December 02, 2008

Volleyball Announces the Signing of Four Student-Athletes

ST. LOUIS, MO. – University of Missouri-St. Louis head volleyball coach Trent Jones has announced the signing of Corinne Hoekstra (South Holland, Ill./Illiana Christian), Liz Jaeger (Ballwin, Mo./St. Joseph’s Academy), Samantha Martley (Stilwell, Kan./Blue Valley) and Jordan Sackman (Topeka, Kan./Seaman) to national letters of intent to join the Tritons program beginning with the 2009-10 academic year.

“I am very excited about our incoming class,” said Jones. “Each of these student-athletes brings a wealth of talent and will instantly make us a better team.”

Hoekstra, a middle and opposite side hitter, was a three-year starter for Illiana Christian High School. She was a two-time Private School League all-conference choice and was named The Times 2008 Volleyball Player of the Year. Hoekstra was also a two-time The Northwest Indiana and Illinois Times all-area pick and earned honorable mention honors as a sophomore. As a senior, she recorded a team-high 187 kills and posted a .420 hitting percentage, while leading her team to a 28-7 record and a Private School League championship.

Hoekstra plays club volleyball for the Celtic Force VBC where her 2008 team was the JVDA Club Division national champions. Her 2007 squad was a Junior Olympic participant.

“Corinne is a very talented offensive player who has the ability to play multiple positions,” said Jones. “She will fit in perfectly with the offense that we want to run.”

Jaeger, an opposite side hitter, helped St. Joseph’s Academy to the Missouri Class 4A state championship and a 31-11 record as senior. An all-conference honoree, Jaeger recorded 122 kills, 75 digs and 39 blocks in her senior season. As a freshman and sophomore at Marquette Catholic, she earned all-conference honors and was named the small school player of the year during her freshman campaign.

Jaeger plays club volleyball for the St. Louis CYC.

“Liz is another talented hitter that can play more than one position,” Jones said. “She also brings a physical presence at the net, which is something we need to add.”

Martley is a transfer from Neosha County Community College where she was a two-time second team all-district honoree as a setter for the Panthers. A 2008 preseason all-American, Martley averaged 8.1 assists per game this year. She was also an all-conference pick and is a NJCAA Division II all-Academic team selection.

“Sam is a talented setter that will be able to help us run our offense the way we want to,” said Jones. “Her height will also give us an advantage at the net.”

Sackman, a defensive specialist, earned honorable mention Class 5A all-state honors by the Kansas Volleyball Association as a senior after helping her team to a 37-8 record, recording 215 digs and 34 service aces. She was also named to the Kansas Class 5A state tournament team after helping Seaman to a third-place state finish. Sackman also earned first team all-Centennial League and all-city honors and was voted best passer, best defensive player and co-captain by her teammates.

As a junior, Sackman was named second team all-city and all-league. She earned honorable mention all-city honors as a freshman. She plays club volleyball for Invasion VBC.

“Jordan is a tremendous defensive player,” Jones said. “She is extremely instinctive and very quick. She will be a great addition to an already strong defensive team.”

UMSL posted a 23-8 record this season, including a 14-3 Great Lakes Valley Conference mark. Jones was named the GLVC Coach of the Year.