Cierra Leopoldino (left), Demi Winters (middle), and Sam Rouleau (right) have all signed to play with the Corban volleyball team in 2017.
SALEM, Ore. – Corban University head volleyball coach Kim McLain announced her 2017 recruiting class on Wednesday morning, naming three players that would be joining the tradition that is Warrior Volleyball.
In her second year as head coach, McLain guided the Warriors to their best season in program history, advancing to the NAIA National Championships for the first time ever. After winning in the NAIA Opening Round at home in four sets against Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio), the Warriors then advanced out of 'Pool Play' at the NAIA Final Site and on to the Final 16.
"We look forward to the upcoming 2017 season and are excited to bring in three incredible newcomers," said McLain. "With their versatility and knowledge of the game, they each have the ability to make an immediate impact on the court! We feel that the addition of these players will give us added strength and balance as we work towards getting back to nationals."
Demi Winters – 6' 0" – Middle/Opposite – Sam Barlow High School – Oregon
Hailing from Gresham, Ore., Winters joins the Warrior squad and will look to make an impact at the net. As a varsity player all four years during high school, Winters garnered Second-Team All-Conference plaudits during her junior season, and then during her senior season, she was named to the All-Conference First Team and received All-State Honorable-Mention accolades. In addition to her honors for her efforts on the court, she was also voted Most Inspirational on the team.
In addition to high school volleyball, Winters also played for Portland Volleyball Club, Excel Volleyball Club, and Adidas NW Volleyball Club. She plans to major in Health and Science with the intent of going into nursing.
Coach McLain had this to say about Winters:
"Demi is a fierce and passionate competitor with great athletic ability and versatility, which will make her a great asset to our team as she will add additional depth, strength, and height to our front line."
Cierra Leopoldino – 5' 6" – Setter/Defensive Specialist – Kamehameha Schools Kapalama – Hawaii
Leopoldino joins Corban after an accomplished playing career in Hawaii. While leading her high school team to three ILH Championships during her career and one State Championship, she also helped the team finish as Runner-Up in the State Tournament twice. Additionally, she competed for the Ka Ulukoa Volleyball Club for 10 years.
Leopoldino plans to major in Business at Corban.
Coach McLain had this to say about Leopoldino:
"Cierra comes to us from Kamehameha High School and Ka Ulukoa Volleyball Club. Cierra not only has great hands, but is quick to the ball with consistent ball location and the ability to make decisions in high-pressure situations."
Sam Rouleau – 5' 7" – Setter/Defensive Specialist – Sheldon HS/Oregon State University – Oregon
Rouleau joins the Warriors after playing at NCAA DI Oregon State University for one year and Linn Benton CC for two years. While at Linn Benton, Rouleau garnered All-American First-Team plaudits, First-Team All-League honors, NWAC First-Team accolades, and First-Team All-Tournament Team plaudits. After transferring to OSU, she played in 22 matches, starting in one while seeing action in 66 sets. She finished the 2016 season with 211 assists, 15 kills, and 87 digs while playing in the Pac-12 Conference.
On top of her collegiate experience, she received League MVP honors during her senior year of high school, First-Team All-State plaudits, and was also named to the All-Tournament First Team. She received All-League recognition during each of her four years in high school. Additionally, she played for BOSS Volleyball Club during her youth.
Coach McLain had this to say about Rouleau:
"Sam, a transfer from Oregon State University, reunites with previous club teammates, Amber Parker and Madison McLain. Sam Brings great knowledge and passion of the game as a setter along with defensive experience that will make a huge impact on the court."