Wheaton, Ill. – Wheaton College head volleyball coach
Eric Plunkett has announced the addition of six freshmen that have submitted their deposit to attend Wheaton College, with the intent to play for the Thunder volleyball team. "I'm thrilled to welcome this group to Wheaton Volleyball," says Plunkett. "They bring a high level of competitiveness and are poised to make an immediate impact on the court. What stands out even more is their commitment to the culture and values of our program. We're excited to get to work and see how they contribute to the continued growth of our team." He concludes, "This new class represents a strong blend of skill, character, and dedication, aligning with the mission and vision of Wheaton Volleyball."
The six newcomers for 2025, with assessments from Coach Plunkett, are:
Reese Donahoe is a 5'8" setter from Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
Coach Plunkett says, "A naturally gifted athlete, Reese stands out for her consistency and precision as a setter. She consistently delivers hittable balls that put her attackers in optimal scoring positions. Beyond her setting skills, she brings a well-rounded game, that contributes to all facets of the game.'
Mary Patrick is a 5'9" outside/right side hitter from nearby Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, Illinois.
Coach Plunkett says, "Mary brings a rare combination of versatility and athleticism to the court, with the ability to contribute effectively at any front-row position. She attacks with range at multiple tempos and is a consistent scoring threat. Her dynamic presence and adaptability will make an immediate impact in our gym, and she is expected to compete at both pin positions."
Mary Hamann is a 6'2" middle blocker from Rolling Meadows High School in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
Coach Plunkett says "Mary brings valuable length, size, and athleticism to our middle blocker group. She makes a strong impact at the net on both offense and defense, influencing play with her presence. Her high-level work ethic and reliability make her a constant option for her teammates, and she's always ready to contribute when called upon."
Miriam Pozdol-Niego is a 5'5" libero from Timothy Christian High School in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Coach Plunkett says "Miriam brings a steady and composed presence to the libero position. She is outstanding in serve receive and consistently extends rallies with her relentless defensive effort. Her competitive mindset and all-out style of play allow her to be in the right position to make plays and elevate those around her."
Riley Baird is a 5'6" setter from Covenant Christian Academy in West Peabody, Massachusetts.
Coach Plunkett says "Riley is a talented and reliable setter with the ability to deliver consistent, accurate sets pin to pin from anywhere on the court. She excels at creating advantageous opportunities for her hitters and running a smooth, efficient offense. A natural leader, Riley commands the court with confidence, and it's clear her teammates trust and rally around her."
Karalyn Osborne is a 5'10" setter/right side hitter transferring from Wilmington University in Wilmington, Delaware.
Coach Plunkett says "Karalyn brings a wealth of collegiate experience, and a dynamic skill set that allows her to impact the game both as a setter and an attacker. Her ability to run an offense while also being a scoring threat makes her a valuable dual-threat player. With her experience and presence, Karalyn is poised to be a key contributor and a strong leader for our program this season."
