TicketsJan. 29, 2008
CINCINNATI -- University of Cincinnati volleyball signee Missy Harpenau (Cincinnati, OH/Mother of Mercy) was named the National Player of the Year by PrepVolleyball.com. The 6-0 outside hitter led Mother of Mercy to the 2007 Division I state championship, defeating city rival Mount Notre Dame.
Harpenau has been a star at Mother of Mercy, finishing the five-game state championship match with 27 kills to earn tournament MVP honors. Harpenau's play earned her first team all-Ohio honors and the Girls Greater Cincinnati League Scarlet Division Player of the Year award, along with a spot on the all-conference first team. As a junior, Harpenau was also a first team All-GGCL pick and was slotted on the all-state second team.
On the club level, she competed for Team Z in 2007, leading the team to a national championship of the Junior Olympics, where she was named tournament MVP. Her coach for Team Z in 2007 was UC head coach Reed Sunahara.
"This is a tremendous honor for Missy," Sunahara said. "We are excited to have a student-athlete of her caliber and with her credentials joining our program next season."
Harpenau and fellow signee Kelsey Brandl will join an already talented squad for next year that will return three-time first team All-BIG EAST selection Jessie Nevitt at middle blocker and 2007 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year Stephanie Niemer at outside hitter.