TicketsFeb. 19, 2008
LEXINGTON, KY -- University of Cincinnati volleyball signee Missy Harpenau (Cincinnati, OH/Mother of Mercy) has been named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) High School Senior Girl's All-America Team. The 6-0 outside hitter, who was named the National Player of the Year by PrepVolleyball.com last month, 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 in the Junior Olympics, where she was named tournament MVP. Her coach for Team Z in 2007 was UC head coach Reed Sunahara.
Harpenau was one of three Cincinnati preps named to the All-America list. She was joined by Mt. Notre Dame's Rachael Adams and Rachel Krabacher of McAuley.
Harpenau and fellow signee Kelsey Brandl will join an already talented UC squad for 2008, which returns three-time first team all-BIG EAST selection Jessie Nevitt (Kennesaw, GA/Kennesaw Mountain) at middle blocker and 2007 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year Stephanie Niemer (Erlanger, KY/St. Henry) at outside hitter.