Jan. 8, 2004
USD Volleyball Announces Recruiting Class for 2004
University of San Diego head volleyball coach Jennifer Petrie announced the signing of three incoming freshmen to National Letters of Intent for the 2004 season. The Toreros welcome a pair of the nation's top recruits in middle hitter Laurel Abrahamson (Bloomington, Minnesota) and setter Jessica Nyrop (Harrison, Idaho) plus Canadian Junior National Team member, outside hitter Erin Wiskar (Port Moody, Canada). The trio join a San Diego program that qualified for its seventh NCAA Tournament in eight years and earned a national ranking of No. 16 last season.
"We are very excited about the potential impact this year's recruiting class will have on the future of our program," commented USD head coach Jennifer Petrie. "The incoming class of 2004 has a lot of elite playing experience and they know how to compete at a very high level."
Laurel Abrahamson (Bloomington, Minnesota/Thomas Jefferson) is a 6-foot-4 middle hitter that commits after an outstanding prep career at Thomas Jefferson High School. Abrahamson led her M1 Mizuno Club team an appearance in the Junior Olympics. Abrahamson played for the U.S. Youth National Team in 2001. She has also been honored as Jefferson High School's team MVP and was named a First Team All-District selection. Volleyball Monthly listed Abrahamson as a FAB-50 prep recruit and Prep Volleyball tabbed her as one of the nation's top 100.
"With the addition of Laurel in the middle blocking position, we will finally fill a void that has been missing on our squad, and that is height," said Petrie. "Laurel is a gifted athlete and being 6'4 makes her a very formidable opponent in the middle blocking position."
Jessica Nyrop (Harrison, Idaho/Lake City) was also a Prep Volleyball top 100 recruit. Nyrop is a 5-foot-11 setter that earned First Team All-State 5A honors while playing for Lake City High School. This past season Nyrop led Lake City to the school's highest finish in state history (3rd) after winning a school record 20 matches.
"We are looking forward to the depth that Jessica will provide in the setting position," says Petrie. "Having two accomplished setters on our squad will set the stage for some very competitive practices. Jessica's enthusiasm for the game is contagious, and we are excited to add her personality to our already strong chemistry."
Erin Wiskar (Port Moody, Canada/Gleneagle Secondary) brings three seasons of youth national experience to San Diego. A 6-foot-2 outside hitter from Port Moody, British Columbia, Wiskar was one of four Canadian junior's to be offered a scholarship by Team Canada. In 2001 and 2002 Wiskar played for Canada's Youth National Team and was a Canadian Junior Team member in 2003.
"Erin brings a wealth of international playing experience to USD," stated Petrie. "She is fortunate to be playing volleyball at the highest level in Canada, and we are anxious to add her strong skills to our team. Her desire to train and compete at an elite level will certainly inspire her teammates."
