Women’s Volleyball Adds Seven to the Class of 2018

The Westminster College Blue Jays Head Coach Curtis Madson set out on the recruiting trail this season looking to build upon the successes of the Lady Blue Jays’ 2013 season. The 2013 team finished 17-12 overall and tied for third place in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. With eight players returning, his main goal was to add a competitive depth to the roster that will push the level of his team. “When looking at our roster heading into the off-season I knew that we had a very strong core of players,” Madson commented. “I wanted to find pieces that would not only compliment what we had, but bring another dynamic to our gym. Last season we were not as deep at all the positions as I would have liked, but with this class, I feel like we have a much more complete team heading into the 2014 season.” He continued, “I made a point to get out and see all the talent that there was; we really worked hard looking everywhere for talent and I could not be happier with this group.” The class of 2018 features seven athletes from five different states. The latest additions to the Blue Jays roster are: Natalie Corrigan (Hawthorn Woods, Ill.), Kendall Johnson (Oklahoma City, Okla.), Hannah Marshall (Wildwood, Mo.), Kristen McMillian (Dixon, Mo.), Angela Miller (Marietta, Ga.), Briana Patlan (San Antonio, Texas), and Ashley Wallace (Fulton, Mo.).

Natalie Corrigan – Hawthorn Woods, Ill. (Lake Zurich High School)
Natalie is one of the more well-rounded attackers in the class with experience playing all three attacking positions. At 5’9 Corrigan brings size with her athleticism. “I am very excited about the versatility that Natalie brings to the team. She is a player that has the ability to contribute on a daily basis due to the fact she can play almost anywhere on the court,” said Madson. Natalie will get a primary look at trying to compete as an opposite, which has been left open due to the graduation of Caroline Abraham. Corrigan’s high school team made it to the ISHA Elite-8 for the 4A division last season. Madson stated, “Natalie has played for winning programs, and she knows what it takes to play at that level. I am hoping she can bring that experience with her and help us to continue to build a winning culture here at Westminster.”

Kendall Johnson – Oklahoma City, Okla. (Bishop McGuinness High School)
Kendall is the lone libero in the 2014 recruiting class. “Ball control and transition offense is a large part of what we need to do to be successful, and Kendall has great abilities in those areas,” said Madson. “She has a great nose for the ball, and is very disciplined with her skill sets; I am looking for her to push our current players and be in the mix all year.” Johnson has played at a very high level at the high school while competing for Bishop McGuinness, as well as a very successful career on the USAV club level.
Hannah Marshall – Wildwood, Mo. (Lafayette High School)
Hannah comes to Westminster from a very prestigious and successful program at Lafayette High School. “Hannah is another athlete that knows what it takes to win; she has been associated with winning her whole high school career. I am really looking forward to adding that type of experience and character to our program,” Coach Madson said. At 6-0, Marshall is one of the tallest players on the Westminster roster, which already boasts two of the tallest players in the SLIAC. “Hannah’s height and power will be a great asset to this team. She is a terminator, the type of hitter you look for attacking from the pin. Not only does she play high, she plays strong,” Madson continued, ”we are looking for big things from Hannah from the moment she steps foot on campus. She will defiantly deepen our talent at the outside hitter position.”

Kristen McMillian – Dixon, Mo. (Dixon High School)
Kristen was a standout for Dixon High School, and she looks to continue her success here at Westminster College. Kristen will be looked to fill an outside hitter or defensive specialist role. “Kristen’s skill sets lend herself to play both positions for us. She has solid platform skills,” Madson stated. “I’m looking forward to watching Kristen develop in our program and the depth that she brings to both positions.”

Angela Miller – Marietta, Ga. (Covenant Christian Ministries Academy)
Angela is joining the Blue Jay program as a defensive specialist and an outside hitter. “Angela is a very hard working individual; she is always looking for ways to improve. I think with the opportunities available to her as a collegiate athlete, she will defiantly grow as a player.” Madson commented. “I really look forward to what the future holds for Angela as an athlete here at Westminster College.”

Briana Patlan – San Antonio, Texas (Tom Clark High School)
Briana is another athlete that has been brought in to add depth and talent to the Blue Jay roster in positions of need. Briana will be leaned on to compete at the middle hitter and opposite positions. “I made a conscious effort in this year’s class to bring middle depth, and Briana will be able to provide that for us,” Coach Madson said. Briana is a versatile player, which is why the Blue Jay coaching staff will look to her to compete for the open opposite position as well. Coach Madson commented, “I’m hoping she will come in here and compete and fight for one of these two spots. I like her mentality and outlook on the game.”

Ashley Wallace – Fulton, Mo. (Fulton High School)
Ashley is a local talent that will be joining the Blue Jays roster in the fall of 2014. “It is always nice to bring in talented players from your own backyard,” Madson said. Ashley played middle for Fulton High School. She will be looked upon to not only play that position for the Blue Jays, but the plan is to have Ashley learn the opposite position as well. “Ashley is a very athletic and coachable person, and I am very confident that she will be able to handle the transition into that position,” Madson commented.