GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota head volleyball coach Ashley Hardee announced today that Chelsea Moser (Willamina, Ore.) and Emily Thompson (Carrington, N.D.) have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Fighting Sioux for the 2012-13 season.
"Chelsea and Emily are both Division I, high caliber athletes that we are very excited about," Hardee said. "Both have a real bright future here at North Dakota."
A 6-1 outside hitter/middle blocker from Willamina High School, Moser earned 2011 West Valley League Player of the Year honors and was named to the all-league first team after leading the Bulldogs to a West Valley League title and a runner-up finish at the state tournament. She was the only player to be unanimously named to the all-tournament first team.
As a senior on the court, she tallied 536 digs, 352 kills, 112 blocks, 39 aces, and 16 assists.
"Chelsea is a player that we identified last year," Hardee said. "She is a fantastic athlete. She plays middle right now and does play some club ball now, so she'll come in with a little bit of experience. She's a great blocker, and we'll work to develop her attack as well."
A 6-2 outside hitter from Carrington High School, Thompson was named the North Dakota Class B District 7 Senior Athlete of the Year and earned all-tournament team honors after leading the Cardinals to a 3-0 sweep over No. 1 Midkota to win the 2011 District 7 Volleyball Tournament.
A four-year letterwinner, Thompson accumulated 1,346 kills, 210 aces, 640 digs, and 360 blocks throughout her high school career.
"Emily is a long, athletic player," Hardee said. "She can play both middle and outside hitter. We may project her as an outside hitter when she gets here, but we'll see how that development plays out. We'll graduate both Devin Trefz and Annika Smed, so Emily will play a big part in replacing some of that length."
Coach Hardee as his 2011 squad will fight for their third straight Great West Conference Tournament title this week at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Visit FightingSioux.com for complete tournament details.
- Go Sioux -
