KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University’s head volleyball coach, Steven Bain, announced the signing of two high school players for the 2013 season. Hannah Hanson of Tumwater, Wash., and Lara Linden of Milton, Wash. have signed letters of intent to play for the Eagles this fall.

Hanson is a 6-2 middle blocker who will graduate from Tumwater High School this spring and will major in Elementary Education at Northwest U. She has earned three varsity letters in volleyball for the Thunderbirds and is 3-time first team All-Evergreen Conference member (2010-12). Hannah was a member of the 2011 Tacoma News Tribune All-Area Team and named to the Olympian’s 2011 All-Area team. She was named THS Offensive Player of the Year in 2011 and MVP in 2012. An outstanding student, Hanson received the Evergreen Conference All-Academic Award from 2010 through 2012.

“Hannah Hanson is without a doubt one of the best middle hitters in the region and we are thrilled that she has decided to play her collegiate volleyball at Northwest”, stated Steven Bain, Northwest head volleyball coach. “Hannah comes to NU with an excellent volleyball pedigree having played for Tana Otton at Tumwater HS and Capital Ice Volleyball Club. Hannah’s experience and physical ability will allow her to compete for playing time from day one, with the potential to become one of the best middles in the Cascade Conference. Hannah will also be a terrific teammate and we look forward to the many contributions that she will make to the NU Volleyball program.”

Lara Linden is a senior at Fife High School and was a 3-year varsity letter winner. The  6-0 outside hitter/middle blocker was named to the 2A SPSL All-league team three times and was named team captain and team MVP two years. Linden was also a 3-time Academic Athlete Award winner at FHS. 

Said Coach Bain about Linden, “The one word that describes Lara is versatility. At 6’0”, Lara has the stature and technical skill to play any front row position and she has also proven herself to be an exceptional passer and back row defender. Lara’s volleyball IQ is evidenced by her court presence and leadership skill and we expect Lara to challenge for playing time either in the middle or at outside hitter. Like Hannah (Hanson), Lara has shown herself to be a great teammate and the program will be blessed not only by Lara’s ability but by her strong work ethic and character”.