Bellevue University head volleyball coach Trish Siedlik announced the addition of two local transfers who will continue their academic and athletic careers at BU beginning in the spring of 2023. The newest Bruins are 5-7 DS/S Jayna Hope (Bellevue, Neb./Cumberland/Bellevue West HS) and 6-0 RS/MB Kealy Kiviniemi (Bellevue, Neb./Washburn/Bellevue West HS).

"We are excited to have the opportunity for two local student-athletes to come back to their hometowns," said Siedlik. "We have had a great relationship with Coach Krajicek (Bellevue West HS) and her players over the years. Both of their fathers were members of the 1995 Bellevue University NAIA National Championship baseball team." 

Jayna Hope, 5-7, DS/S, Bellevue, Neb. (Cumberland, Bellevue West HS)

• Prepped at Bellevue West HS under coach Christina Krajicek
• Earned all-state honorable mention honors in 2020
• Three-time honorable mention all-Metro Conference honoree (2019-21)
• Recorded 1,727 assists, 789 digs, 216 kills, and 161 aces during her high school career
• Named to the Dean's List in 2022
• Father, Greg, was a member of Bellevue University's 1995 NAIA National Championship team

Siedlik Quote: "Jayna is a player that will add depth to our defense and serving needs. Adding depth to our setting is still up in the air, but we know that Jayna has experience in that position. She is a solid student in the classroom." 

Kealy Kiviniemi, 6-0, RS/MB, Bellevue, Neb. (Washburn, Bellevue West HS)

• Earned second-team all-MIAA honors at Washburn University in 2022
• Named to the all-tournament team at the MIAA Tournament
• Finished third on the team with 247 kills (2.27 kps) and recorded 66 blocks
• Team captain and four-year letterwinner under coach Christina Krajicek at Bellevue West HS
• Let Bellevue West in hitting percentage and kills in three of her four varsity seasons
• Finished her high school career with 1,137 kills, 753 digs, 215 blocks, and 123 aces
• Played club volleyball at Premier Nebraska, where her teams qualified for Nationals all eight years
• Father, Don, was a member of Bellevue University's 1995 NAIA National Championship team 

Siedlik Quote: "Kealy had a strong freshman season on the rightside. She will be looked at both the rightside and middle positions. She is athletic and smart with her shot/swing selection. Kealy is also a strong student." 

Hope and Kiviniemi join earlier signees: 5-8 outside hitter/defensive specialist Ali Butler (Omaha, Neb./Millard South HS), 5-9 outside hitter/defensive specialist Rowyn Scheer (Elkhorn, Neb./Elkhorn South HS), 5-8 outside hitter Aspen Meyer (Nebraska City, Neb./Nebraska City Lourdes Central Catholic HS), 5-9 outside hitter Kylie Wessel (Humphrey, Neb./Humphrey St. Francis HS), and 5-10 middle blocker Kaylani Reis (Salt Lake City, Utah/Arizona Western/West HS).

The Bruins finished the 2022 season with a 28-8 overall record and a No. 14 national ranking, advancing to the NAIA National Tournament for the 15th time in school history. BU shared the NSAA regular-season title with Viterbo after recording a 13-1 conference ledger. The Bruins placed second at the NSAA Post-Season Tournament.