Women's Volleyball | April 14, 2016

PHILADELPHIA- The La Salle women's volleyball team announced the addition of three players to its 2016 recruiting class on Thursday. Haley Belcik, Madalena Macht, and Katie Wood have signed letters of intent and will join the program beginning in fall of 2016.

"Katie, Haley and Maddie are great additions to our freshman class, and add needed depth to our setting and defensive positions," said head coach Caitlin Rimgaila. "All three fell in love with the La Salle community and volleyball program. I am excited that they will be part of our Class of 2020!"
 
Kathryn "Katie" Wood (Smithtown, N.Y./Smithtown West) is a 5'10'' setter from Long Island. Wood was an All-County selection who finished with a career record of 1,717 assists for the Bulls over four years. She was named All-Tournament three years and during her sophomore year set a Smithtown West single season record with assists. She twice helped lead the Bulls to the Suffolk County Class A Semifinals. On the club level she played for GEVA HP Regional team and The Island Volleyball Academy. Both of Wood's parents played volleyball in college with her dad playing at Bryant and her mom setting for A-10 rivals George Washington.

"Katie is a dynamic setter, who has developed tremendously over the past couple of years," added head coach Caitlin Rimgaila.  "She has a quick release, good feet and continuously works extremely hard to improve her skills. She has trained as a multi-sport athlete, and her desire to compete and win will be a great asset to our program as we continue to rebuild and change culture."






Haley Belcik (Palos Heights, Ill./Marist H.S.) is a 5'3'' libero from the suburbs of Chicago. Belcik was a four year varsity player who recorded 234 digs as a senior and added 41 aces. She helped lead the team to a 34-8 record and won the IHSA Tournament Regional 4A Championship as a senior. During her junior campaign Marist went 32-9 and again won the Regional Championship. On the club level she played for Michio Chicago Volleyball where she helped them place fifth in the 17 Open Junior National Championships.

"Haley comes from one of the strongest volleyball areas in the country," stated Rimgaila. "She has played and competed against some of the top junior players in the nation. Haley is specialized in the defensive position, and is extremely technically trained. She will look to compete for playing time in the back row right away."









Madalena "Maddie" Macht (New Glarus, Wisc./New Glarus) is a 5'9'' outside hitter and defensive specialist  and four year varsity player at New Glarus. Macht was named First Team All-Conference as a senior and lead the team in kills and aces. During her sophomore campaign she was named Second-Team All-Conference and again led the team in kills. On the club circuit she plays for Wisconsin Select and head coach Kurt Owens. She also lettered four years in track and field and has the second best triple jump distance in school history.

"Maddie also comes from a volleyball rich area, and is a versatile utility player, who will look for time as both an outside hitter and a defensive specialist," said Rimgaila. "Maddie has excelled in multiple sports in high school, and brings a lot of natural athleticism to La Salle. She has a great personality both on and off the court, and will round out our large freshman class very nicely. "


The trio joins Devin Corah, Katie Edgington, Jennifer Edwards, and Emily McCann to form a seven member class with the other four having been announced in January.