U-M's 2015-16 Recruiting Class Ranked 15th Nationally
6/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
June 3, 2015
LONG BEACH, Calif.-- The University of Michigan volleyball team's four-member incoming freshman class has been ranked as the 15th-best recruiting class in the country by PrepVolleyball.com, it was announced recently.
Michigan's class includes setter Maddy Abbott, middle blocker Cori Crocker, defensive specialist/libero Jenna Lerg and outside hitter Carly Skjodt.
"We're extremely excited about this 2015 class, not only the level of athlete that is coming in but the fact that the class adds tremendous depth to our team," Michigan head coach Mark Rosen said when the recruiting class was announced. "We only graduated one player in 2014 and this class brings depth in our defensive specialist/libero role, they bring depth in our outside hitting role, our middle blocker and setting roles, which is something we needed. I think they all have an opportunity to come in and compete from the very first day, not only to add depth but to get on the floor and make us more competitive."
"Michigan brings in one of the most balanced recruiting classes in the country," the website stated. "It contains a fantastic mix of both ball control and physicality -- both equally important elements to be competitive in the Big Ten Conference as well as nationally.
"Four new faces will be looking to make an immediate impact for the young Wolverines this fall," PrepVolleyball.com continued. "Leading the charge is Skjodt, PrepVolleyball.com's 2014 Player of the Year. No. 26 in PrepVolleyball's Senior Aces, is a dynamic six-rotation outside hitter with a heavy arm and solid passing skills. Her fiery competitive nature was cultivated at the well-known Munciana Volleyball Club. Crocker, Senior Ace No. 46, is the most physical of the athletes in Michigan's class and will bring a very high level of blocking prowess to Ann Arbor this fall. A volleyball and basketball athlete all through high school, Crocker has developed into a very high level athlete. She has an extremely high ceiling in volleyball and is expected to improve rapidly with a focus on just one sport in college. Lerg, one of the best liberos in the country, brings high-level ball control, both with passing and defense, to Michigan. She has a knack of remaining calm and steady even in extreme pressure situations. Abbott, the daughter of inspirational former major league pitcher Jim Abbott, rounds out the class. Abbott, who will be attending her father's alma mater, is a high-level setter with strong leadership qualities and work ethic.
"This class is absolutely one of the most balanced classes in Michigan volleyball history, one that will be looking to compete for playing time in the gym from day one."
2015 Top-20 PrepVolleyball.com Collegiate Recruiting Classes
1. Illinois
2. Texas
3. Wisconsin
4. Oregon
5. Nebraska
6. Stanford
7. Purdue
8. Iowa State
9. California
10. Kentucky
11. Creighton
12. USC
13. Ohio State
14. Arizona
15. MICHIGAN
16. Louisville
17. Baylor
18. UC Santa Barbara
19. BYU
20. Arizona State
Communications Contact: Kent Reichert (734) 763-4423
