By: UMW Sports Information
Montana Western head volleyball coach Katie Lovett has announced the signing of four student-athletes to NAIA National Letters of Intent for the 2022 season.
"We are very excited to have these athletes join our team next fall," Lovett says. "They are outstanding people on and off the court and will help us continue to grow this program year after year."
Jordan Olson | 6'0 | RS/MB | Billings, Mont. / Billings Skyview HS
Olson is a right side and middle blocker from Billings Skyview High School in Billings, Montana. She averaged 0.77 blocks per set for the Skyview Falcons and was one of the Falcons' go-to hitters during her three years on varsity.
Coach Lovett says, "We are excited to have Jordan joining the program and everything she brings to the court. She has a very competitive spirit and will work to rise to a challenge."
Olson adds, "I chose UMW for not only the unbeatable academic program, but the amazing environment the team brings to the court. I remember practicing with them for the first time and having a realization moment that this is where I want to be and something I want to be a part of."
Elyce Palmer | 5'0 | DS/L | Flagstaff, Ariz. / Coconino HS
Palmer is a libero and defensive specialist from Flagstaff, Arizona and will be graduating from Coconino High School this spring. She is a two-time all-region player and the 2021 4A Grand Canyon Defensive Player of the Year. In the 2021 season, Palmer tallied 340 digs for the Coconino Panthers.
Palmer talks about what went into her decision to become a Bulldog—"I chose to come to Western because of the team and coaches, the unique Experience One program, and the community of Dillon."
"Elyce is a very positive and hard-working player who will add a different dynamic to our defense," coach Lovett says. "She fits in great with the team here and has a ton of potential to grow."
Kara Pospisil | 5'11| Utility | Billings, Mont. / Billings Senior HS
Kara Pospisil is a utility hitter from Billings, Montana and graduated from Billings Senior High School. Kara was a part of the academic all-state team in 2020.
"Kara is a go-getter on offense and always wants the ball. I can see her fitting in really well here at Western and her level of competitiveness will help her continue to grow," coach Lovett says.
Kara joins the Bulldogs this spring after graduating high school in December. "Talking to Coach Lovett, practicing with the team on my visit, and the camp I went to over the summer made me sure this was a program I really wanted to be a part of," Kara says about her decision on choosing Western.
Kaitlyn Van Well | 5'8 | OH | Dallas, Ore. / Dallas HS
Van Well is a four-year varsity outside hitter from Dallas, Oregon. She was an all-state selection her senior year and earned recognition within her league as one of the top players for three seasons straight.
"Kaitlyn's level of volleyball IQ paired with her competitiveness is something special. She has been a go-to hitter for her high school and club teams the past couple of seasons and understands how to be cool under pressure. I'm excited to see how Kaitlyn can impact this program in the upcoming years," Lovett said.
Van Well comes from a volleyball family with her sister, Hailey, playing volleyball at Southern Oregon, who recently earned 2021 AVCA Regional Freshman of the Year honors.