Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers Bolster Defensive Backcourt With Two Signees
4/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 15, 2010
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana Volleyball has signed a pair of defensive specialists for the 2010 season. Caitlin Hansen (Indianapolis, Ind.; Roncalli H.S.) and Melanie Hicks (Louisville, Ky.; Assumption H.S.) have inked their national letters of intent to play for Head Coach Sherry Dunbar and the Hoosiers.
"We are excited to welcome both Melanie and Caitlin to the Hoosier family," said Dunbar.
Hansen is a five-foot-four All-American honorable mention from Roncalli High School. PrepVolleyball has tabbed her one of the "Gym Dandies," recognizing the top-50 players in the country. During her high school career, Hansen was a two-time First Team All-State selection, team MVP and team captain while racking up 1,000 career digs and a 3A team state championship (2006) in the process. She currently plays her club ball for Team Indiana.
Hansen also played basketball and softball for the Roncalli Rebels. She led the basketball squad to regional championships in 2009 and 2010.
Caitlin is the daughter of John and Trish Sinovic and has four siblings.
"One of our missions here at IU is to keep the best players in the state of Indiana at home and having Caitlin play for such a prestigious high school in Roncalli and successful club at Team Indiana achieves that goal of keeping the best in state. Caitlin will add both leadership and depth at our defensive position. She is technically solid and a true competitor."
Hicks hails from Louisville, Ky., and attends Assumption High School where she played both libero and outside hitter.
Her club team, KIVA Volleyball, was the 2009 JVA National Champions. While playing for KIVA, Hicks was a part of many accomplishments including: AAU National Champs in 2006, AAU Bronze in '05, US Junior Olympic Runner-up in '05, US Junior Olympic Bronze in '04 and '06. Individually, Hicks was named an AAU All-American in both 2005 and 2006.
Melanie is the daughter of Mark Hicks, and Martin and Mechele Skaggs. She has two siblings and intends to major in Interior Design.
"Melanie comes from two of the most successful volleyball programs in the country - Assumption High School and KIVA Volleyball Club. Players from those programs have a reputation of being gritty and aggressive and Melanie is no exception. We are excited to have her join our defensive core and bring those qualities to the court."
