Indiana University Athletics
Volleyball Inks Three Student-Athletes for '08 Campaign
11/21/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 21, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana Head volleyball Coach Sherry Dunbar announced the addition of three signees for the 2008 volleyball season. Caitlin Cox, Danielle LaGrange and Mary Chaudoin will don the Crimson and Cream next season.
"I'm very excited with the way our '08 class is coming together," said Dunbar. "We have filled some of the needs that we have discussed as a staff that will help us take the next step as a program."
Cox was named the MVP of the Class 4A state championship match this season, leading her team to the school's first state title in it's history. She is a three-time All-state team member from Springport, Indiana and New Castle Chrysler High School. The team captain was also nominated for the Indiana Gatorade Player of the year and was the featured student-athlete on the 2007 IHSAA Sportsmanship Poster. Cox also plays club volleyball for Munciana.
"We have a true winner in Caitlin," said Dunbar. "She just helped lead her team to their first ever state championship in Indiana, which is no small feat. She also has trained with one of the best club teams in Indiana, Munciana, for years and is ready to step into the Big Ten and contribute. She has the heart of a champion and is as competitive as they come."
LaGrange hales from Santa Claus, Indiana and played at Heritage Hills High School. She is also a three-time all-state honoree in Class 3A, including first team accolades this fall. She broke seven school records in her time at Heritage Hills: career aces (111), kills in a season (557), kills in a match (32), career kills (1,259), career blocks (314), career digs (493) and season hitting efficiency (.367). LaGrange is playing club volleyball for Union this year. She was an excellent basketball player, earning all-conference laurels twice.
"Danielle adds athleticism to our outside position," said Dunbar. "She is a raw athlete that has the potential to develop quickly with training. She has the mentality and work ethic that is needed to play at this level and I'm excited to keep a player like that in our state representing Indiana."
Chaudoin is setter/right-side from Peachtree, Georgia. She earned all-state honors twice after leading her team to back-to-back runner-up finishes at the state championships. The 2007 4A Georgia Player of the Year was recognized by Prepvolleyball.com as a "High School All-American Honorable Mention" and a "Senior Ace." She played for the USA Volleyball Youth National A2 team in 2006 and 2007. Chaudoin plays club volleyball for A5.
"With only one setter on our roster, we really needed to bring in another setter. We have trained Morgan Miller at this position for the fall, but we know her impact is going to come on the defensive side for us in the future. Mara Hilgenberg has done a fantastic job as a freshman starting in the Big Ten. Because we were bringing in setters in back-to-back years, we felt it was important to bring in a setter that can do a variety of things for us. Mary couldn't fit that description better. She is six-foot-three, bringing some size to our team for blocking and offense. She can hit and set, giving us many options in the coming years. Mary also brings a leadership quality that is hard to find in young players today."
"These are quality individuals that will add not only their athletic ability, but also their personalities to our family."
