MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head volleyball coach Suzie Fritz announced the commitments of Brooke Heyne and Jacque Smith for the upcoming 2017 season.
Heyne, a 5-11 outside hitter, was named the 2016-17 Gatorade Nebraska Volleyball Player of the Year out of Skutt Catholic High School in Nebraska. Heyne led the SkyHawks to a perfect 44-0 record and second straight state title to go along with a No. 2 national ranking by PrepVolleyball.com.In her senior season, Heyne tallied 474 kills, 362 digs and 40 service aces. A 2016-17 Under Armour Third Team All-American, she is also a MaxPreps First Team All-American and was named co-captain of the All-Nebraska Team.
“An incredibly talented and versatile player with a strong all-around skill set,” Fritz said of Heyne. “Brooke is a capable attacker, passer and defender that can impact our team in a number of ways. In addition, she has experienced great academic and competitive success. She excels in all areas of her life as an outstanding person committed to service and her academics.”
Smith was a four-year letterwinner out of St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City, Missouri. The 5-7 libero was selected to the Missouri-Kansas All-Star Team her senior season after setting the single-season digs record at STA with 545.
Smith received all-state, all-district and all-region honors in both her junior and senior seasons, as she led STA to the state tournament both years.
“Jacque is a high-energy and competitive libero candidate with good court presence and the capacity to manage first contact at a high level,” said Fritz. “Her primary responsibilities will be in the areas of pass and defend, but she will impact our team culture as a student and positive teammate.”
The Wildcats, coming off their 12th 20-win season under Fritz and fifth trip to the NCAA Tournament in the last six years, are currently in the midst of their spring schedule in preparation for the upcoming fall season.