ORIGINALLY WRITTEN
The Tabor College women’s volleyball team has signed four Kansas athletes for this fall.
The signees are: Traci Neufeld, a 5-foot-8 setter and hitter from Hesston High School; Kelsi Suderman, a 6-0 outside hitter from Anderson County High School in Garnett; and Staci Whitcomb and Lindsey Vogts, a 5-7 outside hitter and a 5-10 middle hitter, respectively, both from Moundridge High School.
Neufeld was a unanimous MCAA All-League and an honorable mention All-Class 3A State selection in 2002. She helped lead her team to an MCAA title, a sub-state championship, a third-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament and a 29-8 season record.
Neufeld is a member of the National Honor Roll Society and the U.S. Achievement Academy in science and leadership and service. She is an All-American Scholar Award recipient.
Tabor coach Amy Ratzlaff said she is pleased to sign the Hesston standout.
“We’re excited to have an athlete like Traci join the team,” she said. “Not only will we benefit from her setting abilities, we’ll also benefit from her intense pursuit of the ball on defense.”
Suderman was selected to the All-Frontier League Team and the Ottawa Herald All-Area Team after leading her team to titles in two area tournaments and a 28-7 record overall.
Suderman has a 3.84 grade-point average at ACHS and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Ratzlaff said Suderman’s size and strength will be a key contribution to the upcoming season.
“Kelsi will bring an element of power combined with height that we will need,” Ratzlaff said. “Her spirit really fits with what Tabor is all about, and our program will move forward having her abilities on the team.”
Whitcomb and Vogts helped lead the MHS Wildcats to a Class 3A state championship in 2002, plus a 35-2 season record and several tournament titles.
Whitcomb played in four state championship games during her high school career and was picked for the Class 2A All-State Team, Class 2A All-State Tournament Team and First-Team All-Heart of America League.
Over her career, Whitcomb helped lead MHS to an overall record of 132-17 over the past four seasons.
“The addition of Staci to the team is immeasurable,” Ratzlaff said. “She brings power combined with knowledge of the game that many in the area have not had the opportunity to experience. Her presence on the court will be a big part of the next four years.”
Vogts, meanwhile, was named to the Class 2A All-State Team, Class 2A All-State Tournament Team and First-Team All-Heart of American League.
During her time with the Wildcats, Vogts compiled 690 kills, 246 blocks and a career serving percentage of 95.1.
Ratzlaff said Vogts will make an immediate impact on her team.
“Lindsey brings so many things to our program,” Ratzlaff said. “Her versatility and competitive spirit, combined with her leadership qualities and character, will make her a solid part of our squad and our future.”
