School in Portland. As a junior, Salness helped lead the Apollos to a third place finish at the state tournament and also earned her second straight 2nd team All-Metro League honor as a setter. Salness also earned 1st team All-Metro League honors as a senior, as well as being named team captain prior to the start of the season. In the classroom, Salness was a four-time scholar-athlete and will graduate as part of the honor roll at Sunset.
“Katherine is very quick to the ball and puts up consistent sets,” said Norquist. “Both of her parents have coached volleyball for years and she has spent a ton of time in the gym. The hitters are going to love her, and I am sure she will make the passers look good too.”
The younger Shropshire, a 5-foot-6 defensive specialist, will join her older sister at Corban after playing four seasons at Gresham High School. As a senior, Shropshire helped lead the Gophers to an overall win-loss record of 19-7 that included a spot in the 6A state tournament where Gresham finished sixth overall following a loss to McNary.
Along with her high school accomplishments, Shropshire also played for Northwest Juniors Volleyball Club and helped lead her team to a bronze medal finish in 2010 at the junior nationals.
“Courtney has great ball control,” said Norquist. “She also has the ability to read hitters and get in the right spot.”
These four players will be added to a roster that includes 10 returning players, as Corban is coming off an 11-9 win-loss record last season. The Warriors have won at least eight Cascade Collegiate Conference matches in each of the last four seasons, while finishing fifth in each of Norquist’s first two seasons (2009 and 2010).
Corban will begin the 2011 season with four matches in three days at The Master’s College Tournament beginning on Thursday, August 25th, against the tournament-host Mustangs inside Bross Gymnasium in Santa Clarita, California.