SILOAM SPRINGS -- Head junior varsity volleyball coach Steve Brankle announced the addition of four new Golden Eagles to round out the 2023 roster that opens the season on Sept. 1.
Brankle and the Golden Eagles, entering the fourth year of the program's existence, weaved together a watershed 2022 season that saw the team post a 10-5 mark, a new single-season win record, and finish the campaign undefeated against NAIA programs (6-0). John Brown fell in only four sets in its unblemished march against similar competition.
| Player |
Ht. |
Pos. |
Hometown |
High School |
| Allison Buenzow |
5-10 |
Outside Hitter |
Broken Arrow, Okla. |
Broken Arrow |
| Tori Kelly |
5-8 |
Outside Hitter |
Bentonville, Ark. |
Life Way Christian |
| Leah Mullins |
6-2 |
Middle Blocker |
Newton, Kan. |
Berean Academy |
| Alexa Timken |
5-5 |
Defensive Specialist |
Whitewater, Kan. |
Berean Academy |
Brankle on Buenzow: "Allison visited last summer and had a very good workout. Her athleticism stood out immediately. She has a very good vertical that she uses both blocking and attacking. She played at Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma and played against the best teams in the state. Allison also has the ability to set which will be an added bonus when we are out of system or want to use a tall setter in the front row. I expect Allison to push for playing time on the right side and help us both offensively and defensively."
Why John Brown: "The atmosphere is so appealing. The coaches have been so nice and wanting to get to know you as a person rather than just a player, too. Everyone I have encountered has always had a smile on their face and willing to have a conversation even if it's your first time meeting. I love getting to know more about JBU every time I visit." — Allison Buenzow
Brankle on Kelly: "I have known Tori for a few years. Her older sister Lauren played for JBU so Tori came to quite a few games and our camps. It has been fun to watch Tori develop as a player and even more as a young woman. She is a very good volleyball player with a lot of high school and club experience. She has played all front row positions at some point and is very adaptable. I expect Tori to play at outside mainly but I won't be afraid to move her around as needed. She will bring energy and leadership to the team."
Why John Brown: "The coaches and Christian atmosphere is really encouraging and refreshing to experience. My sister is also currently attending JBU and I thought it would be cool to go to college with her." — Tori Kelly
Brankle on Mullins: "Leah is another player I have known for a few years as her older sister Erin plays for JBU. Leah brings great length at 6-2 to the team. She is a big blocker in the middle. She also has an offensive game that is solid but has a much higher ceiling. Leah is a quiet but strong competitor. Her actions will speak louder than her words. Leah's has the potential to be a dynamic player in the middle. I am excited to watch her game grow from a small high school to the college level. She has the ability to be a dominant player."
Why John Brown: "I picked JBU because it is a good fit academically and I could also play volleyball as well. I also wanted to go to a Christian college, so JBU is the best fit." — Leah Mullins
Brankle on Timken: "Alexa is the third player from Berean Academy to join our team in the last three years. I met Alexa through the Mullins sisters. She had a great work out with us last fall and the team really enjoyed playing with her. Alexa is a very good passer and defender. She reads well and is quick to the ball. She has a great personality and plays with a lot of energy. Like Leah, it will be fun to see Alexa step up to the stronger competition that she will face. She will be a very good DS for us and has the potential to push for playing time immediately."
Why John Brown: "I chose JBU because of the Christ-centered atmosphere and the strong community. I love how kind and friendly everyone was when I visited campus." — Alexa Timken
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN EAGLES
Don't miss a minute of the latest action surrounding JBU Athletics by following the Golden Eagles on Twitter (@JBUathletics), Instagram (@JBUathletics) and Facebook (/JBUathletics). Catch every Golden Eagle home game and select away games on the SAC Sports Network, available online or for download on your favorite streaming device.
