Michigan State Volleyball Adds Five Newcomers for 2013 Class
11/14/2012 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 14, 2012
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State volleyball head coach Cathy George announced on Wednesday, Nov. 14, the addition five players to the Spartan volleyball team for the 2013 season. Four of the five student-athletes are 6-4 or taller, with the fifth checking in at 6-2. The Spartans added the No. 4 senior recruit and the No. 70 senior in the country according to PrepVolleyball.com.
The following will join Michigan State in the fall, Chloe Reinig (OH, 6-4, South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon), Allyssah Fitterer (MB, 6-2, Barrie, Ont./Assumption Catholic Academy), Brooke Kranda (MB/OPP, 6-6, Westfield, Ind./Westfield), Autumn Christenson (MB, 6-4, Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall), and Megan Tompkins (MB, 6-4, Petoskey, Mich./Petoskey).
"This is probably one of the most impressive recruiting classes we've had at MSU," George said. "The depth, athleticism, physicality and the ability levels of all the players is exceptional. It's obvious to us that some players will see court time immediately while others will work on their skills and be a major force in the future. The size will be incredible, with the players ranging anywhere from 6-2 to 6-6. We know that we need to bring that height advantage and the physicality to the Spartan roster in order to reach the goals that we have set for our program."
Below is a look at the accomplishments of each player:
 Chloe Reinig  | |
Chloe Reinig • 6-4 • Outside Hitter • South Lyon, Mich./South Lyon
Three-year letter winner at South Lyon High School playing for head coach Mindy Collins ... Rated the No. 4 senior recruit in the country by PrepVolleyball.com ... Named a 2012-13 Under Armour First-Team All-American ... Helped Marian High School to a Class A State Championship in 2009, her freshman year ... Is a 2012 Miss Volleyball Nominee ... Broke the single-season record for South Lyon in kills in her junior season with 653 ... Is a two-time first team All-State selection ... Was also selected to the all-conference and all-region teams all four years of high school ... Selected to the U.S. Girls Select A1 Team in 2009 and 2010 ... Was also all-county in 2010, 2011 and 2012 ... Recognized by PrepVolleyball.com as one of the Top 50 juniors in the country in 2011 ... Played for Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy from 2009-12 and qualified for nationals in 2009 and 2012 ... Was named to the honor roll four consecutive years and was awarded an academic letter in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
George on Reinig: "I have been watching Chloe play since seventh grade! She is one of the highest rated recruits to ever join the Spartan program. We have enjoyed watching Chloe's game grow through the years. She is a well rounded player who is capable of being a force in both the front and back row. Her impact will be felt immediately."
 Allyssah Fitterer | |
Was an All Star at the Canadian Nationals in 2010 and 2011 ... Led the team to a first place finish at Canadian Nationals as a sophomore ... Plays for Canada Defensa Volleyball Club ... Named the Most Promising Athlete in 2009-10 ... Won the IMPACT Award and was honored with the Coaches Award ... Recognized on the honor roll in 2009 and 2011 ... Brother, Zach plays football at Queen's University.
George on Fitterer: "Allyssah Fitterer is a fierce competitor. She's very versatile and is able to play all three positions in the front row. We'll look for Allyssah to solidify our lineup wherever it needs strengthening. Her skill set and intensity will enable her to excel in any role she fills. Her overall game is very solid and she will look to make an impact from day one."
Brooke Kranda • 6-6 • Middle Blocker/Opposite • Westfield, Ind./Westfield
 Brooke Kranda | |
George on Kranda: "She's grown so fast over the years and we've watched her get better and better as she's developed. She is coming into her own right now as she's feeling much more comfortable carrying her 6-6 frame. We've watched her make strides throughout her high school season and look for that development to continue with the Munciana Samurai club team this spring. Brooke is a force to be reckoned with and we'll continue to groom her and get her ready to have an exceptional career here at MSU."
Autumn Christenson • 6-4 • Middle Blocker • Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall
 Autumn Christenson | |
George on Christenson: "Autumn Christenson was set back in her junior year with an injury, but bounced back in her senior season nicely. It is amazing for us to see how well she's doing and the way that she's leading her team to the state tournament. Her speed, intensity, and competitive spirit really show through in the way she goes about her game. She has a lightning fast arm that will make her a valuable offensive weapon in the Big Ten!"
Megan Tompkins • 6-4 • Middle Blocker • Petoskey, Mich./Petoskey
 Megan Tompkins | |
George on Tompkins: "Megan Tompkins is a player that we found at our camp and she turned our heads right away as a sophomore. She has the potential to contribute so much over the years and we are excited about her growth and development. She's 6-4, touches 10-4, and has a heavy arm; a very nice combination. She played all the way around for her team as a middle this year and really impacted the game from both the front and back row. We'll look to her primarily in the middle but we feel like her knowledge of the game has grown immensely over the course of the past year."