Eight Mustangs Honored by NJCAA for Academics

Western Wyoming Community College volleyball had eight students recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) for receiving Academic Student-Athlete Awards.  

The NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Awards were previously known as NJCAA Academic All-American honors. The NJCAA has renamed its academic awards program to the following:

NJCAA Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence (4.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale),

NJCAA Award for Superior Academic Achievement (3.80 to 3.99 on a 4.00 scale),

NJCAA Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement (3.60 to 3.79 on a 4.00 scale).

The Mustangs had one player receive the NJCAA Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence.  Susan Lindley (Iona, ID) maintained a 4.0 GPA during her time in Rock Springs.

Mustangs receiving the NJCAA Award for Superior Academic Achievement are Jocelyn Ostermiller (Rexburg, ID/3.91) and Cori Perrault (Las Cruces, NM/3.98).  

Receiving the NJCAA Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement for Western Wyoming is Kortnie Christiansen (Fielding, UT/3.61), Brooke Friesen (Davison, MI/3.75), Makayla Keck (Idaho Falls, ID/3.63), Olivera Medic (Subotica, Serbia/3.73), and Breonna Phillips (Paul, ID/3.73).

"This is a great accomplishment by these students," head coach Rick Reynolds stated.  "They epitomize what this program is about on and off the court and I am proud they are being recognized for their hard work.  To have eight players with this type of success in the classroom is a testament to Western Wyoming's faculty and staff and their commitment to excellence for our students."

"I am thankful for the success we had on and off the court this year," Reynolds continued.  "The Board of Trustees, Dr. Karla Leach, Dr. Jackie Freeze, Dr. Lu Sweet, and the administration provide us with the resources necessary to achieve success in both arenas.  These resources allow students who come to Western Wyoming with an opportunity to become a better person, student, and athlete."  

The Mustang volleyball program won the NJCAA Volleyball Academic Team of the Year Award for the first time in program history with a 3.63 team GPA and finished 2nd at the NJCAA National Championship in November to mark the highest finish at the Championship.  Their regular season record of 39-3 was the highest winning percentage posted since the program was reinstated in 2001.     

To see all the Western Wyoming students who received this award, please visit this link NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Award.

About NJCAA

Since 1938 the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has been the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. Now entering its 75th anniversary, the NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. NJCAA Headquarters has been located in Colorado Springs, Colo., since 1985. For more information visit www.njcaa.org.



Mustangs NJCAA Academic Team of the Year

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) released the list of the 2011-2012 All-Academic Teams Award and Western Wyoming Community College volleyball team was on the list.  Teams must have a 3.0 GPA to receive the NJCAA All-Academic Team Award.  The Mustangs had a 3.63 team GPA and was named the NJCAA Volleyball Academic Team of the Year.   

"This achievement means a lot to this team," head coach Rick Reynolds said.  "It became one of our goals to be the best team on the court and in the classroom and I am very proud of the effort the girls put forth to try and accomplish this." 

The Region IX Champion Mustangs finished the season on the court in the NJCAA National Championship game falling short in a tough four-set loss to Blinn College.  Their 2nd place finish on the court and 1st place finish in the classroom shows the commitment to excellence WWCC has made academically and athletically. 

"This institution is committed to making sure our students are achieving success in classroom," Reynolds discussed.  "Our faculty are great to work with.  They are supportive of our students and their difficult schedules due to travel, practice, and events.  I am grateful to be a part of Western Wyoming and thankful the college recognizes academic and athletic success can go hand in hand."

For WWCC volleyball, this is the first time the team has finished first in the Academic Team of the Year standings.  In 2010-2011, they finished tied for 8th with Eastern Arizona College and Pratt Community College with a 3.45 GPA.  Overall, this is the third time the Mustangs have received the NJCAA All-Academic Team Award during Reynolds' tenure and sixth overall since 2001.

"I am excited about the success we are having here on and off the court," Reynolds says.  "It says alot about the character of the people we are bringing in and their willingness to buy in to the Mustang Way and the expectations we have."

The 2012 Western Wyoming Mustangs begin preparation in August for the upcoming season.  They will begin the season on the road at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, IA on August 23rd at 7:00 pm and the Iowa Western Fall Preview on Friday and Saturday.  The first home game of the season will be August 28th at 6:00 pm against Salt Lake Community College.

About NJCAA

Since 1938 the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has been the governing body of two-year college athletics, offering athletic and academic opportunities to college students. Now entering its 75th anniversary, the NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States with over 500 member schools in 43 states. Each year over 60,000 student-athletes compete in one of 28 different sports and the organization sponsors 48 national championship events and nine football bowl games. NJCAA Headquarters has been located in Colorado Springs, Colo., since 1985. For more information visit www.njcaa.org.

Camp Dates Available

Mustang Volleyball Camp information is available now.  Our camp website has all the latest news regarding upcoming camps.  Registration forms and medical forms are listed so you can have everything you need to attend Mustang Volleyball Camps.  Make sure you visit the site if you are interested in knowing more about what we have to offer.  The link to the website is http://www.eliteelevation.com/.

Camps available this year on campus at Western Wyoming Community College are an All Skills Camp, Hitter Camp, Setter Camp, Ball Control Camp, and a Setter/Ball Control Camp.  The dates are June 18-20. 

Mustang Volleyball Camps recently returned from doing a middle school skills camp in Baggs, WY.  Our staff offers team or skills camp to your community.  Please contact us if you think this is something you would be interested in hosting for your school or community!

Mustang Volleyball Camps will be doing a skills camp in Evanston, WY on July 24-26. 

For the latest information, visit http://www.eliteelevation.com/.

Former WWCC Player Joins Mustang Staff

There are times in your life you are allowed to go home. In the case of Jessica (Wilson) Anderson, returning to Rushmore Gymnasium is an opportunity she felt she could not pass up.

"I am excited about adding Coach Jess to our staff," head coach Rick Reynolds stated when discussing the hire of Anderson. "She is very familiar with our program as a former player and more recently as a volunteer.  She will be a great asset in practice and in recruiting."

"It is exciting to be back at Western Wyoming. I really enjoyed my time as a student and athlete here."

Anderson worked this past fall on staff as a volunteer and was instrumental in helping train 1st Team All-American Makayla Keck. "Having Jess on staff will be great. She came in a couple of days a week this past fall.  She has the knowledge of the game we need and will be valuable in devloping the team daily as we strive to achieve our goals," said Reynolds.

During the 2009-2010 year, Anderson was the assistant coach for Manila High School in Utah. She also spent time from 2006-2008 with Bonneville Volleyball Club in Idaho Falls, ID while finishing her degree at Brigham Young University-Idaho. 

"I look forward to working with Coach and gaining experience at an elite level. I really enjoyed being part of the staff this past fall and cannot wait to get in the gym in August. The program has had a lot of success in the last couple of years and I am grateful for the opportunity to help pursue the ultimate goal of a National Championship ," she stated when asked why she wanted to join the staff.

Anderson played on the first volleyball team at WWCC to win the Region IX Championship in 2004 and they finished 8th at the NJCAA National Championship after a 1st round upset of Blinn College. At the Region Tournament, she was named to the All-Tournament Team.

"I believe it is great when you can have former players on your staff. I think it tells recruits how much they appreciated their time at Western Wyoming and what type of experience you can have. It is great for our college to have alumni who want to come back and make sure future students have the same great experience they had," says Reynolds on having alumni join the staff.

"I know the expectations are high for the program. What Coach has done is make WWCC a perennial power in the NJCAA. I embrace the goals he has for the program and the challenge it is to make sure the program stays on top," Anderson said when discussing the success of the recent past.

The 2012 season is right around the corner.  The Mustangs will start the season on the road in Council Bluffs, IA.  The first home game will be against Region XVIII power Salt Lake Community College at 6:00 pm on August 28th.  The game will be part of Kick-Off Day at Western Wyoming the day before classes start. 

WWCC Signs Stansbury (UT) High's Hannah Allred

Hannah Allred, a 6' outside hitter from Tooele, UT, signed a letter of intent with Western Wyoming Community College recently. Allred, a Utah 3A All State Team member, joins the Mustangs following a great career at Stansbury High School. She also was All State at the 4A level in the fall of 2010.

"Hannah brings a wealth of experience to our program," stated 4th year head coach Rick Reynolds. "I am excited at the versatility Hannah brings to our gym. She can play on the left and right and will be a big factor in our ball control."

"I chose Western Wyoming because of the wonderful volleyball program, the fantastic people who live in Rock Springs, and the great classes I get to take," Allred said while talking about why she chose to be a Mustang.

Stansbury was a new high school three years ago when Allred transferred in and made an impact on the court. She hopes to bring the same passion for success in creating traditions at Stansbury to Rock Springs.

"My goals at Western to get better at the sport I adore and make new everlasting relationships with amazing people. I hope to bring a lot of courage and fight to the team."

Allred joins a Mustang program coming off a 39-3 season and a 2nd Place finish at the NJCAA National Championship. "I could not be more happy to be going to Western. I am thrilled I could be lucky enough to be a part of this."

Five Mustangs are returning for their second season and the Tooele native looks forward to joining them this fall. "I have met a few of the girls but they were all so kind-hearted. It reflects on the program Coach has built. They all seem to be so happy to be at WWCC."

Western Wyoming will begin the 2012 season in Council Bluffs, IA with an away game on Thursday and then a tournament on Friday and Saturday. Opponents will include Iowa Western Community College, San Jacinto College-Central, and Eastern Arizona College.

Cindy Davis Picks Western Wyoming

Cindy Davis is joining Western Wyoming Community College volleyball for the 2012 season.  Davis, a 5-6 libero/defensive specialist, is coming to the Mustang program from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, ID.  She starred as an outside hitter for the Grizzlies leading the team in kills, aces, and digs. 

"Cindy is a great addition to our program," head coach Rick Reynolds said.  "She is going to have an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the libero position and makes us immediately better in our ball control."

The two-time team MVP is excited to get to Rock Springs.  Davis mentioned, "I really like the campus and the feel I got from it.  I just feel that it is where I'm supposed to be!"

Davis was voted to the All District Team three times and has received the High Country All Conference Academic Award three times.  She hopes to continue to achieve at a high level both on and off the court at Western Wyoming.  "My goals are to get an excellent education and learn as much as I can in the classroom as well as on the court. I'd like to become a better volleyball player and contribute my own strengths to the team while improving everyday."

The multi-sport star has excelled in track and basketball and will be bringing this athleticism and competitiveness to the Mustangs.  "I hope to bring a hard work ethic, a positive attitude, and overall good character."

Davis is an active member of student government and her community and looks forward to joining the Mustangs.  "I am so excited to be a part of Mustang volleyball! When I came to tryout the team was awesome and Coach Reynolds has been very caring and considerate throughout my decision process. I know this reflects on the program and I'm look forward to starting the season."

Western Wyoming had a 39-3 record in 2011 and finished 2nd at the NJCAA National Championship.

Leah Heger Signs with Mustang Volleyball

Leah Heger, a 5'9 outside hitter from St. George, UT, signed with Western Wyoming Community College.  Heger, a Salt Lake Tribune 3A All State Team member, comes to the Mustangs following a stellar three-year career at Snow Canyon High School.

"We are excited to have Leah join our program," head coach Rick Reynolds stated.  "She is a winner and brings a competitive attitude to the gym." 

The two-time 4A State Champion (2009 and 2010) and 2011 3A State Runner-up has achieved great success off the court at Snow Canyon.  She recently received the Sterling Scholar Award for Agricultural Science for her high school and finished runner-up to be named Region Sterling Scholar.  Heger was one of 12 girls named Academic All-State in Volleyball.  She received the same award in Swimming.

"I chose Western Wyoming not only for their impressive record and remarkable athlete, but also for their high standard in academics," Heger discussed when asked why Western Wyoming was the best place for her.  "It's a good environment to be with girls and coaches that support you in that aspect."

As a swimmer, Heger earned 16 medals at the region meets and six medals at the state meets in her four-years.  The co-captain of both volleyball and swim teams will focus on volleyball at Western Wyoming and has some big goals for herself and the team.

"My goals are to keep the winning tradition going and to escalate the skill level.  I want to be a leader and encourage, motivate, and support the girls in anyway I can.  Another goal is to drive a competitive atmosphere to make the Mustang gym a productive place," Heger mentioned while discussing her future as a Mustang.

Success in high school has only fueled her passion to succeed at the collegiate level.  "I bring the confidence to win and determination to progress during my time at WWCC.  I understand what it takes to be mentally tough and focused on the task at hand.  I have won two state championships and one second place so I know how to compete and inspire other to that same goal."

Heger looks forward to being a Mustang.  "I cannot wait to be a Mustang and train with exceptionally talented athletes.  I'm honored to play for Coach Reynolds and his unparalleled team.  It is such a privilege to call myself a Western Wyoming Mustang!"

The Mustangs are coming off the best finish in school history with a 39-3 record, second consecutive Region IX North Championship, and a 2nd Place finish at the NJCAA National Championship. 

Medic Chooses Florida State

Olivera Medic, a 6-1 outside from Subotica, Serbia, signed with Florida State University (FSU)on National Signing Day. Medic joins a Seminole program coming off the best season in school and Atlantic Coast Conference history. FSU made it the NCAA Final Four losing to eventual National Champion UCLA.

Medic is the most decorated athlete to ever compete at Western Wyoming Community College. The two-time Region IX Player of the Year and NJCAA All-American put down 947 kills while hitting .312 and picked up 1002 digs. She was also a two-time 1st Team AVCA All American, All Region Team, and WCCAC 1st Team All Conference. She helped guide the Mustangs to an undefeated record in Region IX play in her two years (28-0) and a 3rd place finish at the NJCAA National Championship in 2010 and 2nd place in 2011. Medic was on the NJCAA National Championship All Tournament Team both years.

"Olivera is an amazing volleyball player who made everyone around her better," fourth year Mustang head coach Rick Reynolds said. "She made things look easy but was always looking for ways to improve. I thought she took every challenge I gave her and attacked them. Her serve receive and transitions improved between year one and two and it was the difference in her this second season. She improved her hitting percentage and I think it was due to her willingness to learn and work hard. I think Florida State is getting a great volleyball player but most of all a great person."

Medic joins Viktorija Teivane (University of Memphis) in signing a letter of intent on National Signing Day. They both are join Arielle Allen (West Virginia University) and Brooke Friesen (Tiffin University) as Mustangs moving to new programs for the fall of 2012.

Teivane Signs with Memphis

Viktorija Teivane signed with the University of Memphis on National Signing Day. Teivane, a 5-10 outside hitter from Daugavpils, Latvia, joins a Tiger program in their last season in Conference USA (CUSA) before they join the Big East Conference in 2013. Memphis finished the 2011 season with a 20-13 record and 9-11 in CUSA to finish eighth in conference.

Teivane leaves Western Wyoming Community College after a stellar career posting 644 kills and 761 digs. She is a two-time All-Region and WCCAC 1st Team All Conference member. In leading the Mustangs to a 79-9 record in 2010 and 2011, she never lost a regular season Region IX North game (28-0). Teivane was named to the 2010 NJCAA National Championship All-Tournament Team as the Mustangs finished 3rd. At the 2011 NJCAA National Championship, she posted 30 kills and 59 digs helping guide WWCC to a 2nd place finish.

"Vika is one of the smartest players I have ever coached on the court," Mustang head coach Rick Reynolds stated. "She seems to always know which shot to make on offense, is an above average passer in serve receive, and a defender back row. She had an oustanding career at Western Wyoming on the court and off. I am excited to watch her grow at Memphis and finish her education."

Teivane joins Arielle Allen (West Virginia University) and Brooke Friesen (Tiffin University) as Mustangs joining new programs for the fall of 2012.

Arielle Allen: Mountaineer Update

Here is an article from West Virginia University (WVU) on the Mountaineer volleyball team and their upcoming spring season. Former Mustang Arielle Allen joined the program in January. Allen has switched positions this spring and is expected to compete on the outside as WVU transitions into the Big 12 Conference in the fall.

West Virginia Volleyball