Women's Volleyball Reloads for 2024 Season
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Community College women's volleyball is excited to welcome a stellar lineup of recruits for its 2024 women's volleyball team. The Lakers who are coming off their third-straight NJCAA Region III title and national tournament appearance will look to reload their squad for another championship run. The Lakers will look to become the first team in Region III to claim four-straight regional titles since Jamestown Community College won their fifth straight in 1999.
Leading the pack is Anna Kurtzhalts, a 5'11" outside hitter from Grand Island HS and Niagara Frontier VBC, who will also be playing softball for the Lakers. A member of the National Honor Society and an officer in several student organizations, Anna is a nine-season NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete. She is anticipated to be a pivotal player in the Lakers' lineup, bringing her experience and powerful attack to fill the void left by two-time NJCAA Division III All-American Brooke DeGroff (Castile, N.Y./Letchworth) who will be graduating in the spring.
Coming into the program with three NYSPHSAA Class C State Championships under her belt is Emily Jordan. Jordan is a 5'4" libero/DS from Portville HS and Octane VBC; she is also a member of the OC Beach Volleyball Club. Emily's exceptional skills in serving, passing, and defense are expected to make her one of the top servers in the NJCAA next season. With a background in a strong Portville program, Jordan is a promising prospect for the Lakers 2024 squad.
Brooke Poutre, a 5'10" outside hitter from Saratoga High School and Lakeside Volleyball Club, brings a legacy of volleyball excellence to the table, being the daughter of a former NCAA Division I volleyball player. Her powerful swing and versatility as a pin hitter will be key to the Lakers' attack in the upcoming season.
Halie Scouten, a multi-talented athlete from Elba HS and Sunsetters VBC, plays as a 5'9" middle/outside hitter. As a member of the Lancers volleyball program, Scouten brings championship experience and is expected to make a big impact with her size, athleticism, and versatility. Jackie Neureuter, a 5'7" setter from Pembroke HS and VolleyFX VBC, stands out as a strong setter who significantly contributed to the Dragons squad in her senior season. Her leadership as Student Council President and involvement in various clubs paired with her skills in setting, hitting, and blocking, make her a valuable addition to the team.
From Penn Yan HS and Eastside Ice VBC, Lillian Marsh, a 5'10" right side/outside hitter will bring well-rounded and consistent play to the Lakers lineup. Notable for her versatility and range of skills on the court, Marsh will be an asset to the team's performance. Vivien Libby, towering at 6'1", is a middle hitter from Pine Valley HS and 716 United VBC. As a multi-sport athlete, Libby made her presence felt on the soccer pitch and basketball court during her high school career. Her strength in blocking will be a valuable area of improvement from last year's Lakers squad.
Chloe Dailey, a 5'5" outside hitter from Bishop Grimes HS and Koda Crown VBC, brings passion and dedication. Her solid performance on the volleyball hardwood, along with her experience in indoor track and golf, promises a great addition to the team. A local talent, Brianna Bansbach, from Gates Chili HS and Sunsetters VBC is expected to provide much-needed depth to the Lakers lineup. Bansbach, a 5'6" setter, is a high honor roll and AP student at Gates Chili, with diverse sports experience.
The 2024 Lakers, bolstered by their recruits along with a strong returning core, which will feature redshirt freshman Kayce Hennekey (Rochester, N.Y./Irondequoit), are well-positioned for their fourth straight NJCAA Region III title. The Lakers will put their talent to the test to open the season as the program takes a trip to Rockford, Illinois for the Opening Weekend Tournament, the largest NJCAA volleyball tournament in the country from August 23-25, 2024.