Nov. 9, 2005
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In the midst of the most successful season under head coach Kelley McKee, Lobo Volleyball announces the signing of three talented student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Joining the Lobos in 2006 will be Jade Michaelsen (Tucson, Ariz.), Rose Morris (Albuquerque, N.M.) and Allison Suiter (Littleton, Colo.).
“This program has grown and developed in immeasurable ways over the past four seasons,” said head coach Kelley McKee. “We have a strong core group of young women who have helped us take Lobo Volleyball to new heights. We are so excited to add three special student-athletes who will continue to help us take Lobo Volleyball to new levels in the Mountain West Conference.”
Below is a profile on each of the 2006 New Mexico Volleyball signees:
Jade Michaelsen
5-11 * Setter
Tucson, Ariz./Salpointe Catholic Preporatory High School
High School: A setter for the Salpointe Catholic Lancers and head coach Amy Johnson, Michaelsen led her team to three consecutive Southern Arizona Regional Championships from 2003-2005. She helped her team to the first round of the Arizona State Championships in 2003, the Arizona State Quarterfinals in 2004 and the Arizona State Quarterfinals again in 2005. Michaelsen garnered 2003 second team Southern Arizona honors as well as 2004 Southern Arizona Player of the Year, second team All-State in 2004 and first team Southern Arizona in 2005. She is the career record holder for assists at Salpointe. A member of Club Cactus Juniors, Jade is a Prepvolleyball.com Senior Aces Top 250 Selection and is coached by Steve Walker.
| “Jade’s size will add another dimension to our team with her ability to attack and block at the net. Jade brings intangibles to our team that will help Lobo volleyball excel.” Head coach Kelley McKee |
Off the court, Michaelsen is a three-time member of the Academic Honor Roll, volunteers for the Humane Society, has participated in the Kairos Retreat and is a Days of Recollection Attendant.
McKee on Michalesen: “Jade will bring much needed depth and balance to the setting position within our program. Although she is young in the setting position, she brings great size, sweet hands, and a passionate commitment to grow within the game. Jade’s size will add another dimension to our team with her ability to attack and block at the net. Jade brings intangibles to our team that will help Lobo volleyball excel.”
Rose Morris
6-0 * Outside Hitter
Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia High School
High School: Starting as a outside hitter for the Sandia Matadors, Morris received First Team All-District honors in 2002 and was named the 2002 Sandia High School Defensive Player of the Year. Her accolades include being named to the 2003 and 2004 All-District teams, All-Metro honors in 2004 and All-State in 2004.
| “Rose has the natural ability and the determination to be a dominant force on the outside for us and we know that she will have an immediate impact on our program.” Head coach Kelley McKee |
Morris has been enrolled in gifted and advanced placement classes over the course of her academic career at Sandia and earned an academic letter for Future Problem Solving.
McKee on Morris: “Rose has the makings of a great outside hitter: her size and power give her a great ability to terminate at the net. We have high expectations for Rose and are looking forward to helping her develop and mature within our program. Rose has the natural ability and the determination to be a dominant force on the outside for us and we know that she will have an immediate impact on our program.”
ALLISON SUITER
6-1 * Middle Blocker
Littleton, Colo./Chatfield High School
High School: Playing middle blocker for the Chatfield Chargers and head coach Tom Pazko, Suiter helped her team to a secnd place League finish in 2004 and a first place League finish in 2005. A dominant force in the middle, she led the Chargers in blocks from 2003-2005 and notched a career-best 10 blocks against Air Academy in 2005. Suiter was named Second Team All-Conference in 2004. She is also a member of the Front Range Volleyball Club.
| “Allie is an outstanding athlete with a special ability to play high above the net. The great standards she sets for herself are evident both on the court and in the classroom.” Head coach Kelley McKee |
Suiter ranks No. 1 in her class, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Leadership Team, and Honor Roll.
McKee on Suiter: “Allie is an outstanding athlete with a special ability to play high above the net. The great standards she sets for herself are evident both on the court and in the classroom. When Allie brings her high standards and exceptional work ethic to Lobo Volleyball, we will surely be a better team as a result. Her experience with the Front Range Volleyball Club has and will provide her with comprehensive training in preparation for the next level. Allie has a bright future within the sport and we are looking forward to her arrival.”
McKee’s final thoughts on the class of 2006: “We’re expecting greatcollegiate academic and athletic careers from Jade, Rose, and Allie. Theyare a tremendous complement to the foundation we have built and these arethree young women who exemplify the standards of Lobo Volleyball. As aprogram, we took a huge step forward when Jade, Rose, and Allie made thedecisions to become Lobos.”