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From Finlandia University Athletics
Finlandia University women’s volleyball coach Kristan Schuster has announced that eight players have committed to play volleyball for Finlandia in 2014. Five of these players are incoming freshman, one is a junior college transfer, and the other two have been students at Finlandia.
Lynnette Hokenson is a 5’11” senior middle blocker who will graduate with a degree in nursing this year. She is from Hancock, Michigan and played under Coach Schuster for 4 years in high school. She was named to the Michigan Intercollegiate Volleyball Coaches All-Region team in 2009.
“Lynette has great leadership qualities and work ethic. She will be a key part to our improvement and success this season,” said Coach Schuster.
Diane Doebler, a 5’8″ outside hitter from Roscommon, Michigan, is transferring from Oakland Community College and will be a physical therapy assistant major.
“She is very athletic and has great vision and court sense,” said Coach Schuster. “She is also a dynamic player with a great work ethic.”
Mary Schockling, originally form Orlando, Florida, played her high school volleyball at Mackinaw Island, Michigan. She is a 5’7″ outside hitter and plans on majoring in nursing at Finlandia.
“Mary is one of the most enthusiastic players I have ever met,” said Schuster. “She has a deep desire to improve and will be a role model with her work ethic and positive attitude.”
Taylor Mitchell, a 5’9″ outside hitter/middle blocker, is from Southfield, Michigan where she attended Southfield Lathrup High School and was named the Best Athlete of the Year in 2013-14. Mitchell played on two club teams as well, DVC and Xtreme. Taylor will major in art and design while at Finlandia.
“Taylor is very fast, powerful, and can really jump,” said Coach Schuster. “She will be an asset for us offensively and for putting up a big block defensively.”
Anaya Merriweather is a 5’5″ defensive specialist from Highland Park, Michigan and played her high school volleyball at Oak Park High School. She earned the Coach’s Award for her conference in 2013. While at Finlandia, Merriweather will major in criminal justice.
“Anaya posses the qualities that make her an outstanding defensive player; she is quick, very vocal and is relentless in her pursuit of the ball on defense,” said Schuster.
Chelsea Potterville, a 5’5″ outside hitter/defensive specialist from Pembine, Wisconsin, will be a physical therapy assistant major while at Finlandia.
“Chelsea is a very coachable, respectful, hard working and is dedicated to improving,” said Coach Schuster. “While only 5’5″, she has great athleticism and jumping ability and we should see great improvement over the course of the season.”
Terrilyn Bailey, a 6-foot lefty middle blocker/right-side hitter, is from Dallas, Texas. She attended Life School – Oak Cliff Secondary school and played volleyball and softball. Terrilyn will be a nursing major at Finlandia.
“Terrilyn will be an asset for us on the right side and will put up a great block against our opponents,” said Schuster. “She comes well prepared to contribute to our success and has yet to reach her full potential.”
Laura Sponhauer, a 5’10” senior middle blocker from Shelby, Michigan, will be returning to the volleyball team after a season off. She is currently an art and design major.
“Laura is a powerful player and is extremely coachable,” said Coach Schuster. “She will bring great leadership and stability to our team.”
“I am very excited to bring in such a talented and diverse group of student-athletes who will help contribute to our climb to the top,” said Schuster.
