Nov. 20, 2013
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The University of San Diego head women's volleyball coach Jennifer Petrie has announced the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent to play for the Toreros beginning in the 2014 season. Signing their NLI's are Jayden Kennedy (Oshawa, Ontario Canada), Merve Tanyel (Istanbul-Turkey), and Kristen Gegenbacher (Quincy, Ill., Quincy Notre Dame High School).
Kennedy, a 6-2 opposite hitter/middle hitter, comes to the Toreros after a standout career for the Durham Attack, and Eclipse Volleyball Clubs, as well as at All Saints Catholic High School. In all, from 2005-2013, she helped lead her various club teams to 40 Gold awards, 25 Silver awards, and eight Bronze awards. She was also a standout on the girls basketball team at All Saints Catholic High School. She chose to attend USD because of the exceptional volleyball staff, the beautiful campus, the high ranking volleyball team, and the great academic reputation of the university.
"Jayden Kennedy is joining us from Ontario, Canada. As a 6-2 attacker, Jayden can fill several different positions on the court," explained Petrie. "We are extremely excited to see where her athletic potential will take her and our program. She has high international aspirations, and her passion for the game shows in her performance."
Tanyel, a 5-10 outside hitter, comes to USD after a standout career at Private Irmak Schools. She has played for the Turkish Volleyball League champion Fenerbahce Sports Club for the last six years. She helped lead her team to the 2009 and 2012 Regional Championship with Fenerbahce Under-14 and Under-16 Volleyball, while also playing in six consecutive Turkish Women's Volleyball National Championship matches with Fenerbahce U14, U16 and U18 teams. She has scored tournament career-high 170 points during 2012-2013 Turkish Women's Reserves Volleyball League tournament second leg, while playing in six matches in seven days, which was played in Ankara Feb. 2013.
"Merve Tanyel will bring a wealth of international playing experience to our 2014 squad," stated Petrie. "She is an exceptional ball control player that will also be used as a weapon attacking on the outside. We expect Merve to carry a large serve receive roll and to have a strong knowledge of high level play."
Gregenbacher, a 5-9 setter from Quincy, Ill., comes to USD after a standout career at Quincy Notre Dame High School. She earned three varsity letters in volleyball, while also lettering in basketball and softball. As a volleyball player, she was a two-time All-Area selection, and a two-time All-State Honorable Mention selection. As a senior, she recorded 833 assists, had 28 service aces, 117 digs, 45 blocks, and 61 kills as a starting setter. As a junior, she recorded 814 assists, 22 aces, 121 digs, 58 blocks, and had 65 kills as the starting setter. As a sophomore, she recorded 821 assists, had 26 aces, 109 digs, 140 blocks, and 54 kills en route to helping lead her team to the state championship with a 29-9 overall record. She also competed on the Riverfront Bruisers club team. She chose to attend USD because of the beautiful campus, the volleyball program, and she believed USD offers educational, athletic, and spiritual opportunities no other university does.
"Kristen Gengenbacher attended our Elite camp this past summer, and we are extremely impressed by her athleticism and physical strength," stated Petrie. "She is highly competitive and eager to learn. We are very excited to have her join our program and work with next year's senior setter Jianna Bonomi."
