Wannamaker signs with CSM volleyball

GOLDEN, Colo. - The Colorado School of Mines volleyball program has received a National Letter of Intent from Melanie Wannamaker to begin playing for the Orediggers in 2010, as announced today by CSM Head Coach Jamie Skadeland.

Wannamaker, a 6'1" middle blocker from Kingwood, Texas (Kingwood High School), was a two-time letterwinner in volleyball for the Mustangs.  Wannamaker earned Second Team All-District and Academic All-District honors while guiding KHS to a District championship during her junior season.  Wannamaker, who tied the Mustangs' individual single-match record for block assists in 2008, also plays soccer (goalkeeper) at Kingwood.  Wannamaker garnered Second Team All-District and Academic All-District recognition in soccer as a junior while leading the Mustangs to a #1 national ranking.  Wannamaker is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Melanie is going to be looked at to help fill the shoes of graduated middles, Kaity Edmiston and Tara Schwein," said Skadeland, who will begin her third season as the head coach - and fourth season overall - at Mines in 2010.  "Melanie has the potential to be a strong blocker with her length and her strong lateral movement.  She is also capable of scoring offensively.  Melanie is a strong student and will be a great fit as a student-athlete at CSM."

Colorado School of Mines established new single-season program records for overall victories and conference victories in 2009.  CSM recorded a 13-6 mark in the RMAC and tied for third place in the East Division.  Mines' berth as the #8 seed in the 2009 NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament marked the second-ever NCAA post-season appearance for the CSM volleyball program.

The Orediggers, who recorded a new program record for consecutive matches won (nine) in 2009, were ranked as high as #10 in the Central Region rankings this fall.

-- OREDIGGERS --