Indiana University Athletics
IU Volleyball Adds Three Recruits to '09 Freshmen Class
4/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 20, 2009
BLOOOMINGTON, Ind. - Head Coach Sherry Dunbar and her staff have inked three recruits during the late signing period. Whitney Granado, Jordan Haverly and Laura Matula will each be donning the Cream and Crimson during the 2009 season.
Those three student-athletes will join another trio of recruits signed in November during the early signing period to form a six-person freshmen recruiting class. The Hoosiers signed Shawn Hindman, Kelci Marschall and Sam Thrower back in the fall. Click here for information on those future Hoosiers.
"I really like how we've rounded out this 2009 class," said Head Coach Sherry Dunbar. "It's a big class bringing in seven new freshmen, but they all fill a vital role in our program now and for the future. It is our responsibility to integrate them in with our returners to get them ready to compete in the Big Ten as quickly as possible so we can continue to move this program forward."
Granado is a 5'9 setter from Riverside, Calif. While playing for Woodcrest Christian High School, she played outside hitter in addition to her setting duties. Granado was an All-California Interscholastic Federation Second Team member twice to go along with three team MVP and three first-team all-conference recognitions. She led her club team, 951 Elite, to a fourth-place finish in nationals as a junior. The daughter of Jim and Ellen Granado also starred on the softball diamond and basketball court in high school and won several beach volleyball doubles tournament last summer. She intends to major in Interior Design at IU and has an older brother who is currently a freshman at UC-San Diego.
"With Whitney we're getting not only a very good setter, but also a true volleyball player," said Coach Dunbar. "She's a west coast kid that's played the game for a long time. Her overall understanding of the game is what we noticed the first time we watched her on the court."
Haverly comes to IU as a sophomore academically but with four years of eligibility remaining on the court after originally signing with the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2008 season. She was one of the nation's top senior outside hitters while playing for her mother, Tammi, at Rockford Keith Country Day School in Cherry Valley, Ill. Prepvolleyball.com ranked the 2008 AVCA High School Senior All-American as the 20th best player nationally following her senior season. Haverly led Keith Country Day to a 37-5 record and a Class 1A state runner-up finish, the first state finals appearance in the school's 92-year history. She racked up 610 kills, 203 digs, 71 blocks and 101 aces in her senior campaign alone. For her career, the four-year captain amassed 1,671 kills, a total which ranks second all-time in Illinois Class 1A. Haverly also garnered extensive club and international experience as well, serving as a member of the 2007 USA Junior National A-2 Team and playing for Club Fusion. The daugher of Jim and Tammi Haverly also excels in the classroom, evidenced by her recognition as a Wendy's High School Heisman winner for her academic and athletics accomplishments.
"Jordan was one of the top players in the country coming out of high school," said Coach Dunbar. "I think she has finally found what we believe is a very good fit for both of us. She will be a terminating outside hitter that will help our program through her offense and with her all around play. We hope that she will fill the void of graduating senior Erica Short who is now playing professionally in Puerto Rico."
Matula is a native Hoosier from Munster, Ind., and will be joining the team as a defensive specialist. She was an All-Lake Athletic Conference and all-area selection for Munster High School, playing under the tutelage of Coach Bill Gray. Matula served as a team captain two years and earned her team's `Pride, Hustle and Desire' Award three times, as well as the `Ironwoman' Award twice. Matula led the Munster High Mustangs to three conference titles and two sectional championships. She also played for Club Uno where she helped the team finish fifth in the Junior Olympics. The daughter of Al and Colleen Matula recorded 937 digs the past two seasons of high school play. She intends to major in Environmental Science while at IU. Laura is one of four children with a sister and two older brothers whom are currently serving in the U.S. Army.
"Laura, to me is like bringing in another Mary Chaudoin," said Coach Dunbar. "She is the epitome of the word student-athlete and is the ultimate teammate. She is another Indiana kid that is so excited to represent the Hoosiers and continue to help in our development of this program. I want our defensive players to be the grit of the team and provide the energy and intensity on the court. I believe Laura will be a great addition to that piece of the puzzle."
