The volleyball team and head coach Suzie Fritz announced the signings of three players for the upcoming 2021-2022 season on Wednesday.
Josie Halbleib, Molly Ramsey and Jaden Ravnsborg all pledged to the Wildcats on the first day of the nation’s fall signing period.
“Each one of these student athletes has experienced a high level of success in their high school and club careers,” Fritz said to K-State Athletics. “They are a competitive and high-character group of young women. Our current student-athletes have done an excellent job of developing and establishing a thriving team culture that values the contributions of all. This class will complement our current team and fit in extremely well.”
Halbleib is a setter from Howards Grove, Wisconsin, who helped lead her team to a 21-1 record and a state title this season. In the state championship, she would go on to record a double-double with 13 kills and 16 assists. In 2020 alone, Halbleib totaled 153 assists, 75 kills, 42 digs and 20 aces.
“Josie has the physical characteristics and potential to be a high-level setter,” Fritz said. “A lefty, she can provide kill production at the net, in addition to her setting responsibilities. We believe she is just beginning to realize her potential as a player, and we look forward to what she is capable of doing for us as she continues to develop and improve.”
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Ramsey, from Roca, Nebraska, is a defensive specialist and libero. Over her high school career, Ramsey tallied over 1,700 digs, setting the Norris High School record. This last season alone, she recorded 465 digs — good enough for 4.9 digs per set.
“We love the way she goes about it,” Fritz said of Ramsey. “She has a tremendous work ethic and a selfless, team-first demeanor. She impressed us with her speed, power and athleticism. Lastly, she’s an impressive multi-sport athlete who has achieved a high level of academic and athletic success during her prep career.”
Kansas State’s final signee, Ravnsborg, comes from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kansas. Also a libero, Ravnsborg was named a Top 150 recruit by PrepVolleyball.com and totaled 363 digs as a senior. She is the fourth Kansas player on the roster next season, joining Loren Hinkle, Abigail Archibong and Faith Hammontree.
Archibong also played high school volleyball at Mill Valley.
“Jaden plays with a passion and energy that [motivates] all those around her,” Fritz said. “She’s fast, fearless and possesses all of the intangible qualities that we look for in back-row players. Additionally, she is an excellent student and a highly motivated student-athlete.”
The three newcomers will join K-State’s No. 23 ranked recruiting class from a season ago.
