April 28, 2011

PHILADELPHIA - Head coach Dave Stever is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Whelan to the 2011 volleyball team.

A 5'10; middle blocker, Whelan has experience playing for Philadelphia Volleyball Academy, as well as her high school, Archbishop Wood. She has received a Christian Brothers Scholarship to La Salle.

"I was really impressed with Jen's play at a club tournament a few months ago," Stever said. "She is strong, athletic, and posses a high level of volleyball skills."

Whelan, a Warminster, Pa. native, helped guide Archbishop Wood to a first place finish in the Philadelphia Catholic League, as well as in the District 12 championship, in both 2008 and 2010.

A three-year varsity starter, she was a First Team All-Philadelphia Catholic League, All-District 12 and All-Intel selection in 2010 and was also selected to the All-State team. During her junior season in 2009, she was named Second Team All- Philadelphia Catholic League and All-District 12.

Stever believes Whelan will bring versatility to the Explorers' squad.

"The good thing about Jen is she can probably play several different positions," Stever said. "Although she is listed as a middle, I am sure she would be a good candidate for one of the outside hitter positions."

Currently ranked No. 1 in her class for senior year, Whelan is also a National Merit Commended Student and received a Distinguished Achievement Award for the highest average in AP Literature and Composition during the first semester.