SILOAM SPRINGS -- Head junior varsity volleyball coach Steve Brankle debuted eight incoming freshman to round out the 2022 program that opens the season on Wednesday (Aug. 31) afternoon.
"I'm excited about this group of young women," Brankle admitted. "They add depth in areas, especially setter, that we haven't had the past two years. I feel this will be the first year since starting the program in 2020 that we will have the depth needed to make practices more competitive and allow the team to reach their full potential. We will be at least three deep at each position and also have a lot of flexibility between positions."
What Coach Brankle Says »
Brankle on Asbeck: "Bella is a defensive specialist from Ozark High School in Arkansas. She will most likely redshirt this year, but I believe she will grow as a player as she adjusts to a faster game and be a solid DS for us going forward. She will fit in great with our program and be a great teammate."
Why John Brown: "I picked JBU because it is a great Christian college full of amazing Godly people. JBU is also where my older sister and brother went for college and they said that they loved it there. I love how Biblical studies and worship are incorporated into our learning. The campus is so beautiful and it is close to home." — Isabella Asbeck
Brankle on Bruce: "Addy's journey here is a great story. I was actually watching video of another player that Addy's team was playing in the Oklahoma state tournament. However, I kept noticing the middle on the other team getting kill after kill. I found her information and Addy was on campus a week later. The team fell in love with Addy on her visit – she fits in great. After camp last summer, we offered her and she accepted. We are excited for her potential at both the middle and right side. She is a very good player with a high ceiling."
Why John Brown: "JBU felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus. I had a great experience at the volleyball camps and visits and the coaches and faculty and staff were friendly and welcoming. I knew it was a place I could grow my faith, play volleyball and get a great education." — Addy Bruce
Brankle on Everhart: "Jaedyn is a setter from upstate New York who had expressed interest in playing for us but we had already filled all the positions. However, another player decided not to play, so Jaedyn came on a visit. Jaedyn has a lot of potential that it will be fun to develop. She is a hard worker and a quiet competitor. She was able to scrimmage with our varsity and JV team on her visit and never seemed to get rattled or be intimidated by our style of play."
Why John Brown: "Being all the way from New York, one of my main priorities was to find a community that was welcoming and made me feel at home, and JBU was all that and more." — Jaedyn Everhart
Brankle on McLeod: "Ella is a pin hitter from Rogers and played club for Ozark Juniors. Another great story in that I didn't know Ella, but coached her sister in club ball this year. Her mom mentioned to me that her older daughter played volleyball and was considering JBU. The next week she visited campus and worked out with the team and I offered her a position that day. A couple days later, she accepted. Ella is a strong hitter at the pin but also is strong in the back row and has a great serve. Her versatility will be great for our team."
Why John Brown: "The faith-based atmosphere and the construction management program. Also the look and feel of the campus." — Ella McLeod
Brankle on Moore: "Kelsey is a setter from the Tulsa area. She is a very strong competitor. She had visited campus last spring and then came to camp last summer. At the end of camp, I coached the team she was on in our mini-tournament. I loved her competitiveness and strong desire to win, so we offered her after the camp. Kelsey has also coached club ball and that experience will help her as a college player."
Why John Brown: "I really liked the coaches and the students I met. I love the campus and it feels like home and a place that I can grow in." — Kelsey Moore
Brankle on Schwarz: "Olivia is another great story. Her sister worked for me at JBU and mentioned that her sister was a setter looking to play college volleyball, so I reached out to her that day. She came on a recruiting trip to JBU and had a great visit to campus. After she left, the team told me 'you have to get her.' Olivia is another one we offered after camp and she accepted. Olivia is a very good setter but could also play the DS/L position. Her flexibility and competitiveness will be exciting to have on the team."
Why John Brown: "I first heard of JBU because of my sister. I saw her grow in her faith and have an amazing community support her. At first, I never thought I could go to the same school as my genius sister, but through learning about the volleyball team and getting to know the coaches and some of the girls I knew this was the place for me. I knew I would be challenged in my faith on and off the court and this is what I was looking for." — Olivia Schwarz
Brankle on Ware: "Ashley is a pin hitter and defensive specialist who I have watched since her junior year. However, she has suffered two torn ACLs in the past year. We are hoping that she has a full recovery this time and is able to get back on the court. Like her sister Brittney, Ashley will bring some great high school and club experience to our team. Even if she isn't on the court, this will benefit the team."
Why John Brown: "Student-professor ratio. Opportunity to play volleyball. Close to home and sister goes here. Felt welcomed when I visited campus." — Ashley Ware
Brankle on Wiseman: "We recruited Kristin for our 2021 class, but she took a gap year. I was excited when Kristin reached out to us in May of this year saying she would like to play. She is a setter and defensive specialist from Tulsa. She played for Bishop Kelley, which is one of the top Oklahoma high school programs. She helped lead them to state championship her senior year. Kristin also played club for Club One. She is highly competitive and will add another dynamic player to our team."
Why John Brown: "I was drawn to the community and the high standards set for the students." — Kristin Wiseman
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