MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University head volleyball coach Amy Woerth has announced the additions of Rachel Sturdevant, Sophie McMullen and Eran Rose-Gronewold to the 2018 Bearcat roster. Sturdevant (Kansas City, Mo.), 5-11, was an all-state performer at Northland Christian High School. McMullen (Bucyrus, Kan.), 5-11, earned first-team all-state honors at Louisburg High School. Rose-Gronewold (Waverly, Neb.), 5-4, earned all-state honors at Waverly High School.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this class. All three of these players play on the top club teams in each of their home states. They also play in great high school programs with histories of high level finishes,” said Woerth. “This group of young women will bring a high level of athleticism, but just as important, they each bring intangibles that will make our team better every day. They all share an extremely high work ethic and want to take this program to the championship level. I look forward to working with this group.”
McMullen earned a pair of First Team All-Frontier League honors for head coach Jessica Compliment. During her career, she compiled 1,141 digs, 783 kills and 272 aces. As a senior, McMullen earned 4A First Team All-State honors and was named to the All-State Tournament Team.
“Sophie thrives on not only competing at the highest level but also winning. She possess great ball control and has a natural touch. She’s an experienced 6 rotation player that has excelled while carrying a large load for her team. I’m thrilled she’s a Bearcat and look forward to helping her develop at the next level.”
Sturdevant won a pair of state titles for head coach Brandy Tanner in 2016 and 2017, earning All-State honors during her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She was also a three-time all-district performer and surpassed 1,000 career kills. Sturdevant is a three-time Academic All-State honoree, was named Academic All-Conference and has been named to the Principals A Honor Roll four times.
“Rachel is a very versatile player and has the ability to hit from any position. She’s a great teammate who understands how to buy into a role and support the vision of the leadership. Her high school and club teams have won at the highest levels and she brings in championship experience. She’s a winner and I’m stoked to see the impact she has on our program. ”
Rose-Gronewold is a multi-sport athlete earning Lincoln Journal Star Class B All State honors in 2017 and a member of the 2017 Class B 4×100 Relay State Runner-Up team. She earned Nebraska Prep Dig Volleyball All-State Second Team along with Nebraska Prep Dig Volleyball Class B First Team in 2017. She holds the Waverly High School digs in a single season record. Rose-Gronewold is a two-time Academic All-Conference honoree and is a member of the Waverly High School National Honors Society.
“Eran is a very athletic player who brings a lot of speed to the back court. She’s one of the best communicators we’ve recruited in her position. She adds depth to our ball control and loves grinding in tough situations. Defensively she shows a tenacity to dig every ball and that passion will be contagious for our team. Eran has great potential and in our system she’s going to take off.”
— Northwest Athletics —