Volleyball

Nov. 14, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Kentucky volleyball team has inked three players for the 2012 season head coach Craig Skinner announced on Monday.

The Wildcats will welcome three highlight touted players in setter Morgan Bergren (Muncie, Ind.), middle blocker Sara Schwarzwalder (North Royalton, Ohio) and right side hitter Shelby Workman (Overland Park, Kan.).

“We as a staff are very excited about this incoming class,” Skinner said. “They are all competitive athletes who are very driven to succeed. We have a great tradition and culture of competitive athletes with great character and this group will complement that very well.”

Morgan Bergren

Bergren is a dynamic 6’1 setter from the Munciana Volleyball Club. She ranks among the top 150 Senior Aces by PrepVolleyball.com and helped guide her club squad to the AAU National Championship in 2011. For her efforts she was tabbed the tournament’s most valuable player. No stranger to success, Bergren has also aided her high school squad to a state championship in 2008.

“Morgan is a tremendous addition to the program,” Skinner said. “She will definitely carry on the tradition of great setters we have had in this program. Her teams have been consistent winners and that mentality will be contagious as a Wildcat.” 

Sara Schwarzwalder

Schwarzwalder is a 6’3 middle blocker who suits up for the Maverick A.C.E. club squad. She is currently rated as the nation’s No. 61 recruit by PrepVolleyball. Schwarzwalder garnered All-Ohio second team status in 2011 as well as earning The Post’s first-team honors in 2010. Furthermore, Schwarzwalder was tabbed the North Coast Power League most valuable player this season.

“Sara is an incredible athlete with a dynamic motor that won’t quit,” Skinner said. “She has all of the tools to be a big time blocker at this level. Her work ethic and competitive demeanor will immediately give her a chance to contribute right away at the middle position.”

Shelby Workman

Rounding out the talented class is Workman, a 6’1 right-side hitter from the KC Power club. Workman captured the 2010 Kansas 5A Player of the Year honors and was named among the All-State tournament team in all four seasons of action. She is rated as one of the top-65 players among PrepVolleyball and was an All-America selection. ESPN also ranks Workman as one of the top-25 seniors in the nation.

“Shelby is one of the most polished volleyball players we have recruited to Kentucky,” Skinner said. “She can perform all skills on the court at a really high level. This is one of the biggest reasons why she has won numerous championships during her career in club and high school.”

Kentucky’s Memorial Coliseum will play host to the NCAA Regionals Dec. 9-10. UK is one of four sites selected for Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups with one team advancing to the Final Four in San Antonio, Texas, from the Lexington Region. Opening night matches are scheduled for 5 and 7 p.m. ET. Saturday’s final is set for a 4:30 p.m. ET first serve.

Tickets are now on sale through the UK Ticket Office. All-Session Tickets are reserved for all ages at $14. General Admission tickets for adults are priced at $12 and students or seniors’ general admission is slated for $8.

Single session tickets are priced at $8 for reserved for all ages. General admission for adults is priced at $7, with students and seniors priced at $5. Youth single session tickets are $4.

For tickets or more information feel free to call, 1-800-928-CATS.

Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the UK volleyball team and all of Kentucky’s 22 teams.

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