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06-11-09 Graves Adds Two from Belleville
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DETROIT, MI --The inaugural class for Mustang Volleyball is nearly formed as Coach Karen Graves added two more pieces to the ever-growing puzzle. Megan Gohl and Shana Tooley signed letters of intent on Wednesday afternoon at Horizon Park in their hometown of Belleville. Both student-athletes will join the Mustangs this fall for the first volleyball season in Marygrove College history.
Gohl, a 5’5” setter, is another athletic addition to Graves’ gang. A true student-athlete, Gohl was named to the Mega Conference All-Academic Team and graduated with honors. Her play on the court was equally impressive as she was named Honorable Mention All-Region as well. Her eight years of volleyball experience (three AAU) culminated with a district championship this past season. Gohl was also a prominent figure of the Belleville High newspaper/yearbook team for three years.
Tooley, a 5’6” defensive specialist, came to Marygrove per recommendation of teammate and close friend Gohl. One open tryout was all it would take for Coach Graves to be impressed by the skills of the Belleville star. Like Gohl, Tooley also played three years of AAU volleyball and was part of the 2008 district champion team at Belleville High. Showcasing a wide range of skills, she excelled in other activities such as marching band, softball and tennis.
Coach Graves on Gohl: Megan came to us during our first open tryout and we knew immediately that we wanted her to play for us. She has played both as a libero and setter, which gives us a lot of options when playing her. However, because of solid technique and amazing ball control we plan on using Megan as a setter. She is a quiet leader, which as a freshman will be very effective. As the setter, Megan will have a lot of pressure on her, but we have no doubts that Megan not only will handle this well, but she will excel.
Coach Graves on Tooley: Shana also came to us via open try-outs. Megan, high school and AAU teammate, convinced Shana to come try out for the team and we are so happy that she did. I have no doubt that I will be able to throw Shana into a position that she may not be comfortable in and she will succeed. This type of player is invaluable to a coach and a new young program. In addition, her attitude, work ethic, and skills will be the platform she needs to have a successful collegiate career.
06-04-09 Mustangs Add Pair of WCCCD Transfers
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DETROIT, MI --Coach Karen Graves came one step closer to rounding out her inaugural class with the signing of two more student-athletes on Thursday. Wayne County Community College Transfers DeAndra Coleman and Felecia Kelsey signed letters of intent to join Mustang Volleyball. The signing will bring the transfer tandem to Marygrove this fall for the inaugural season.
Coleman, a 6’3” outside hitter, comes to Marygrove with a heralded volleyball background. During a successful four year varsity career, the former Denby standout earned All-City honors for two years. She was appointed captain of the Denby squad for two years and led the team in kills one year.
Kelsey, a 5’5” defensive specialist, is another welcome addition to the 2009 class. Like Coleman, Kelsey amassed All-City honors for two years. She was also named team captain and most improved player during her playing days at Murray Wright High School.
Coach Graves on Coleman: DeAndra will provide us with a big presence at the net. She is an intelligent player that also displays great versatility. It will be tough to decide what position she can play because she can do it all. We are very pleased to add DeAndra. Its not everyday that you have a 6’3” athlete walk into the gym, especially an athlete that has the demeanor and skill that she displays.
Coach Graves on Kelsey: Felicia is an outstanding defensive player. She has a lot of experience and maturity which will help us immediately. We will look to Felecia to be a leader on the team both on and off the court. We are excited to have Felecia wearing the Mustang uniform.
05-14-09 Highly Touted Pietruszka Commits to Mustangs
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DETROIT, MI --Women’s Volleyball Coach Karen Graves is making headlines again with the signing of another local standout. Garden City High School’s Shannon Pietruszka became the latest to join Mustang Volleyball on Thursday as she signed a letter of intent at her high school. The multi-sport standout leaves the Garden City Cougars this year with a long list of accomplishments.
Pietruszka, a 5’4” libero, has enjoyed success on many levels during her high school career. Peitruszka cleaned house with honors such as All-Conference, All-District and All-Region over the course of a highly respected volleyball career. Her team would take the district crown in 2007 and win a Mega Red Conference title in 2008. She helped her team achieve those goals with a 96.4 serve receive percentage, while compiling 1,542 digs her junior and senior year. Exemplifying the true meaning of a student-athlete, Pietruszka was also named Academic All-Region.
Pietruszka excelled on the diamond as well. In 2008, Pietruszka and the Cougars reached the pinnacle of team success as they were crowned MHSAA Division I Softball Champions. During an equally impressive softball career, Pietruszka managed to compile awards ranging from All-District and All-Region (3 years) to All-State. She was also named the Cougars’ Rookie of the Year in 2007.
Coach Graves on Pietruszka: We are very excited to add Shannon to the program. She is an extremely intelligent and competitive student-athlete that has a drive to be the best. We expect Shannon to make an immediate impact in the program from day one. Shannon will be looked upon as a team leader both on and off the court.
05-07-09 Robinson Joins Impressive 2009 Class
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DETROIT, MI --The month of May has brought many verbal and written commitments to Mustang Volleyball. Today, the Mustangs signed another promising student-athlete for the 2009-2010 season. Deanna Robinson joined the Mustang coaching staff to sign her letter of intent Thursday afternoon at Marygrove College. The signing took place inside the new Marygrove College Fitness/Wellness Center.
Robinson comes to Marygrove via a different route than many of Coach Graves student-athletes. Robinson caught the coaching staff’s attention for the first time at open tryouts. Although she hasn’t had an extensive competitive volleyball career, Robinson is expected to contribute from day one. Standing at 5’11”, Robinson is expected to add much needed depth to the front row.
Coach Graves on Robinson: We are very pleased to sign Deanna. Above all talent, Deanna’s enthusiasm for the game is her greatest asset. I am looking forward to coaching Deanna because she is a very positive, driven student-athlete.
05-05-09 Targeted Lerczak Signs with Mustangs
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DETROIT, MI --Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Karen Graves added another piece to the 2009 puzzle when prized recruit Elizabeth Lerczak inked her letter of intent to play for Marygrove next fall. Lerczak, a target of Coach Graves since she was hired to head the volleyball program, became the latest to join the growing list of talented student-athletes for Mustang Volleyball on Monday evening.
Lerczak, a 5’4” outside hitter, was a four-year standout for the Eagles of Hale High School in Lower Northeastern Michigan. Her impressive court resume included a serve percentage of 95%, as well as being named All-Region, First Team All-Conference and Team MVP. Off the court Lerczak’s resume is rock solid with a top ten class standing and honors such as Senior Class President and National Honor Society. Showcasing her all-around athleticism, Lerczak was also a Three Event State Qualifier in Track.
Coach Graves on Lerczak: We have been actively recruiting Elizabeth since day one of our program. Elizabeth has the potential to become a cornerstone for our program. Her court awareness and versatility will be a welcome addition to our youthful team. She will be a major asset over the course of the next four years.
04-28-09 Former Northern Standout Signs with Mustangs
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DETROIT, MI --Coach Karen Graves signed her third student-athlete for the upcoming 2009-2010 season, the inaugural season of Mustang Volleyball. Ashley Turner, a junior transfer from Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD), agreed to join the Mustang volleyball program next season.
Turner, a 5’5” libero/defensive specialist, made a name for herself during her playing days at Detroit Northern High School. While at Northern, she was named to the All-City First Team, as well as being designated as the team’s most valuable player. During her stay at WCCCD, Turner was a cornerstone of the program the past two years and started every game. Turner had 15 aces in one game against fellow Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) rival Aplena Community College to cap off an impressive career at WCCCD.
Coach Karen Graves on Turner: Ashley is a valuable addition to our growing program. The combination of her junior college experience and maturity will be assets to our young team on and off the court next year. I am thrilled to have Ashley a part of our Mustang family.
02-18-09 Favors and Shorter Sign Letters of Intent
DETROIT, MI--The Marygrove Mustang volleyball program recently announced the signing of two student-athletes. Jalissa Favors (left) and Marissa Shorter (right), both of Southfield High School, have signed a letter of intent to play volleyball in its inaugural season next year for the Mustangs.
Favors, a dominant player in the middle, has great presence as both a blocker and hitter. The combination of Favors natural volleyball instincts and athleticism will make her an immediate impact player for the Mustangs. “Her ability and attitude makes her a great asset and the beginning of a winning foundation for us to build on. I will expect a lot out of Jalissa and I think she's ready and able to meet, if not, exceed my expectations,” said Marygrove women’s volleyball coach, Karen Graves.
Shorter, a versatile setter and outside hitter, has also showcased impeccable defensive skills for the high school level. Shorter’s array of talent will be needed by the Mustangs when they open up their first volleyball campaign in school history next fall. “With such a young program, it's necessary to have players who have the ability to play more than one position. Marissa is this type of player which makes her invaluable,” said Graves.
“Both Jalissa and Marissa have been teammates at Southfield High School for a number of years now, as well as playing together on their AAU team, Skillz Finest. It’s a relief as their future coach to know that they have received good fundamental coaching from Coach Alisha Love (Southfield High). I look forward to working with Coach Love more and hopefully coaching more of her players in the future,” stated Graves.
05-02-08 Graves named Women's Volleyball Coach
DETROIT, MI--Dave Sichterman, Director of Athletics, announced Wednesday that Karen Graves, left, has accepted the position to be head coach of women’s volleyball starting next year at Marygrove. Graves, a graduate of Concordia University, has been coaching for many years and brings a wealth of volleyball knowledge to Marygrove College. While at Concordia University Graves played intercollegiate volleyball for 4 years. During that four year span Graves received honors such as: NCCAA All-American, NAIA All-Region, WHAC Player of the Year, 4-Year team captain, Academic All-American, all while graduating Cum Laude. Graves looks to bring her successful days in the classroom and on the court to Marygrove starting this fall.
Graves recently opened her own law firm upon earning her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. She plans to instill the drive in her student-athletes to never quit and always be successful in every aspect of life. In a statement made on Wednesday, Graves said “I am thrilled to be a part of Marygrove College and the athletic department. The chance to start a program in the city of Detroit is something that I have looked forward to for years. I plan to hit the recruiting trail immediately.”
When recruiting, Graves understands what it takes to be a student-athlete and the obstacles they must overcome to be successful. The Mustang athletic department looks forward to many successful years shared with Graves at Marygrove.
