Iris Ivanis (Pozega, Croatia) is a 6’0” outside hitter/right side who played for Croatia in the European Qualification Tournament for the 2013 World Junior Volleyball Championship as well as in the 2011 and 2012 CEV Junior Volleyball European Championships. As the captain of her club team Nova Gradiska, she was named the 2012 Most Successful Female Athlete by the Executive Committee of the League.
“Iris brings a strong six-rotation player to our team. She has great experience playing at a high level and is extremely athletic. Having the ability to play at either pin gives our team more flexibility. Iris is a strong academic student who will help our team continue to create success in the classroom and on the court,” said Finley.
Kerry Lane (Tucson, Ariz.) was a standout setter and four-year letterwinner at Canyon del Oro High School, picking up 790 assists, 118 digs, 65 service aces, and 64 kills during her senior season. Lane was named to All-Region and All-State teams all four years and graduated in the top 10 in her class as an active member of the National Honor Society. A 2012 Southern Arizona All-Star, the 5’10” Lane also played club volleyball for Club Dinamo.
“Kerry will compete from day one for playing time. She has the ability to see the court and run a complicated offense,” Finley said. “Her strong academics have helped her develop a strong volleyball IQ. Being a vocal competitor will help her teammates grow quickly.”
Martina Samadan (Split, Croatia) played under Finley at Virginia Commonwealth last season, setting school records in total blocks (172), blocks per set (1.67), and hitting percentage (.349) as the Rams posted a 25-6 record. The 6’5” sophomore middle blocker was named AVCA Northeast Region Freshman of the Year and Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year, plus she finished the 2012 season fourth in the country in blocks per set.
“Martina brings the obvious skills of a great player: size, athleticism, volleyball IQ and experience. But even more valuable to a young program is her leadership skill, her attitude that only winning is acceptable, and her work ethic that also requires those around her to push themselves,” remarked Finley. “In addition, Martina will be a great example of success in the classroom. We are very happy to have a player of Martina’s caliber to drive our team’s success.”
Sydney Schafer (Salt Lake City, Utah) earned All-State honors from both the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News after helping Judge Memorial Catholic High School win the region title and advance to the quarterfinals of the Utah 3A tournament in 2012. A member of Club V Volleyball, the 5’11” outside hitter posted a hitting percentage of .418 as she collected 379 kills and 181 digs during her senior season of high school.
“Sydney gives us a six-rotation player who has a great foundation of ball control. She is a competitive player who wants to improve every day. We look forward to Sydney pushing herself and everyone around her to succeed. Strong academics and her passion to learn will allow Sydney to grow quickly,” said Finley.
Kirstin Schauble (Meadow Vista, Calif.) played for the North team at the Optimist All-Star Volleyball Match this past May after a stellar career at Placer High School where she was named Student-Athlete of the Year. Excelling academically, she also served as class valedictorian. The 5’10” setter/defensive specialist helped her team to a 24-7 overall record thanks in part to 534 assists, 164 digs, and 115 kills, earning her league co-MVP honors.
“Kirstin is a player who has all the intangibles a coach looks for. She can play more than one position, is extremely competitive and cannot accept losing,” said Finley. “Kirstin will always compete to be on the court and make everyone around her work harder. In addition, Kirstin brings a strong academic foundation that has helped her develop a good IQ for the game.”
Stephanie Stoll (Bellevue, Wash.) returns to the Pacific Northwest after two seasons at the University of Tennessee, where she appeared in 16 matches, including two starts. In 2012, the 6’2” middle blocker tied her career high with four kills against Boston College one day after collecting four total blocks against George Washington.
“The addition of Stephanie to our 2013 class brings a student-athlete who excels in the classroom and has strong Division I experience. Along with her physicality, Stephanie possesses great energy, passion and a high volleyball IQ. We look forward to her contributions on the court as a player and a strong voice as a leader who understands what it takes to win,” said Finley.
These six players will join six returning letterwinners and two players who redshirted for Seattle U during the 2012 season. The Redhawks will begin practice next month in preparation for their second season as a member of the Western Athletic Conference, where they look to finish in the top six to qualify for the WAC Tournament Nov. 25-27 in Phoenix, Ariz.