Coach Chrisman Announces 2024 Recruiting Class
After coming off a historic 2023 season, Coach Chrisman and Coach Burns add 10 newcomers to the 2024 roster.
In 2023, the Plainswomen went 36-3, brought home the Region IX title, and placed 5th at the National Tournament. NJC had 2 First Team All-Americans, 1 NJCAA All-Tournament Team Member, 4 All-Region players, Region 9 setter of the year, freshmen of the year and player of the year. With high hopes for 2024, Chrisman and Burns looked to add depth and experience to the roster.
OUTSIDE HITTERS
After losing two starting outsides, the Plainswomen will bring in three outsides for the 2024 season; Rosa Brencic, Kaitlyn Barnes and Asia Montagnani. NJC will also return Francesca Nuzzo who played right back last season, but has since moved back to her original position as an outside.
Rosa Brencic is originally from Slovenia, but used her first year of eligibility at the University of Missouri- West Plains. While there, she was named second team All-American, All-Region and Region player of the year. Rosa led her team in points scored. Rosa will bring a lot of experience to NJC as she has also played with her National team. She knows what it takes to win games and we look forward to seeing what she does for NJC this season.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because of the consistent athletic results and all of the amazing things I heard about the coaching staff. I loved the tour of the school and the girls were just amazing and so welcoming.
Kaitlyn Barnes is a 5'10 outside joining us from Pleasant Grove, Utah. During her career, she was named to the 6A All-Star team, 2nd team All-State and 1st team All-Region. She played for Club V where she also made it to the National Tournament. During her senior season, she averaged 2.5 kills per set while hitting an impressive .262. She also averaged just under 3 digs per set. Kaitlyn is the ideal 6 rotation player and will have opportunities in multiple positions to fight for playing time.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because of the coaching staff and competitive, positive atmosphere of the team.
Asia Montagnani is another transfer joining the squad. She is originally from Italy, but used her first year of eligibility at Daytona State College. While there, she helped lead her team to their first National Tournament appearance and was a vital part of their success. She was named to the All-Tournament team opening weekend in Salt Lake City.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because after my visit, I immediately knew it was going to be the perfect place for me to grow as a player and as a person. It is definitely a big difference coming from a year in sunny Florida, but I love the cold and I cannot wait to start playing and reach for the goals I have for myself.
RIGHT SIDE HITTERS
On the right side, NJC will bring in one true player for that position, and will join returning sophomore Emily Maske.
Samantha Mosley is a 6'6 lefty from Atlanta, Georgia. During her volleyball career thus far, she has been a 2 time State Champion, 3 time All-State athlete and a 5 time national qualifier for club play. Touching over 10'5", Sam will bring a lot of physicality to the team. Being able to hit over the majority of blocks and the ability to shut down opposing hitters will be a huge asset for the 2024 season.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because I really liked the coaches and thought they could help me improve my game. I also like that I'll get to experience all four seasons being in Colorado.
MIDDLE HITTERS
After only having three middles last season, the Plainswomen will bring in three additional middles to join returners Anna Ruter and Kennedy Halper. Having 5 middles will add depth and competition in the position. The middles joining the Plainswomen are Ashlyn Warburton, Natalie Moore, and Taelynn Epple.
Ashlyn Warburton joins us from Seattle, Washington where throughout her high school career she averaged a .200 hitting percentage and .9 blocks per set. Her highest placement at state was third place and was named First Team All-State. Ashlyn also had a successful club career, going to the National Tournament 3 times. At 6'4 and touching over 10', Ashlyn will add a lot of physicality to the middle position.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because I know the coaches are going to help me become a better player. I was worried about finding a college that was right for me and I felt so welcomed by the coaches and players. I also knew that the school would help me start up my dream of becoming a physical therapist.
Natalie Moore joins us from nearby Greeley, Colorado where she was a two-sport athlete. She was a state runner up, 2x regional champion, All-Region and All- State member. Natalie is naturally athletic and sees the court extremely well. During her senior year she averaged over 2.5 kills per set while hitting an impressive .360. She also averaged 1.0 blocks per set. NJC is excited to have her consistency on the team.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because I loved the team and coaching staff from the jump. It is also not too far from home which is nice. The environment on my visit was welcoming and made my decision really easy. I think I will thrive here and I trust that the coaches will work with me to become a better player and human. I think NJC is the best place for me to grow as a player and to learn more to hopefully allow me to continue my volleyball career after my two years here.
The last middle joining the team is Taelyn Epple. She is local from Wiggins, Colorado and brings a winning mentality to the team. Taelynn is a 2x state champion, 4x regional champion, and an All-State participant. Her senior year, she averaged just under 2 kills per set while hitting a .292 and averaging just under 1 block per set.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because of the coaching and culture. NJC has a great volleyball program and I can't wait to be apart of it. The coaching at NJC will push me to be better and play at the next level. I like the intensity and passion that the coaches and players have when they are working together. I also chose NJC because of the location and how close to home it is. I cannot wait to be a Plainswoman.
SETTERS
NJC will be returning arguably the best setter in the NJCAA, but in order to have more offensive options, the Plainswomen are bringing in two additional setters, Akilisi Pahulu and Rowan Midgette.
Akilisi Pahulu is a 5'11 setter out of Salt Lake City, Utah. During her career, she was named All-State multiple times as well as All-Region multiple times. Her highest team placement at the state tournament was 4th place. In high school, Akilisi played other positions in addition to setting, but will take on the role of setter during her time at NJC. We are excited to add her fast offense and energy to our team.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC first off because of the coaches. I love their commitment to their job and that they love doing it. I love the culture the created on their team. Secondly, I chose NJC because of the support that the school gives as a whole. Not only in athletics but in academics and every aspect of life. Everyone cares at NJC and most importantly, they act on it.
Rowan Midgette is 5'11 joining us from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rowan will fill two roles for the Plainswomen as both a setter and a right side attacker. During her high school career, she was named to the All- District team two times. She averaged over 3 kills per set while hitting a .246 and also averaging over 3 assists per game. She also had a great club career, qualifying for the National Tournament three times and placing as high as 5th. Being able to play multiple positions will allow Rowan more opportunities to see the court.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because I knew it was the right path for me to help me achieve my future goals as both an engineer and an athlete.
BACK ROW
NJC will add depth to their back row to join Rebecca Wiersema and Avery Burdette.
Willow Snow joins us from Aurora, Colorado. The 5'8 DS was named All-League and All-District while qualifying for the state tournament multiple times. She also had great club career where she qualified for the National Tournament two times. Willow improved her game even more this last spring after deciding to play beach. We are thrilled to add more defensive weapons to our team.
Why I chose NJC: I chose NJC because I loved the welcoming and competitive environment. The coaches and the girls were great walking in, it felt like a place I can really grow and improve as a player and person.