Wheaton, Ill. - Thunder head volleyball coach Brittany Smith has announced the addition of four newcomers that have submitted their deposit to attend Wheaton College, with the intent to play for the Thunder volleyball team beginning in the fall of 2016.

Smith states, "We are very excited to announce our schedule for the 2016 season, as well as the 2016 incoming class."

The program will compete against a difficult out-of-conference schedule. Opening weekend has Wheaton playing two NCAA tournament teams, Wartburg College and Bethel College, at the Bethel Invitational. After a midweek contest on the road, the Thunder travel to southern California to face the NCAA National Champion, Cal Lutheran at the Posada Royale Invitational in Thousand Oaks.

Conference play for the Thunder begins at home on September 14 in King Arena against CCIW rival and nationally ranked foe Elmhurst College. Wheaton additional non-conference play, going to nationally ranked Steven's Point, Wisconsin, Calvin College and Hope College.

"I'm excited about our schedule next fall," states Smith. "If we want to be competitive in our conference, we must play nationally ranked teams. But with good balance in our play schedule, and the opportunity to play high level competition, I think our team will have the experience and confidence we need to make it a great year."

Wheaton returns all letterwinners after graduating three seniors, and one starter, libero Kelli Manning. With the addition of four offensive players, Wheaton adds significant depth to the roster and immediate impact to the squad.

"Our incoming freshman class is incredibly athletic, powerful and has the chance to impact our program immediately. These young women turned down scholarship opportunities to come to Wheaton as they valued the strong academics, Christ-centered focus and intentional community at school and in our program. We needed more offensive options, and these four absolutely give us that," says Coach Smith.

"Additionally, I'm excited that all the work of this past season in areas of competitiveness, team culture and hard work has the chance to impact us this fall. Our seniors did a fantastic job with our team culture, and after a great spring of competitive play, our current seniors, Ashley Torok, Shelby Knowles and Sara Reiskytl, are ready to lead the team to work hard for each other and the Lord, and play to win."
 

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The four freshmen slated to join the Thunder program this fall are:

Ellie M. Brown (Medford, Ore./Cascade Christian High School) 

Ellie is a 5' 11' middle hitter that competed for Cascade Christian High School and Rogue Valley Volleyball Club; and has plans on studying Physical Therapy at Wheaton. She has received numerous athletic honors including First Team All-League, Second Team Team All-State and was a team captain. She helped lead her team to four years of undefeated league play, and a third-place place finish in the state her junior year. Ellie is the daughter of Bob and Pam Brown.

Ellie says, "I choose Wheaton College because the minute I stepped on campus I knew it was where the Lord was calling me to go. Not only is the school exceptional, but every single person on campus was a confirmation that this college was full of quality, God fearing individuals who were different than the norm. I wanted to be a part of that movement and a part of a team that truly played for the glory of the Lord."
 

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Judianne Schoenborn (Austin, Texas/Dripping Springs High School)

A 6' 0" opposite hitter, Judianne competed for both Dripping Springs High School and Austin Juniors Volleyball Club. She has been named Academic All-State twice, and was a member of the National Honor Society in 2014-2016. She has been a four-time Academic All-District player. Judianne has played four years of varsity volleyball and went from a Regional Quarterfinalist her freshman year to State Champions her senior year. She was All-State honorable mention in 2014 & 2015, and received the Coaches Award her senior season.
Judianne is the daughter of Randy and Jill. She has two older brothers, one of whom is mentally handicapped, who has blessed her life and impacted her in many ways.

Judianne mentions, "I chose Wheaton College because of the strong Christian community and background. I loved the campus and small size. After meeting Coach Smith and the rest of the team, Wheaton felt like home. I am so excited for my adventure 1,000 miles away from home!"
 

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Madeline Moore (Jupiter, Fla./Jupiter Christian High School)

Madeline is is a 6' 0" outside hitter who has played volleyball for both Jupiter Christian High School and Palm Beach Juniors Volleyball Club. She has been heavily involved in student leadership at her high school including: Student Government Association President (three years); National Honor Society Vice President (two years); and International Thespian Society Member. She was named the Jupiter Christian 2016 class Salutatorian, and has received numerous academic excellence awards. Madeline was named team MVP in her junior and senior seasons, was the Female Athlete of the Year, was the team captain her senior year. She holds the school record for kills, and was named First Team All-County by the Palm Beach Post and Sun Sentinel.

Madeline is the daughter of Bill and Leah Moore, and the oldest of four siblings: Clayton, Dalton and Allison. Her family has a legacy of college athletics as her mother was a swimmer at Bethany College, and her grandfather played football for The Ohio State University.

Madeline states, "I choose Wheaton for is unparalleled combination of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and an unwavering love for Christ. When I walked on to Wheaton's campus and met Coach Smith and the members of the volleyball team, I knew that Wheaton was where the Lord wanted me to be. Wheaton gives me the opportunity to pursue a medical career, but also have time to devote myself to volleyball and grow immensely in my faith. The professors that I have met so far have a desire to pour into my education and spiritual wellbeing, which is unique to Wheaton. I am beyond thankful to the Lord, my parents, my teachers, my extended family and my coaches for giving me the opportunity to attend Wheaton. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store!"
 

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Meghan Lacey (La Canada Flintridge, California/Village Christian High School)

Meghan is a 6' 0" outisde hitter who has played at Village Christian High School and for the San Gabriel Elite volleyball club. Meghan graduated with honors, and received numerous academic and leadership awards in high school including: Ronald Reagan Leadership Program honors; Ministry and Social Justice recognition; Elevate Leadership Program; National Honor Society; Scholar Athlete and Academic Team awards; and several scholarships and awards. In addition to her academic positions, Meghan also was named the state Homecoming Queen and will represent all the California Queens at the National Finals in Memphis, Tennessee this summer.  

Meghan also has excelled on the volleyball court, participating in High Performance programs, AVCA Youth Phenom program, USA Beach High Performance, ACVA Under Armor All-American Watch List, AAU's All-Star Global Challenge High Performance team, National Christian School Athletic Association All-American, and was selected for the United World Games USA Volleyball Tam. She helped lead her team as a senior to the CIF Southern State Championship game. She was named Star ot the Match for the CIF Southern Section Match and was a two-time member of the All-CIF Southern Section Volleyball Team. She also was named to the Los Angeles Daily News Second Team All-Area, and was a three-time All-League honoree and League MVP. Meghan is the daughter of Patrick and Monique Lacey and her brother Preston.

"I felt called to attend Wheaton Collegefor its God-centered education where it will challenge and strengthen my faith. Going to Wheaton gives me the opportunity to expand my faith, serve others, and be apart of a community that shines the light of God in everything it does. I feel honored and extremely humbled to be surrounding myself with like-minded, God-filled young men and women. Wheaton volleyball is a new mission field that I will be embarking full of gifted teammates and coaches. I can't wait to see what God has in store."