Prep Hitter Aspen Stuedemann Joins Bulldog Volleyball Program

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's volleyball program continues to bolster its 2013 recruiting class as the Bulldogs recently announced the addition of prep standout middle hitter Aspen Stuedemann (Seneca, Ill.), who will join the program as a freshman next fall.

The 5-11 Stuedemann led Seneca (Ill.) High School to a 27-9-3 overall record as a prep senior last fall while leading the team in total kills (249) and blocks (54) as the Lady Irish claimed a sectional championship.  She was an All-Interstate Eight First Team selection.

"We're excited Aspen has decided to join our program," said FSU head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm.  "She's a talented student-athlete with tremendous potential and will help strengthen what is already an outstanding recruiting class.  Her athleticism will be a huge asset for us."

Stuedemann, the daughter of Dave and Erin Stuedemann of Seneca, was a three-year varsity letter-winner in volleyball and has claimed three letters in track.  She intends to study English literature and secondary education with a minor in psychology. Previously, she also played basketball on the prep level.

In addition to volleyball, Stuedemann also plans to compete in track and field at Ferris State.  She played club level volleyball for Illinois Valley Volley Power and was coached by Karen Raney at the high school level.

This past season, Stuedemann moved from middle hitter to outside hitter due to an injury and has the potential to play several positions on the floor.

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.