Bulldog Volleyball Adds Prep Hitter Elle Humphries

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's volleyball program has bolstered its lineup with the addition of prep outside/middle hitter Elle Humphries (Portage/Central), who recently committed to the Bulldogs and will be a freshman during the 2013 campaign.

A 5-11 hitter, Humphries was an honorable mention all-state honoree for Portage Central High School in 2012 as the Mustangs won both a conference and district championship under head coach Dawn Jaqua. She's both a two-time All-South Michigan Athletic Conference (SMAC) and all-district pick.

"Elle is an athlete with a great deal of potential," said FSU head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm, who led the Bulldogs to their 17th all-time NCAA Tournament berth this past season. "She's very strong and has good speed. 

"Although she's still young in the sport of volleyball, we're thrilled to add someone of her athletic ability, competitive nature and strong values."

Humphries served as a team captain this past year for Portage Central and has also played for the Dead Frogs Under 17-18 club squad that won the bronze division in the 2012 national tournament.

Along with volleyball, Humphries has also competed in varsity soccer and basketball for PCHS. She was both an all-league and all-district soccer player the past two seasons. Additionally, she's played competitive travel soccer and softball.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Humphries has also been active in the school yearbook and has served as a school ambassador.

The daughter of Joe and Marshon Humphries, Elle comes from an athletic background. Her father played baseball at Western Michigan while her mother competed in track and field for the Broncos. In addition, her sister Shelby has been a member of the women's soccer team at Grand Valley State.

Elle plans to major in biology at Ferris State.

Ferris State wrapped up the 2012 campaign with a 24-8 overall record and reached the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Semifinals for the second consecutive year. FSU also posted a 16-2 mark in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) North Division play and came within a single victory of claiming a second-straight conference championship. 

The Bulldogs have advanced to the NCAA Tournament three of the last four years to date.