Stephanie DeYoung Signs With Ferris State Women's Volleyball

Ferris State University women's volleyball head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm recently announced Stephanie DeYoung (Kalamazoo/Plainwell) will attend and play for the Bulldogs, starting with the 2010 season. 

"Stephanie is a very experienced and smart volleyball player," said Brandel-Wilhelm.  "Her ball control and passing are very strong areas and we expect her to contribute to the team in these areas very early in her collegiate career.

"Stephanie is an enthuiastic and competitive player.  We are truly excited to have her join our program," added Brandel-Wilhelm, who will begin her 15th season at Ferris State this fall.  

DeYoung, a 5-9 outside hitter, is a two-time all-state selection at Plainwell High School under head coach Carolann Davis.  The team captain earned All-Wolverine Conference, all-county, and all-region accolades her previous three (2007-09) season and is midst her senior year.

As a junior this past 2009 season, DeYoung played a vital role in helping Plainwell High not only achieve a 40-10-2 overall record and a fourth-place state ranking in Class B but also reach the quarterfinal round in the state tournament.  DeYoung has been a part of three conference championship and one regional title teams.

At the club level, DeYoung competed for the National 18 Red Level's Far Out Volleyball Club under coach Desirae Hemmes.  DeYoung, who started playing club volleyball as a fifth grader, garnered all-tournament honors for both the age 14 and 15 national squads at nationals in Louisville, Ky. 

Besides volleyball, DeYoung is also a four-year (2007-10) letterwinner in basketball.  She also has been involved in PALS (Plainwell Peer Assistant Listener) the last two years.    

The daughter of Dale and Mary DeYoung of Kalamazoo, Mich., Stephanie will graduate this spring.

Ferris State finished the 2009 season with a 19-12 overall record while making the program's 15th appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament.  The Bulldogs also registered their 12th consecutive winning season this past fall.