Dec. 8, 2004
Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago Head Volleyball Coach Nancy Mueller announced on Wednesday afternoon, that she has signed setter Nicole Dolgner (Waupun, Wis./Waupun), middle hitter Keri Hee (Honolulu, Hawaii/Kalani) and right side/middle hitter Christin Hunt (Freeburg, Ill./Freeburg) to National Letters of Intent to play for the Flames in 2005.
"I am very excited to be adding this group of young women to the program," Mueller said. "The dynamics these three athletes will be bringing to this program is definitely a part of the formula for our future success.
"All three players will immediately challenge for starting roles and be impact players in their first season here at UIC."
Dolgner, a 5-9 setter, led Waupun to two WIAA Division II state championships and four consecutive conference titles during her career. As a senior, Dolgner was named to the All-Conference First Team, All-State Second Team and to the All-Tournament Team at the State Championships.
"Niki is a fierce competitor, who comes from a high school program that has one of the richest volleyball traditions in the country," Mueller said. "She is a very fluid setter who likes to control the tempo of the game.
"It is this leadership quality that I am looking for in my future quarterback."
Hee, a 5-9 middle hitter, pushed Kalani to four State Tournament appearances, highlighted by a third-place finish in 2003 and four trips to the Oahu Interscholastic Association Tournament, culminating with a championship in 2003. As a senior, Hee was named to the All-OIA East Second Team.
"Keri is a quick, athletic middle blocker, who does a great job for her size," Mueller said. "She has a feisty competitive attitude that is infectious and is something this team needs.
"Keri will bring her drive and competitiveness to practice daily and be a consistent contributor to this team's success."
Hunt, a 6-1 right side/middle hitter, led Freeburg in kills (231), hitting percentage (.402) and blocks (141) as a senior. Hunt earned four varsity letters during her career, helping the Midgets to two appearances in the `Sweet 16' of the state tournament as a freshman and junior.
"Christin is a versatile, quick jumping athlete who can quickly become a presence on the right side for this team," Mueller said. "With her size and ability, Christin will be a solid contributor on both sides of the ball."
