KU Volleyball Announces Two New Additions

Nov. 11, 2010

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas volleyball head coach Ray Bechard announced the signing of two Nebraska natives to national letters of intent Thursday. Chelsea Albers (Papillion, Neb.) and Sara McClinton (Blair, Neb.) will begin their careers at Kansas beginning in the 2011-12 academic year.

“Chelsea and Sara both have the potential to be six-rotation players,” said Bechard. “They are very versatile in that they can score points in a number of different ways. We feel like they can play left or right side and also give us a much needed physical presence with both having the potential to be high-level blockers in the Big 12.”

Albers, a 6-1 outside hitter from Papillion LaVista High School, helped the Monarchs to back-to-back state titles in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 and 2010, Papillion LaVista was crowned district champions. For the past two years, Albers has led the state of Nebraska in kills and currently owns a 4.6 kills per set average. As a junior, Albers was named a super-state selection, while also being named to the all-tournament team for the second-straight season. An all-state second team honoree in 2008, Albers plays club for the Nebraska Juniors.

A letterwinner from Millard North High School, McClinton led her team to a district championship in 2008 and 2010 and made state appearances both years. A 6-2 outside hitter, McClinton was twice named all-state honorable mention and was named a Fab 50 Sophomore by Sports Imports/Volleyball Magazine in 2008. A member of the superior honor roll at Millard North and named academic all-state in 2009, McClinton played club for the River City Juniors and will soon join the Nebraska Juniors.

“They have experienced success at many different levels and both come from successful high school and club programs,” Bechard added. “We are thrilled to have Chelsea and Sara join the Kansas volleyball program. We really sense that their impact will be pretty immediate.”