EUGENE, Ore. – First-Year head coach Jason Corwin announces five women that have signed to join the Northwest Christian University Volleyball team this year.
The 2018 recruiting class will consist of two freshmen, two transfers, and the return of an NCU senior who did not participate last season.
Freshman Defensive Specialist Jackie Harmon (Lake Oswego) will join the Beacons after a strong prep career at Lake Oswego High. Coach Corwin said, “Jackie brings a quiet confidence to the floor. She moves with efficient grace and sees the game well. Her defense and consistent serve receive will frustrate many opponents.”
The other freshman joining the fray will be Setter Makenna Northern (Brownsville). Northern has a highly decorated player at Central Linn High School, earning a pair of Tri-River Conference Player of the Year honors along with two selections to the All-State 2A First-Team. “Makenna brings a passion and competitiveness that fits well with our program,” said Corwin. “She does a good job of keeping her hitters in rhythm and makes good decisions setting them up for success.”
Junior transfer Katie Allen (Grants Pass) comes in from Linn-Benton Community College and will see action all across the court with the Beacons. Corwin said, “Katie is an explosive athlete. She can play multiple positions, hitting from both pins and varying tempos in the front and back row. She also brings an infectiously positive attitude, passion, and joy to competition.”
Also transferring in will be senior Haley Meili (Churchill HS). Not only is Meili a familiar name in Eugene after her successful prep service at Churchill, she will also be familiar to the CCC as a former standout setter at Corban University. Meili played two seasons with the Warriors and graduated in 2017. One year of eligibility remains, which she will use while she begins an MBA at NCU. “We are very grateful that Haley is bringing her knowledge and experience to our program,” said Corwin. “She knows this conference well and brings a needed versatility to our setting group.”
The final member of the 2018 recruiting class is also a familiar name in Laurie Salness. After bypassing her junior season to concentrate on school, Salness returns for her senior season and will once again see action in multiple positions, playing alongside her sister, sophomore Claire Salness. Coach Corwin said, “Laurie returns to our family and brings with her energy and athleticism. She is a gifted blocker, a hard hitter, and a very tough server.”
The Beacons are scheduled to begin the season with an Alumni game on August 11 before heading to the William Jessup Tournament on August 15-16.