Multi-Talented Athlete Kara Hess To Play Volleyball At Ferris State
The Ferris State University women's volleyball program continues to attract some of the top high school talent in West Michigan as Kara Hess (Grand Rapids/Grandville) is the latest addition who will don the Crimson and Gold this upcoming 2010 campaign. The announcement was made by FSU head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm.
A 5-11 outside hitter, Hess received All-O.K. (Ottawa-Kent) Red Conference along with all-region and all-area honors in her 2009 senior season for head coach Kristian Mulder's team. She also was among 20 state finalists for the 2009 Wendy's High School Heisman Award, which is based on their embodiment of the Heisman spirit of hard work and dedication through outstanding achievements in athletics, academics and community/school leadership.
"Kara is an exceptional athlete and competitor," said Brandel-Wilhelm. "She excels at volleyball, basketball, and softball in high school and we look forward to her growth as a volleyball player when she focuses on one sport in college. She is a tough, hard-working player who's a great teammate and leader on the floor. We're extremely excited to have her join our program!"
Hess, who attained all-area kudos as a junior in 2008, was also a four-year varsity letterwinner in basketball and softball. In basketball, she was chosen to the 2009-10 Grand Rapids Press' All-Area Dream Team while leading the conference in scoring with a 16.5 points per game average to go with 5.7 rebounds and 2.4 steals a contest. A three-year starter, Hess earned Associated Press Michigan High School Class A All-State Special Mention recognition this winter and is regarded as one of the most multi-talented players which head coach Charlie DeRyke has had at GHS. Hess, who was garnered team Most Valuable Player Award recognition as a sophomore and junior, also picked up all-conference and all-area honors following her junior season. She earned all-state, all-region, and all-league plaudits in softball as a junior.
A two-year National Honor Society member, Hess served one academic year as the class president along with four years on the school's Executive Board.
Kara is the daughter of Roger and Karen Hess of Grand Rapids, Mich., and will graduate from GHS this spring 2010.
Hess joins outside hitter Stephanie DeYoung (Kalamazoo/Plainwell) as Ferris State's 2009-10 signees as both will begin their collegiate careers this fall.
Ferris State concluded the 2009 season with a 19-12 overall record as the Bulldogs made the program's 15th NCAA Division II Tournament appearance this past fall. FSU also produced its 12th consecutive winning season for the 2009 campaign.