Talia Candler, Leigh Stonerook, Natalee Godfrey, Eli Svisco.
Montana State Volleyball Inks Four High School Standouts
11/10/2011 11:40:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Four high school standouts have signed national letters-of-intent with the Montana State volleyball program, announced MSU fourth-year head coach Sara Schaub.
Four high school standouts have signed national letters-of-intent with the Montana State volleyball program, announced MSU fourth-year head coach Sara Schaub.
Signing with the Bobcats are Leigh Stonerook, Arvada, Colo., Natalee Godfrey, Eugene, Ore., Eli Svisco, Castle Rock, Colo., and Talia Candler, Moscow, Idaho.
“We're losing four seniors that have played a significant role in our program,” Schaub said. “The four freshmen we've signed will help further advance the program and take it to another level.
“All four athletes are on the American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour Girls' High School All American watch list and have the ability to make an immediate impact in our program.”
Stonerook, a 5-9 setter at Ralston High School in Arvada, Colo., has led the Mustangs to a 13-3 mark this season and a 56-16 overall record in her tenure at RHS. In addition, she is a four-time all-conference selection and a two-time Ralston High School most valuable player. As her squad's offensive MVP in 2010, Stonerook guided her team to a Colorado state tournament appearance. Stonerook was also a four-time all-conference performer in track and was a four-time all academic pick, as well.
She is the daughter of Tim Stonerook and Karen Hiatt.
“Leigh is a high-end setter and brings a great deal of experience to our program,” Schaub said. “She has great hands and possesses a great mindset for the setting position. She played with the Colorado Juniors Volleyball Club on a national level and has competed against some of the top teams in the nation. We expect her to make an immediate impact next fall.”
Godfrey, a 6-0 middle blocker at Sheldon High School in Eugene, Ore., is a four-year letterwinner for the Fighting Irish. She has led SHS to a 15-5 mark this season and a 62-24 record in her time with the program. Godfrey was a 2010 6A Special District 1 First Team All-League pick and garnered second team kudos in 2009. With her help, SHS has placed in the top in the last two 6A state tournaments. For her efforts, Godfrey was named to the 2010 6A second team all-tournament squad. Godfrey was also named to the 2010 USA Continental A2 Team. She's averaged 5.5 kills and 3.0 blocks during her career at Sheldon High School.
She is the daughter of Darrin and Marsi Godfrey.
“Natalee is a very smooth middle blocker,” Schaub said. “She is her high school's 'go-to' player and has the ability to terminate the ball. Natalee is also a very good blocker and gained a lot of knowledge from Coach Kandice Feola. She has the ability to see the court as a freshman.”
Svisco, a 5-11 outside hitter at Regis Jesuit High School, has led the Raiders to a 22-2 record this fall. During her time at Regis Jesuit, the squad has posted a 59-32 overall mark. An All Continental League performer and team captain, Svisco has been a Max Preps Player of the Week and a member of the National Dream Team of the Week. A 4.0 honor student, she helped her 2011 team to a district championship and a second-place conference finish.
She is the daughter of John and Deborah Svisco.
“”Eli is very athletic and has played for two prominent club teams in Front Range and Colorado Juniors,” Schaub said. “She is a great jumper with a fast arm, which makes her a lethal attacker. Eli is a great student and will be a good fit with our program and Montana State University.”
Candler, a 6-0 middle blocker at Moscow High School, is a three-year letterwinner for the Bears. A 2011 Inland Empire All Star pick, Candler garnered first team IEL honors as a senior and junior and was a two-time offensive player of the year. As a sophomore, she earned newcomer of the year kudos. As part of the Pac V club program, Candler was named a 2010 Colorado Crossroads Triple Crown athlete.
She is the daughter of Shelly Candler.
“Talia is another outstanding athlete that has a tremendous upside,” Schaub said. “She is a good jumper and an aggressive player. Talia worked extensively with the previous coaching staff at Washington State. Once she gets familiar with the speed of the collegiate game, she has the ability to see court time.”
The four signees complete Schaub's fifth recruiting class at Montana State.
2011 Montana State Volleyball Signees:
Talia Candler MB 6-0 Fr Moscow, ID/Moscow HS
Natalee Godfrey MB 6-0 Fr Eugene, OR/Sheldon HS
Leigh Stonerook S 5-9 Fr Arvada, CO/Ralston HS
Eli Svisco OH 5-11 Fr Castle Rock, CO/Regis Jesuit HS
Pronunciations:
Talia Candler (Tah-LEE-ah CANNED-ler)
Eli Svisco (EE-lie SVISS-co)
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