Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Volleyball signs first recruit for 2006 season
11/09/2005 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 9, 2005
By Shalae Schulte
www.siusalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois head volleyball coach Brenda Winkeler announced the signing of Kelsie Laughlin, her first recruit since taking over the Saluki program in June.
"Kelsie will add some height to our roster," Winkeler said. "She also has excellent ball control, which will help out our defense. She has also been a part of very successful high school and club programs so she knows what it takes to win."
A native of Cornell, Ill., Laughlin is a 6-1, outside hitter, who was a three-time unanimous first-team all-conference selection at Flanagan High School. The Lady Falcons lost just nine games in Laughlin's final three seasons for a combined record of 95-9, winning the Mid State Conference regular season championship all three years and the MSC Tournament two years, leading her team to a regional title all three years.
Laughlin averaged 3.8 kills per game as a sophomore and junior, and 4.2 kills and 2.3 digs a senior.
As a sophomore and junior, Laughlin was named the team MVP, while earning Pantagraph All-Area and Streator Times-Press All-Area honors. As a junior she was named to the Champaign News-Gazette All-State Team.
In addition to earning all-conference accolades this past season, Laughlin was a two-time Iroquois West All-Tournament Team selection.
Over the summer, Laughlin's Illini Elite 17 Cardinal club team finished third at nationals, where she also earned All-Tournament honors.
"Her work ethic on the court and in the classroom has definitely contributed to her many accolades," Winkeler added. "We're excited to welcome Kelsie into the Saluki volleyball program."
