Ferris State Volleyball Reloads With Five Talented Prep Signees

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University women's volleyball squad, which captured its sixth consecutive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championship in the regular-season, has announced the addition of five prep standouts who inked with FSU as the National Signing Day period opened.

Head Coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm's squad added outside hitter Madie Arundel (Marist, Ill.), middle hitter Olivia Henneman-Dallape (Clay, Ohio), setter Kaylee Maat (Hudsonville), outside hitter Keona Salesman (Bronson) and outside hitter Nevaeh Shugart (Leo, Ind.). They will all join the FSU program as freshmen for the fall 2020 campaign and help offset the loss of four current seniors in the Bulldog program.

"We're thrilled to add these five talented prospects to our program and believe they'll make a great impact for us," said Brandel-Wilhelm. "All five have had outstanding prep careers and we are looking forward to having them part of our Bulldog family for the years to come."

The 5-10 Arundel led Marist High School to the Illinois State Championship in both 2017 and 2018 and is seeking her third-straight state crown as the team competes in the Final Four this weekend. An all-conference and all-area honoree, she has been coached by Jordan Vidovic and is the daughter of Katie and Tim Arundel. She was the Most Valuable Player of a national level tournament in Florida this season and competed on the club level for the Michio Volleyball Academy where she was garnered all-tournament accolades in the 17 open division at nationals.

"Maddie is one of the hardest working volleyball players out there," said Brandel-Wilhelm. "She is a leader who focuses on doing whatever she can to make her teammates better. Also, she is a fantastic all-around player who plays with composure and poise. Her experiences competing at the highest levels of high school volleyball in the nation make her an exciting addition for our team."

Henneman-Dallape has competed for Clay High School in Ohio under head coach Carrie Wagoner. She's earned all-conference, all-district and all-academic accolades as a 6-1 middle hitter. The daughter of Brian Henneman and Julia Henneman-Dallape, she's also been an all-conference choice in basketball.

"Olivia brings a high-energy, competitive spirit to the gym," said Brandel-Wilhelm. "She's a tough, physical and powerful player with a lot of growth ahead of her. Overall, she's a fantastic addition to the program and will be a strong presence on and off the court."

The 5-10 Maat has ranked as one of West Michigan's top performers at Hudsonville High School for coach Teresa VanDerSchaaf. A three-time all-league, all-area and all-region choice, she's also earned all-state accolades at the setter position. Matt is the daughter of Shelley and Kevin Maat.

"Kaylee is every bit of what we look for in a Bulldog," Brandel-Wilhelm said. "She is a determined competitor and her dedication to her team is evident in her play. As a setter, she leads her team well and works hard to create attacking opportunities for her hitters. She'll be a powerful addition to our team."

The 6-1 Salesman led Bronson High School to three consecutive state championships. In each of the past two seasons, she's been an all-conference, all-region and all-state first team choice. A candidate for Michigan's Miss Volleyball honor, the daughter of Angela and Gary Salesman has played for coach Jean LaClair on the prep level and also played for Club Redline.

"We're excited Keona has decided to become a Bulldog," said Brandel-Wilhelm. "She's a dynamic athlete and a player who is willing to work hard to improve. She's won multiple state high schoool championships while playing for Hall of Fame coach Jean LaClair. The drive she has learned in the pursuit of those championships will add a great deal to our team."

Finally, the 5-9 Shugart has enjoyed a standout prep career at Leo High School in Indiana. Coached by Ashlee Robins, Shugart has also played for the Empowered Volleyball Club and is the daughter of Lisa Vie and Matt Peckham.

"Nevaeh is a powerful attacker with a great deal of playing experience," Brandel-Wilhelm said. "Her involvement at a national level as both a beach and indoor player gives her a game understanding that is tough to beat. She is a fierce competitor and I am sure she'll make a big impact as a Bulldog."

The Bulldogs are currently 22-5 overall this season and captured the school's sixth consecutive GLIAC Championship this year in the regular-season. The Bulldogs will be the number one seed for the GLIAC Tournament and host Parkside on Wednesday (Nov. 20) night in quarterfinal-round action starting at 6 p.m. (ET) in Big Rapids.