University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Volleyball Adds Six in 2019 Recruiting Class
11/15/2018 6:12:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – University of Northern Iowa head volleyball coach Bobbi Petersen has announced the signing of six student-athletes to become members of the Panther volleyball team in 2019.
The Panthers will add Payton Ahrenstorff (5'7, DS/L – Spirit Lake High School), Kaylissa Arndorfer (6'1, OH/MH – Waterloo West High School), Kaylee Donner (5'4, L – Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School), Emily Holterhaus (6'1, MH – Pella High School) Maizy Jackson (6'0, OH - Benilde-St. Margaret's), and Emma Schmidt (6'1, PH – Champlin Park High School) to the roster.
"The 2018 recruiting class is an exciting group of young women," stated Petersen. "They are athletic, work hard, have a hunger to compete, and have a high commitment to academics, all of which are important to Panther volleyball. We are thrilled to have all of them and their families a part of our program and our Panther volleyball family."
Payton Ahrenstorff, 5'7, Defensive Specialist/Libero
Spirit Lake, Iowa, Spirit Lake High school
Payton Ahrenstorff has been a four-year varsity starter for Coach Beau Dielschneider at Spirit Lake High School. A three-sport athlete in High School, Ahrenstorff has excelled in volleyball, track, and softball in her time as an Indian. As a freshman, Ahrenstorff earned an all-conference honorable mention nod and a second team all-conference honor as a sophomore as the team's libero. As a junior, she was a unanimous first team all-conference selection while leading the state in digs with 622. As a senior Ahrenstorff once again earned a first team all-conference nod and ends her career at Spirit Lake with school records for career digs (1,899), digs for a season (622), and digs per set (5.47). Payton is the daughter of Stacey and Todd Ahrenstorff and sister to Dawson (20), and Carlie Jo (15).
"Payton is a gifted athlete that competes in multiple sports at a high level," Petersen said. "She has good technique both on the dig and serve receive and with her agility and well-roundedness as an athlete should adapt to the college game quickly. She is a tenacious competitor and gives her all every point. Payton is not afraid of hard work and will make a great addition to our gritty culture in the backcourt. "
Kaylissa Arndorfer, 6'1, Middle/Outside Hitter
Waterloo, Iowa, Waterloo West High School
Kaylissa Arndorfer has excelled under Coach Haley Eckerman at Waterloo West High School. A four-year varsity starter for the Wahawks, Arndorfer earned all-conference honorable mention honors as a freshman and continued that success a sophomore, earning second team all-conference honors. As a junior, Arndorfer averaged 2.76 kills per set and 1.59 blocks per set while again earning second team all-conference honors. Arndorfer averaged 3.82 kills per set as a senior while earning first team all-conference honors. Kaylissa is the daughter of Pam and Bill Arndorfer and sister to Isaiah (19).
"Kaylissa is another athlete that has the potential to compete in multiple frontcourt positions," stated Petersen. "She is able to attack at various tempos along the entire net which contributes to her versatility. My favorite part about Kaylissa is to watch her work as a blocker. She is a workhorse and takes great pride and excitement in owning the net. Kaylissa competes with a lot of emotion and fire which we know will be contagious"
Kaylee Donner, 5'4, Libero/Defensive Specialist
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School
Kaylee Donner has been a four-year varsity starter at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School for Coaches Amy and Will Norton. Donner made an impact early in her career as a J-Hawk, earning all-conference honorable mention honors as a freshman and second team all-conference honors as a sophomore. As a junior Donner recorded 531 digs, helping her team to a state tournament berth, earning all-state honorable mention honors along the way. Donner's success continued in 2018, leading her team to the 5A state tournament. Donner will leave Cedar Rapids Jefferson as the career leader in digs (1,643) and digs per set (4.83). Kaylee is the daughter of Kandy Keiper Strowmatt and Matt Donner and sister to Bryce (19).
"Kaylee will add speed, quickness, and competitiveness to our backcourt position," said Petersen. "She is also a multi-sport athlete that not only plays but competes at a high level on every court or field she steps onto. Kaylee reads well on defense and is capable of making high-level moves when defending. Although she has primarily trained in the left back position we feel Kaylee will catch on quickly to right and middle back as well."
Emily Holterhaus, 6'1, Middle Hitter
Pella, Iowa, Pella High School
Emily has been a dominant player for Pella High School in her four years on the team. Under Head Coach Catie Brand, Holterhaus earned second team all-state honors as a freshman. In her sophomore campaign, the 6'1 middle hitter earned first team all-state honors and was named to the all-tournament team after leading the Lady Dutch to a runner-up finish. As a junior, Holterhaus recorded her 1,000th career kill and was again named first team all-state. Holterhaus has continued her dominant play into her senior season with 472 kills, 230 digs, and 69 total blocks in 2018 helping her team to a 4A state tournament appearance. Emily is the daughter of Angie and John Holterhaus and sister to Jessica (21), and Donovan (19).
"Emily is one of the most physical athletes of the 2018 class and is also a strong performer in basketball and track," stated Petersen. "She not only brings a remarkable presence to the net but also brings versatility to the frontcourt as she is capable of attacking at any tempo and zone, which will allow her to compete for any frontcourt position. Emily has developed a skill set in the backcourt with her passing and defensive abilities that gives her six rotation potential."
Maizy Jackson, 6'0, Outside Hitter
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Benilde-St. Margaret's High School
Maizy Jackson has been a four-year varsity starter under Coach Phong Luong at Benilde-St. Margarets High School. Jackson has earned four straight all-conference honors with the Red Knights. As a junior, Jackson recorded 325 kills, 240 digs, and 50 blocks, leading her team to a conference championship and earning all-state honors. In her senior campaign, Jackson finished with 355 kills, 177 digs, and 40 blocks and earned first team all-state honors. Maizy is the daughter of Krissa and Torrae Jackson and sister to Gabriel (18).
"Maizy is a gifted athlete with a very natural jump," stated Petersen. "Her potential at either pin position is definitely a strength. With her athleticism, she brings a physical block and attack. She has experience on both the right and left pins, which will allow us opportunities to be creative with our offense. We are so excited to see her develop in our program as she competes at the next level."
Emma Schmidt, 6'1, Outside Hitter
Maple Grove, Minnesota, Champlin Park High School
Emma Schmidt has been a four-year varsity starter at Champlin Park High School under the direction of Coach John Yunker. A dominant program at Champlin Park, Schmidt has helped the Rebels to four straight conference championships. Schmidt's freshman season saw the rebels place third in Class 5A volleyball, as a sophomore the team finished second. In 2017 Schmidt earned her first all-state honor and continued that play in her senior season, leading Champlin Park to a 3A state title, earning first team all-state honors and a spot on the 3A all-tournament team. Schmidt finished her career at Champlin Park with 1,038 kills, a .299 hitting percentage, 700 digs, 375 assists, and 95 blocks. Emma is the daughter of Amy and Rowdy Schmidt and sister to Will (18) and Ellie (14).
"Emma will add size and strength to our pin position," said Petersen. "She is also versatile at the net and could contribute both on the right and left pins. Emma brings backcourt experience that will allow her to challenge as a six-rotation player with the ability to provide offense from the backcourt as well. We are excited to see how she adapts to the pace of the college game."
The Panthers will add Payton Ahrenstorff (5'7, DS/L – Spirit Lake High School), Kaylissa Arndorfer (6'1, OH/MH – Waterloo West High School), Kaylee Donner (5'4, L – Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School), Emily Holterhaus (6'1, MH – Pella High School) Maizy Jackson (6'0, OH - Benilde-St. Margaret's), and Emma Schmidt (6'1, PH – Champlin Park High School) to the roster.
"The 2018 recruiting class is an exciting group of young women," stated Petersen. "They are athletic, work hard, have a hunger to compete, and have a high commitment to academics, all of which are important to Panther volleyball. We are thrilled to have all of them and their families a part of our program and our Panther volleyball family."
Payton Ahrenstorff, 5'7, Defensive Specialist/Libero
Spirit Lake, Iowa, Spirit Lake High school
Payton Ahrenstorff has been a four-year varsity starter for Coach Beau Dielschneider at Spirit Lake High School. A three-sport athlete in High School, Ahrenstorff has excelled in volleyball, track, and softball in her time as an Indian. As a freshman, Ahrenstorff earned an all-conference honorable mention nod and a second team all-conference honor as a sophomore as the team's libero. As a junior, she was a unanimous first team all-conference selection while leading the state in digs with 622. As a senior Ahrenstorff once again earned a first team all-conference nod and ends her career at Spirit Lake with school records for career digs (1,899), digs for a season (622), and digs per set (5.47). Payton is the daughter of Stacey and Todd Ahrenstorff and sister to Dawson (20), and Carlie Jo (15).
"Payton is a gifted athlete that competes in multiple sports at a high level," Petersen said. "She has good technique both on the dig and serve receive and with her agility and well-roundedness as an athlete should adapt to the college game quickly. She is a tenacious competitor and gives her all every point. Payton is not afraid of hard work and will make a great addition to our gritty culture in the backcourt. "
Kaylissa Arndorfer, 6'1, Middle/Outside Hitter
Waterloo, Iowa, Waterloo West High School
Kaylissa Arndorfer has excelled under Coach Haley Eckerman at Waterloo West High School. A four-year varsity starter for the Wahawks, Arndorfer earned all-conference honorable mention honors as a freshman and continued that success a sophomore, earning second team all-conference honors. As a junior, Arndorfer averaged 2.76 kills per set and 1.59 blocks per set while again earning second team all-conference honors. Arndorfer averaged 3.82 kills per set as a senior while earning first team all-conference honors. Kaylissa is the daughter of Pam and Bill Arndorfer and sister to Isaiah (19).
"Kaylissa is another athlete that has the potential to compete in multiple frontcourt positions," stated Petersen. "She is able to attack at various tempos along the entire net which contributes to her versatility. My favorite part about Kaylissa is to watch her work as a blocker. She is a workhorse and takes great pride and excitement in owning the net. Kaylissa competes with a lot of emotion and fire which we know will be contagious"
Kaylee Donner, 5'4, Libero/Defensive Specialist
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School
Kaylee Donner has been a four-year varsity starter at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School for Coaches Amy and Will Norton. Donner made an impact early in her career as a J-Hawk, earning all-conference honorable mention honors as a freshman and second team all-conference honors as a sophomore. As a junior Donner recorded 531 digs, helping her team to a state tournament berth, earning all-state honorable mention honors along the way. Donner's success continued in 2018, leading her team to the 5A state tournament. Donner will leave Cedar Rapids Jefferson as the career leader in digs (1,643) and digs per set (4.83). Kaylee is the daughter of Kandy Keiper Strowmatt and Matt Donner and sister to Bryce (19).
"Kaylee will add speed, quickness, and competitiveness to our backcourt position," said Petersen. "She is also a multi-sport athlete that not only plays but competes at a high level on every court or field she steps onto. Kaylee reads well on defense and is capable of making high-level moves when defending. Although she has primarily trained in the left back position we feel Kaylee will catch on quickly to right and middle back as well."
Emily Holterhaus, 6'1, Middle Hitter
Pella, Iowa, Pella High School
Emily has been a dominant player for Pella High School in her four years on the team. Under Head Coach Catie Brand, Holterhaus earned second team all-state honors as a freshman. In her sophomore campaign, the 6'1 middle hitter earned first team all-state honors and was named to the all-tournament team after leading the Lady Dutch to a runner-up finish. As a junior, Holterhaus recorded her 1,000th career kill and was again named first team all-state. Holterhaus has continued her dominant play into her senior season with 472 kills, 230 digs, and 69 total blocks in 2018 helping her team to a 4A state tournament appearance. Emily is the daughter of Angie and John Holterhaus and sister to Jessica (21), and Donovan (19).
"Emily is one of the most physical athletes of the 2018 class and is also a strong performer in basketball and track," stated Petersen. "She not only brings a remarkable presence to the net but also brings versatility to the frontcourt as she is capable of attacking at any tempo and zone, which will allow her to compete for any frontcourt position. Emily has developed a skill set in the backcourt with her passing and defensive abilities that gives her six rotation potential."
Maizy Jackson, 6'0, Outside Hitter
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Benilde-St. Margaret's High School
Maizy Jackson has been a four-year varsity starter under Coach Phong Luong at Benilde-St. Margarets High School. Jackson has earned four straight all-conference honors with the Red Knights. As a junior, Jackson recorded 325 kills, 240 digs, and 50 blocks, leading her team to a conference championship and earning all-state honors. In her senior campaign, Jackson finished with 355 kills, 177 digs, and 40 blocks and earned first team all-state honors. Maizy is the daughter of Krissa and Torrae Jackson and sister to Gabriel (18).
"Maizy is a gifted athlete with a very natural jump," stated Petersen. "Her potential at either pin position is definitely a strength. With her athleticism, she brings a physical block and attack. She has experience on both the right and left pins, which will allow us opportunities to be creative with our offense. We are so excited to see her develop in our program as she competes at the next level."
Emma Schmidt, 6'1, Outside Hitter
Maple Grove, Minnesota, Champlin Park High School
Emma Schmidt has been a four-year varsity starter at Champlin Park High School under the direction of Coach John Yunker. A dominant program at Champlin Park, Schmidt has helped the Rebels to four straight conference championships. Schmidt's freshman season saw the rebels place third in Class 5A volleyball, as a sophomore the team finished second. In 2017 Schmidt earned her first all-state honor and continued that play in her senior season, leading Champlin Park to a 3A state title, earning first team all-state honors and a spot on the 3A all-tournament team. Schmidt finished her career at Champlin Park with 1,038 kills, a .299 hitting percentage, 700 digs, 375 assists, and 95 blocks. Emma is the daughter of Amy and Rowdy Schmidt and sister to Will (18) and Ellie (14).
"Emma will add size and strength to our pin position," said Petersen. "She is also versatile at the net and could contribute both on the right and left pins. Emma brings backcourt experience that will allow her to challenge as a six-rotation player with the ability to provide offense from the backcourt as well. We are excited to see how she adapts to the pace of the college game."
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