Posted: Jan 27, 2010
The newest Bruins are 5-10 outside hitter Annie Benson (Springfield, Neb./Springfield-Platteview HS), 5-10 middle blocker/rightside hitter Courtney Hendricks (Omaha, Neb./Millard West HS) and 5-11 outside hitter/middle blocker Ashley Wurdeman (Columbus, Neb./Central CC/Lakeview HS).
Benson was a two-time all-conference selection at Springfield-Platteview High School under head coach Theresa Starks. She was also a three-time honorable-mention all-state honoree while finishing her career with 746 total kills, 856 digs and 43 service aces. Benson also lettered in basketball two seasons.
"Annie will be a player that will grow in our program," said Siedlik. "She has height, power and court awareness. There is a big void on the outside and the competition will be tough. I think Annie will give us that depth to have a smooth transition filling that void."
Benson played club volleyball for River City Juniors under coach Deb Grafentin. She helped lead her team to three trips to the USA Junior Nationals, including a fifth-place finish in 2009 in Miami, Fla.
Hendricks was a three-year letterwinner at Millard West High School under head coach Erin Byrd. She also lettered in bowling for the Wildcats.
Hendricks played club volleyball for Impact Volleyball Club under coach Mike Godek, Sr.
An excellent student, Hendricks has been on the Honor Roll every semester since sixth grade.
"Courtney is an athletic player that is not flashy, but works hard and does her job well," said Siedlik. "She is another player that has untouched talent and we intend to work with her to get the best out of that potential. She is a smart young lady and definitely a team player."
Wurdeman earned 2009 honorable mention All-American honors as well as first team all-conference and all-Region accolades at Central Community College under head coach Mary Young. She was a two-time first team all-Nebraska Junior College selection and earned academic all-conference recognition as well.
"Ashley should make a smooth transition from Central CC to Bellevue. She is fast, jumps well, and is strong," said Siedlik. "She will be fun to watch and can make an impact right away. Ashley definitely will be a key to our success in getting back to the national championships."
Wurdeman was a three-time honorable mention all-state selection while prepping at Columbus Lakeview High School under head coach KC Belitz.
Benson, Hendricks and Wurdeman join early signees Meghan Evans, (5-4 DS, Omaha, Neb./BurkeHS), Andrea Johnson (5-7 S/DS, Omaha, Neb./Burke HS) and Sydney DeBoer (5-11, MB, Seward, Neb./Seward HS).
The 14th-ranked Bruins finished the 2009 season with a 29-10 overall record, a perfect 14-0 MCAC mark and their third-straight appearance in the NAIA Volleyball National Championship.
