Northeastern Volleyball Adds 10 for 2021 Season

Sterling, Colo., – Northeastern Volleyball Head Coach Mackenzie Chrisman announces her 2021 recruiting class. Northeastern Volleyball is scheduled to arrive on campus on August 2 for the 2021 season. This class comes from four different states and one from New Zealand. Last season the Plainswomen finished 22-10 with a 10th place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament. Chrisman is confident that this recruiting class will help the Plainswomen improve in areas that they have struggled in the past.
"I am extremely excited about this incoming class. We are adding a lot of height which is really going to help us in blocking. All the girls that we are bringing in know how to win. Whether it be from their high schools, clubs, or both, these girls are extremely successful and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. We are bringing in several girls who were multiple sport athletes in high school, and I love that. Playing multiple sports trains different parts of your body and make you a well-rounded athlete," Chrisman said.
These newcomers aren't messing around. The new Plainswomen have been hitting the weight room this summer, and several have been competing with their clubs. They have had several players competing at Nationals with their clubs and were very successful there. These players are coming in and are going to be fighting for starting positions. Northeastern has a roster this year of 17 players with all positions up for grabs. Last year NJC didn't have a lot of depth, and that was something Chrisman wanted this year. It's going to be a battle day in and day out for who will be playing.
NJC returns seven sophomores, all of who saw playing time but several who played pivotal roles in their success.
Mayson Fago returns after playing in every match, averaging 2.33 kills per set, and was the third-leading scorer on the team.
Jade Feather was the Plainswomen's starting libero all last season. She earned Region IX Freshmen and Libero of the year on the way to tallying 509 digs while averaging 4.35 per set.
Andie Anderson will return as the only sophomore setter. Last season Andie was a part of the Plainswomen's 6-2 offense, where she had 470 assists and averaged 4.09 assists per set. She also tallied 177 digs. NJC will also return defensive specialist Alyssa Winter, middle blocker Noelle Meagher, outside hitter Helin Halden, and defensive specialist Lana McKee.

"I think the newcomers are going to fit in well with the returners that we have. We have seven returners, all of who saw playing time last year. Three of them were permanent starters for us, but that was last year. Last year we finished 10th, and I thought we were better than that, but we didn't have a good showing in the first round," Chrisman noted. "These student-athletes that we are bringing in, I believe are going to help us go farther than we did last year. Last year we didn't win the Region IX title, which is a goal we will be fighting for this year. If they commit to what Assistant Coach Keegan Fornoff and I have planned, we have a chance to do great things this year."

Kelsie Walker
Position: MB/RS
Height: 6'1
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Previous school: Palm Beach State College
In Kelsie's first year at PBS, she played in 64 sets, had a.300 hitting percentage, averaged 1.02 blocks per set, and tallied 77 kills. She also earned second-team All-Southern Conference. Before college, Kelsie was three-time Sacred Heart Volleyball player of the year, a two-time regional champ, and a four-time regional representative team.
"I am very excited to welcome Kelsie to our team. Kelsie has experience playing at the college level and will bring excellent leadership to our team. Kelsie will also add height to our team that we haven't had. She is versatile and can play anywhere along with the net. Kelsie is a player that will make our team more competitive. "
Kelsie on why she chose NJC: "The team has a great team culture created by good coaches, and the team is also very competitive and highly ranked. The opportunity to play both middle and opposite is another contributing factor as to why I chose NJC."

Allie Schumacher
Position: Setter
Height: 5'6
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Sterling, Colo.

Allie won't be going far from home as she is a native of Sterling. During her high school career, she was a State Champion, State Runner-up, three-time All-Conference, three-time All-state, four-time state qualifier, and was Awarded the Touching Hearts Through Athletes Award. All was also a multiple-sport athlete playing volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Allie played for NORCO Volleyball Club in Windsor, Colo., where her team earned a bid for the National Tournament.
"I couldn't be happier that Allie chose NJC to start her college career. She is a natural leader and will do whatever it takes to win. She is a player that is always wanting to get better and will do whatever it takes to win. She has great volleyball IQ and knows how to win."
Allie on why she chose NJC: "I chose NJC because I love the teachers, the volleyball program, and that it is in my hometown."

Faith Trenkle
Position: DS
Height: 5'4
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Merino, Colo.

In her high school career, Faith was a State Champion; as well as an All-state selection, two-time regional champ, and three-time All-Conference team. She was a multiple-sport athlete including, volleyball, cross country, basketball, and track. Faith is familiar with NJC; she is the eldest daughter of Head Men's Basketball Coach Eddie Trenkle.
"Faith is going add a lot of depth to our back row. She is extremely athletic and understands the game. In high school, Faith played everywhere around which, has helped her develop her game. Faith comes from a winning program, and that will help her excel here," Chrisman remarked.
Faith on why she chose NJC: "I chose NJC because it is an affordable option where I can grow as a person and an athlete. I also love the atmosphere and competitiveness of the athletic programs.

Vanae Sapp
Position: Outside
Height: 5'9
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Round Rock, TX

Vanae comes to Northeastern from a very completive state. While in Texas, she was a two-time All-District player and played for Club Fury volleyball where they were AAU Bronze Champions. Vanae was also a multi-sport athlete playing both volleyball and basketball.
"Vanae was one of our first recruits, and we knew right away we wanted her on our team. She is a high-flying outside that can put an out-of-system ball away. She plays all six rotations and sees the court well. She is passionate in all she does which, was a big factor for us. Vanae is going to do great things for us," Chrisman said.
Vanae on why she chose NJC: "I liked the coaching staff, and it was somewhere I could see myself growing as a person and athlete in the next two years."

Kaytlin Smart
Position: MB
Height: 5'11
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Lewiston, UT

In her high school career, Kaytlin was a 3x State Champ, 4x Regional champ, was selected as an All-region and All-state player, led the region in blocks, and was a 7x player of the match. Kaytlin also played basketball and was a 2021 state champ as well. Kaytlin also played for Cache Valley Volleyball Club.
"Kaytlin will be an amazing addition for us. She is a high flyer with a fast arm swing. She is great off of one foot; that is something we have been missing in our middles, and adding that will allow us to run more complex offenses," Chrisman added. "Kaytlin will also be a great blocker for us. She understands what other hitters are trying to do and can adjust while in the air. She knows how to win, and that is what I love about her."
Kaytlin on why she chose NJC: "I chose NJC because when I went and on a campus visit it felt like home. It felt like everything was right and I needed to be there. NJC has a really good sports program and I felt welcomed and at home."

Caley Harper
Position: Outside/ Right side
Height 5'10
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Castle Rock, Colo.

Caley comes to NJC after playing for the most competitive volleyball club in Colorado: Colorado Juniors. She also played for Castle View High School and was an all-conference player. Caley has also played beach, which has helped develop her game.
"Caley is going to add a lot of depth to our pins. She has a very outgoing personality and will fit in perfectly with our team," Chrisman added. "Caley comes to us from Colorado Juniors a very successful club. Harper has additional experience as a beach player that gives her different skills and perspectives from most indoor players. She will be able to take what she has learned and apply it to our system."
Caley on why she chose NJC: "I chose it because I wanted to be a part of the loving and supportive community!"

Taylor Wiescamp
Position: MB
Height: 6'2
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Rifle, Colo.

During her high school career, Taylor was an All-Conference and All-State player. In her Junior year, she was named the 3A Western Slope Player of the Year. Taylor also played basketball and was a part of the track team. In 2021 her track team was the 3A State Champions.
"Taylor is going to do great things for us! She adds height in the middle and can be a great right side as well. Taylor is willing to learn and adapt to our offense. She has a great personality and will fit in great with our team," Chrisman said.
Taylor on why she choose NJC: "I chose NJC because of the family-like atmosphere the school has. Coach Chrisman is a very knowledgeable coach which made the choice easy."

Lacy Hunt
Position: Right Side
Height: 5'9
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Loveland, Colo.

Lacy comes to Northeastern from Loveland, Colo., where she was a first-team All-Conference player. Lacy also played for the well-known club, NORCO where she played with fellow freshman Allie Schumacher. She is an excellent athlete. Lacy has strong skills on both pins, making her a great addition and versatile player.
"Lacy is a big gain for us. She has experience in all positions but will likely be a right side for us. Hunt has a heavy arm and is capable of turning the ball to sharp angles. She is extremely competitive and is willing to do whatever it takes. We are excited that Lacy chose NJC," Chrisman said.

Sidney Bills
Position: MB
Height: 5'11
Class: Freshman

Hometown: Roswell, N.M.
During her high school career, Sidney led the state in hitting percentage. Bills was a three-time district champ, three-time District Player, Overall District MVP, and All-state player. She also played for Rockhill Blast Volleyball Club
"Sidney was one of our last recruits. I was very particular about who I wanted. Sidney has a great arm swing and is great at swinging around a block," Chrisman noted. "She adds competitiveness to our team and has a desire to get better. Sidney is a player who knows how to get the job done."
Sidney on why she chose NJC: "I chose NJC because I enjoyed the campus and overall atmosphere of the school. The team and coaches made me feel welcome, and I admired how competitive the volleyball program was. After my visit, I knew NJC was where I wanted to continue my volleyball career and pursue my academic goals."

Peyton Relford
Position: Setter
Height: 5'8
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Windsor, Colo.

Peyton comes to us off of a very successful high school career. In her time at Windsor High School, she helped lead her team to two regional championships, an Elite Eight appearance, and a Final Four appearance this past season. She was also named First Team All-Conference and All-State honorable mention.
"I'm very excited to add Peyton to our roster. She'll add depth to our setting position we haven't had in a couple of years. I'm looking forward to getting her in our gym to teach her our system and see what she can do for us," Chrisman exclaimed.

Peyton on why she chose NJC: "I liked the coaches' work ethic, dedication, and being close to home."