MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University head volleyball coach Amy Woerth has announced the additions of five incoming student-athletes to the Bearcats 2016 roster. The latest recruiting class includes Sydney Burton (South Lyon, Mich.), Briley Fisher (Nashua, Iowa), Taylor Linenberger (Garden City, Kan.), Katelyn McKinnis (Harrisonville, Mo.) and Jordyn Musselman (Topeka, Kan.).
“We are very excited about our 2016 class,” said Woerth. “Each player brings a high skill set, superb academics, and high character. As we continue to build a championship culture, I see each of these players fit into our system very well.”
Burton led Father Gabriel Richard High School to the 2015 Michigan Class B State title and a perfect 42-0 record. The Mayssa Bazzi coach team did not drop a set in the last eight matches of the season, en route to earning a No. 3 national rank by the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Volleyball poll. A member of the National Honor Society, Burton was a first team All-Catholic High School League, all region and second team all-state performer. She also was named All-State Academic and was given the FGR Coaches Leadership Award. Burton tallied 247 kills and 124 blocks as a senior. She also led her club team to a ninth place finish at AAU Nationals – open division in 2013.
“Sydney is a hard worker who wants to get the job done,” Worth said. “She is a selfless teammate and will bring in great leadership experience. Her abilities will allow her to play middle hitter and also right side during her career. We look forward to watching her determination and hard work pay off during her four years.”
Fisher won three Cornbowl league titles and was a three-time first team all conference performer at Nashua-Plainfield Senior High School. A four time honor roll student, Fisher tallied 1,097 kills, 480 digs, 216 blocks and 145 service aces for her career. A four sport athlete, Fisher earned all conference honors in basketball, garnered honorable mention all-conference accolades in softball and has qualified for the state track and field championships three times in five events.
“Briley is a gifted and natural athlete who has the ability to play in the middle or pin positions,” said Woerth. “She is a hard worker who brings a lot of energy and competitiveness to the court. Briley’s best volleyball is still ahead of her as we are excited to see her grow over her four years.”
Linenberger joins the Bearcats after a two-year career at Garden City Community College. The 5-11 outside hitter was a second team All-KJCCC performer during her freshman and sophomore seasons. As a freshman, she was voted the GCCC Female Athlete of the Year and the team’s Freshman Player of the Year. As a senior, she had 11 double-doubles, registering 396 kills and 333 total digs. While at GCCC, she was named to the President’s honor roll and the KJCCC Academic All-Conference team. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and was given the Academic Excellence Award. A standout at Garden City High School, Linenberger led her team to a pair of WAC titles and a 6A Sub-State runner-up finish. She also lettered in track and basketball, earning medalist honors in the triple jump and 4×400 relay.
“Taylor brings in two years’ experience where she was her team’s leader and go-to,” Woerth commented. “Her understanding of those roles will allow her to mix in nicely with our team. Taylor is a great athlete with a high ceiling and she’s ready to work hard to take her game to the next level. Her athletic abilities give her the potential to play primarily on the pins and we look forward to watching her develop and blossom these next two years.”
A two time team captain at Harrisonville High School, Katelyn McKinnis joins the Bearcats after playing for coach Megan Bathgate. McKinnis earned first team All-Missouri River Valley West honors as a junior and earned second team honors during her freshman, sophomore and senior seasons. She is also a three-time second team all-district performer. In the classroom, McKinnis is a member of the National Honor Society and Principal’s honor roll. She has been given the Academic Excellence Award and was named Academic All-Conference and Academic All-State for volleyball.
“Katelyn is an all-around skilled athlete with a great volleyball IQ,” said Woerth. “She brings great athleticism to the court and will help us with her ball control and defense. Like her other classmates, Katelyn is determined to win which will make her successful at the next level.”
Musselman has led Washburn Rural High School to a pair of Kansas 6A State Tournament appearances, playing for coach Kevin Bordewick. She has earned all-league and all-city honors three times in her career. As a junior she was a second team All-6A State Team selection and has been named to a pair of 6A State Tournament teams. The setter is a three time KVA All-Academic Team honoree and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society.
“Jordyn’s athleticism and energy were what impressed us the first time we watched her play,” Woerth said. “Although she’s a terrific setter who can run an efficient offense, she can also block and play defense at a high level. Having a solid all-around setter in this conference will be key to our success and I feel like Jordyn brings that to our squad. She has the ability and experience to make a big impact over her career.”
— Northwest Athletics —