TicketsNov. 14, 2006
CINCINNATI, Ohio---A pair of accomplished prep players, including one from the Greater Cincinnati area, comprise the University of Cincinnati volleyball team's 2007 signing class. UC, under the direction of seventh-year head coach Reed Sunahara, will welcome Erlanger, Ky. native Stephanie Niemer and Chicago-area standout Annie Fesl to the Cincinnati roster for the 2007 season.
The signing of Niemer (Erlanger, Ky./St. Henry), a 6-2 middle blocker, continues the Bearcats' recent success in keeping some of the area's top players at home. Fesl (Arlington Heights, Ill./John Hersey), at 5-10, will be UC's second consecutive setter from the Chicago-area, following in the footsteps of current senior Noel Olson.
"We are excited to have these two talented players join our program," Sunahara said of the duo. "We will look to both of them to have an immediate impact on the success of this program."
This season, Niemer helped St. Henry to a runner-up finish in the state of Kentucky and the school's seventh straight district championship. During district tournament play, Niemer was named most valuable player for the second time in her career. Niemer has also found success on the club level, helping the Bullets U18 team to a fifth place finish in the nation in 2006. On Oct. 31, Niemer was named the LaRosa's MVP of the Week, for her contributions to St. Henry's state tournament run. During her prep career, Niemer has also starred on the basketball court, averaging 15 points and seven rebounds per game as a junior. Among her basketball accolades were a Northern Kentucky All-Star award and MVP of District 33. Off the court, Niemer is a high honor roll student and is active in various community service projects.
Fesl has enjoyed an outstanding senior season at John Hersey, earning Mid-Suburban League East Player of the Year honors, while helping her team to a division title. During her career, Fesl has been honored as a three-time all-conference and all-area performer, along with being named to the Illinois All-State team as a junior. Fesl, the younger sister of Notre Dame freshman Megan Fesl, holds the John Hersey High records for most assists in a career (2,371) a season (940) and a match (48). Academically, she is also a member of the National Honor Society.
"In Niemer's case, she is one of the top players in the area and we are glad to keep her close to home," Sunahara continued. "Fesl is a great addition for us and is another talented player from a strong volleyball area of Chicago."
Cincinnati holds a record of 21-6 heading into the BIG EAST Championship this weekend. The Bearcats, seeded fourth, will host No. 5 seed Notre Dame on Friday at 6 p.m.
Cincinnati 2007 Volleyball Signees
Annie Fesl
5-10 Setter
2007 Eligibility: Freshman
Hometown: Arlington Heights, Ill.
John Hersey High
2006: All-Area and All-Conference; MidSuburban League East Player of the Year
Stephanie Niemer
6-2 Middle Blocker
2007 Eligibility: Freshman
Hometown: Erlanger, Ky.
St. Henry High
2006: District Tournament MVP; LaRosa's MVP of the Week, Oct. 31