Gina DeRosa

Middle Hitter
6-0
Senior
#5
Maplewood, Minnesota

Gina DeRosa, a 2008 All-WIAC honorable mention honoree, played in 140 games last season, amassing 135 blocks (0.96 per game) and 290 kills (2.07 per game). Leading the team in blocks and second in kills, DeRosa is one of the top middles in the region, earning the team's 2008 Offensive Player of the Year award. An outstanding blocker from Maplewood, Minn., DeRosa frustrates opposing hitters with her great range and presence. "Gina can hit a wide variety of tempos and sets, making her available in a variety of situations," said Coach Patti Ford. "She will be one of the Falcons 'go-to' players."

* 2008 Offensive Player of the Year
* 2008 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll
*2007 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll
*2006 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

Kelsey Scheele

Outide Hitter
5-7
Senior
#1
Norwood, Minnesota

An AVCA All-America honorable mention selection last year, Kelsey Scheele returns as one of premier players in the WIAC and the region. In 143 games during the 2008 season, she boasted 456 kills (3.19 per game), 528 digs (3.69 per game), and 44 service aces, leading the team in all three categories. "Kelsey has no weak phases of her game," said Coach Patti Ford. "She is an impressive leader and role model for our younger players and is key factor in the Falcons success." A consistent offensive and defensive threat, Scheele can score points from anywhere on the court. Scheele, a Norwood, Minn., native, was named the team's MVP last year and was named both to the AVCA All-Region and to the All-WIAC teams.

* 2008 AVCA Honorable Mention All-American
* 2008 Most Valuable Player
* 2008 All-WIAC Team
* 2008 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll
* WIAC Player of the Week, Sept. 8-14
* 2007 All-WIAC Team
* 2007 Most Valuable Player Award
* 2007 Offensive Player of the Year Award
* 2007 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll
* 2006 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

Andria Vetsch

Rightside Hitter
5-10
Senior
#7
Minneapolis, Minnesota

A right side hitter from Minneapolis, Minn., Andria Vetsch is a heavy hitter who played in 137 games for the Falcons last season. She collected 251 kills (1.83 per game), 31 service aces, 131 digs and 86 blocks. "Andria continues to grow into her position and will be looked upon to be an eminent leader and high point scorer for the Falcons this season," said Coach Patti Ford. With a deadly serve, a solid shot selection, and an imposing block, look for to Vetsch standout as one the conference's top right side hitters.

* 2008 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll
* 2007 Most Improved Award
* 2007 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

Liz Braun

Middle Hitter
5-10
Junior
#15
Racine, Wisconsin

Sami Kaminski

Outside Hitter
5-9
Junior
#17
Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin

Sami Kaminski, a Weyerhaeuser, Wis., native, has made huge strides in her game during the past year. Although she only played 16 games last season, expect Kaminski to emerge as one of the Falcons top outside hitters. Coach Patti Ford complements Kaminski's court presence and work ethic. "Sami has worked extremely hard to become commanding of the court and obtain status as an outside hitter." An outstanding all-around athlete, Kaminski is talented both offensively and defensively and plays the little parts of the game well.

* 2008 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll
* 2007 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

Mandy McKenzie

Libero
5-2
Junior
#3
Hugo, Minnesota

Returning as the Falcons starting libero and last year's Defensive Player of the Year, Mandy McKenzie played in 116 games in her sophomore season. She registered 19 service aces and 430 digs (3.71 per game), second most on the team. "An excellent passer who has grown into her position, Mandy's accuracy and experience will help grow our defensive scheme this year," said Coach Patti Ford. A dependable and stable player, this Hugo, Minn., native will lead the Falcons backcourt charge.

* 2008 Defensive Player of the Year
* WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll 2008
* 2007 Defensive Player of the Year

Kara Buffington

Middle Hitter
5-10
Sophomore
#10
Hudson, Wisconsin

Kara Buffington, a Hudson, Wis., native gained significant playing experience in the Falcons lineup as a freshman. Named the team's Rookie of the Year, she played in 102 games, accumulating 193 kills (1.89 per game), 104 digs (1.02 per game), and 24 blocks. Transitioning from the outside hitting position to the middle for her sophomore season, Buffington's quickness and athleticism will help her adapt immediately. A competitor who is constantly improving her game and who absorbs information well, Coach Patti Ford said, "Kara's best volleyball is still ahead of her as she gains more experience in the middle."

* 2008 Rookie of the Year
* 2008 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll

Linnea Osterberg

Libero
5-4
Sophomore
#11
Center City, Minnesota

An enthusiastic and hard-working defensive specialist from Center City, Minn., Linnea Osterberg established herself as a dependable backrow presence in her freshman season. In 30 games, Osterberg tallied 10 service aces and 76 digs (2.53 per game). An exceptional communicator and team player, Osterberg is a vocal leader. Coach Patti Ford said, "Linnea has adjusted to the collegiate game extremely well and will be utilized in defensive and serving situations."

Kristi Thompson

Right Side Hitter
5-11
Sophomore
#22
Chatfield, Minnesota

Kristi Thompson joined the Falcons during spring season and has adapted well to the offensive system. From Chatfield, Minn., Thompson continually works hard to improve all facets of her game. An extremely knowledgeable middle blocker/right side hitter, she will need time to adapt to the pace of the college game. "Kristi has a solid understanding of the transition game and has the court sense to contribute in a variety of situations," said Coach Patti Ford.

Hayley Buchanan

Setter
5-6
Freshman
#6
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

From Eden Prairie, Minn., Haley Buchanan is a talented setter whose defensive mind and ability to build relationships on the court will be an instant advantage for the Falcons. Buchanan's savvy for the game and her experience as a three-time all-conference setter for Eden Prairie High School will enhance the depth and breadth of the Falcons setting regime. Expect Buchanan to develop quickly as she becomes familiar with the Falcon offensive scheme.

Danielle Gibbemeyer

Outside Hitter
5-10
Freshman
#8
St. Paul, Minnesota

With a wide array of shots and excellent ball handling skills, Danielle Gibbemeyer is a complete package for the Falcons. Hard-working and coachable, she possesses significant understanding of the game and has competed at the highest level. An all-conference performer from Cretin-Derham Hall High School, this St. Paul, Minn., native will add immediate depth to the outside and right side hitting positions for the Falcons.

Erin Green

Middle Hitter
5-9
Freshman
#18
Fridley, Minnesota

A three-sport all-conference athlete from Fridley, Minn., Eric Green will add immediate strength and speed to the middle blocker position for the Falcons. Mobile and powerful, Green will develop her transition game during her freshman season. This tremendous athlete hits a heavy ball and will be an offensive threat at the net. Look for this Fridley High School graduate to adapt to the college game quickly.

Josie Holter

Right Side Hitter
5-9
Freshman
#9
Lakeville, Minnesota

Josie Holter is a skilled all-around southpaw from Lakeville South High School who can contribute in a variety of situations for the Falcons. A steady ball control player, who can score points from either the outside or right side hitting positions, Holter was earned All-Lake Conference honorable mention in 2008. A fluid player who has played at the premier level, look for this Lakeville, Minn., athlete to add immediate versatility to the Falcons lineup.

Lauren Matask

Outside Hitter/Setter
5-10
Freshman
#2
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Captain of the 2008 Minnetonka High School volleyball team, this outside/right side/setter brings her leadership and versatility to the Falcons this year. An all-around player from Eden Prairie, Minn., Lauren Matask's possesses an extraordinary attitude and passion for the game and has a relentless work ethic in the gym. Look for Matask to develop and to hone her skills during her freshman season.

Jaime Mickolichek

Middle Hitter
6-0
Freshman
#14
Silver Lake, Minnesota

Jamie Mickolichek, a two-time all-conference performer from Glencoe-Silver Lake High School, is an exceptional athlete and skilled blocker. A middle blocker from Silver Lake, Minn., Mickolichek adds depth the Falcon frontcourt this season. This "Triple A Award" honoree's positive attitude and persistence will help her mature into a future offensive threat and mainstay at the net.

Courtney Preiner

Libero
5-6
Freshman
#12
Oakdale, Minnesota

A feisty defensive player from Oakdale, Minn., Courtney Preiner's dynamic athleticism and competitive court demeanor will help her solidify one of the Falcons libero or defensive positions. Preiner, an all-conference player from Hill-Murray High School, possesses an unyielding intensity for the passing and ball control facets of the game--a trait that will instantly augment the Falcons defensive system.

Micha Sater

Outside Hitter
5-9
Freshman
#20
Fridley, Minnesota

An outstanding athlete and explosive jumper from Fridley, Minn., Micha Sater will compete for an outside hitting position for the Falcons. This all-conference athlete from Centennial High School possesses a competitive mentality and is a strong offensive weapon. As she refines her skills during her first season, expect Sater's determination and athleticism to continually improve her game.

Abby Schmidtman

Libero
5-5
Freshman
#19
Renville, Minnesota

A fiery and energetic defensive specialist from Renville, Minn., Abby Schmidtman is an excellent addition to the Falcon roster. Schmidtman's defensive mind and hustle earned her all-conference recognition during her senior season at Renville County West High School. Her athleticism and spunk will help her adjust to the fast-paced college game.

Megan Schroeder

Outside Hitter
5-7
Freshman
#4
Rochester, Minnesota

A ball-control guru, Megan Schroeder will be utilized in many different roles for the Falcons. A 2008 All-Big 9 Conference selection, this Rochester Mayo High School graduate is multitalented and could play on the outside, right side, or serve as defensive specialist. Schroeder possesses a great savvy and knowledge for game; her competitive tenacity and technical soundness will help enhance the Falcons depth.

Kaitlin Speedling

Outside Hitter
5-11
Freshman
#16
Kellogg, Minnesota

A two-time Minnesota All-State player from Wabasha-Kellogg High School, Kaitlin Speedling will enhance the Falcons outside hitting core immediately. Speedling's exceptional game knowledge and outstanding all-around play will raise the level of play in the gym each day. A Kellogg, Minn., native look for Speedling's versatile serve and solid ball control to frustrate opponents.

Mackenzie Suda

Setter
5-8
Freshman
#13
Ham Lake, Minnesota

Mackenzie Suda is a gifted athlete who has competed at the highest level both in club and high school. She will be called on to run the Falcon offense this season. The combination of Suda's high volleyball IQ and tremendous athleticism will immediately elevate the Falcons offensive potency. A Ham Lake, Minn., native, Suda was named to the All-Northwest Suburban Conference team twice and was named the team's Most Valuable Player once at Blaine High School.

Morgan Wynveen

Middle Hitter
6-1
Freshman
#21
Mahtomedi, Minnesota

A Stillwater, Minn., native, Morgan Wynveen will add depth to the Falcons middle blocker position. An all-conference athlete from Mahtomedi High School, Wynveen is a solid blocker who will be able to contribute to the lineup when she upgrades her transition game and adapts to the increased speed of collegiate volleyball. Very coachable and driven, Wynveen is a great addition to the Falcon roster.