Sooner Volleyball Signs Three Immediate Impact Recruits :: Recruiting class led by top 50 prepster Laura Tomes.

	">Printer-Friendly Format ">E-mail this article OU Volleyball Head Coach Kalani Mahi expects his 2003 recruits to have an immediate impact on the program.

Sooner Volleyball Signs Three Immediate Impact Recruits

Recruiting class led by top 50 prepster Laura Tomes.

Nov. 15, 2002

NORMAN, Okla. - The Oklahoma volleyball program announced the signing of three prep recruits to national letters of intent Friday, all of which are expected to have an immediate impact on the program according to OU Head Coach Kalani Mahi. The Sooners inked Laura Tomes, Joanna Schmitt and Anna Monsen. The signings will offset the losses of outside hitters Megan O'Connell, Denise Griffin, Lindsay Hoyt and setter Jessica Barney.

"What's exciting about this class is that every girl is very athletic," said Mahi. "I foresee all three athletes making an immediate impact on this program."

Leading the 2003 recruiting class is Laura Tomes, a 6-2 middle blocker/outside hitter from Sioux City, Iowa. Tomes was ranked as the 37th best prospect in the country by Student Sports Magazine and was also recruited by perennial powerhouses Nebraska, Long Beach State and Texas. Tomes is also the two-time defending state champion in high jump for Sioux City East High School. Tomes plays club volleyball for Nebraska Elite.

"We are very excited about Laura committing to OU," said Mahi. "Anytime you steal a recruit away from schools like Nebraska and Long Beach State it is a major accomplishment. She is very fast, has outstanding leaping ability, is a hard worker and a tremendous all-around athlete. She will be ready to produce in the Big 12 immediately upon her arrival in Norman."

Mahi and staff are equally excited about the signing of a pair of Wisconsin prepsters.

Joanna Schmitt (Cottage Grove, Wis.) is a 5-10 outside hitter, who attends Deerfield High School. Schmitt has collected such accolades as conference MVP (2001 and 2002), second team all-state (2001), first team all-state (2002) and first team all-Wisconsin state tournament. In four consecutive matches leading into and during the state playoffs, Schmitt recorded 61, 65, 44 and 21 kills. Her 44 kills is the second highest total all-time in the Wisconsin state playoffs. Kentucky and several Big 10 universities also recruited Schmitt.

Fellow Wisconsin native Anna Monsen is a 5-9 setter with outstanding speed and leaping ability. Monsen is the three-time defending state 100 meter champion and will attempt to set a new Wisconsin record by claiming a fourth title in the spring. She will also compete for OU's track and field team. On top of being named as team MVP, all-conference, and second team all-state, she has been selected as one of 10 finalist for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Georgia, Delaware and Auburn also recruited Monsen.

"Schmitt and Monsen are fiery competitors, who bring energy to their teams," said Mahi. "Schmitt is a point guard and Monsen is a sprinter and long jumper, those skills will transfer over to the volleyball court very effectively. Schmitt is very powerful and has a sound arm swing. Monsen is confident and ready to lead OU at the setter position. From a coach's standpoint, I couldn't be more excited about these players because they are both dedicated and hard working athletes. From a fan's standpoint, I can't wait to watch them because they bring an energy to the court that pumps up crowds."

The volleyball team is expected to sign two more athletes in the coming weeks, as they attempt the fill the loss of five players from the 2002 squad.