VERMILLION, S.D. (April 11, 2002) - As head coach Darin Weber continues his task of rebuilding The University of South Dakota volleyball program, he stresses to his student-athletes the importance of taking things one step at a time - one play at a time. That strategy has begun to show results. The Coyotes recorded 10 wins two years ago, and last season, won the most conference games since 1997. As he continues to build the program, recruiting top players are key to lifting the team to its first winning season since the 1979 squad was 16-11. Last week's signings of Kristen Miller of Papillion, Neb. and Kim Schelhaas of Aurora, Colo., complete this year's recruiting class, that includes spring Division I transfer Lyndsey Finney of Scottsbluff, Neb., and three Colorado prep standouts. Weber is confident that next year's squad will continue to move up the North Central Conference standings.

"I really feel this is one of the best recruiting classes in recent school history. All four incoming freshmen have the ability to really step in and challenge playing time," Weber said. "I'm excited to see these players come into our system and add their talents to the experience already on our team."

Finney, who will be a senior in the 2002 season, was a setter at Fresno State after a standout career at Western Nebraska Community College. Finney, a two-time first team junior college all-American, led WNCC to an 86-13 mark and a trip to the national tournament. Finney owns the WNCC career record in assists (2,832) and the third-best all-time mark in kill percentage (.374). She was a two-time All-Region IX player and was twice selected to the Region IX all-tournament team. Finney also recorded 128 service aces, 221 kills and 624 digs in her two years at WNCC.

Finney prepped at Kearney (Nebraska) Catholic High School where she set the Class C-1 record in career assists and was a three-time all-Lou Platte Conference and all-region selection. Finney, the daughter of Jim Finney and Kathleen Schmidt, also lettered in basketball and track. "Lyndsey's experience and presence on the floor is already making a positive impact on the team," Weber said. "She's had great experiences at Fresno State and I think she'll have a great year with us."

Last fall, South Dakota signed Erin Favatella of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jayme Dannen of Englewood, Colo., both who had tremendous successes at Colorado State High School Tournament. "Our focus in the fall signings were for the middle hitter positions and players who could really step up quickly and dominate their position," Weber said. "Both Jayme and Erin have good size, speed and athletic ability to be forces in the NCC."

Favatella led Doherty High School to a fifth place finish at the Colorado state volleyball tournament, and was named to the all-state and 5A metro state teams. As a junior, Favatella was named 5A metro honorable mention. In club play, Favatella led the Colorado Juniors 17-open team in blocks, and led them to a 16th place finish nationally. The Colorado Juniors were also second in the Northeast-qualifying tournament and at the Sports Performance Classic.

Dannen, who was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., attended Cherry Creek High School where she was named all-Centennial League conference and to the all-Cherry Creek Bruin Classic Tournament squad. Dannen also played with the Front Range club team that finished fifth in the nation in the 17-under division under coach Jim Miret. The team also attended nationals as a 15-under team. The final two to sign with the South Dakota program, Miller and Schelhaas will also strengthen the 2002 Coyote squad. Weber said both players will be key along the front row and grow into team leaders on the squad.

Miller was named all-Omaha after leading Papillion La Vista High School to two state championships and three state tournament appearances in three years. In the 2001 state title game, Miller had 10 kills, one block and three service aces to defeat Lincoln Northeast. The 5'10 outside/middle hitter was coached by Gwen Egbert at Papillion La Vista, who went 40-1 in the regular season. The state tournament title in 2000 was the school's first ever. Miller also played for the Nebraska Juniors team for coach Kim Crandall in club play. Miller, who also played soccer, is the daughter of Jack and Lora Miller. "Kristen is a versatile players who will have a dynamic presence on the outside and add depth to the middle hitter position as well," Weber said. Schelhaas, a 5'11 setter, was a standout for Aurora Grandview High School, leading the team to a third-place finish in the Colorado State High School Tournament. Schelhaas, who was coached by Patty Childress, was ranked fifth in Colorado in assists last season. In club play, Schelhaas led Black Forest VBC to an 18-1 record for coach Mary Tribbett. She is the daughter of Douglas and Patricia Schelhaas. Weber said he foresees Schelhaas to step up into a leadership position in her first years at South Dakota. "Kim's outstanding size at the setter position will be key in strengthening the block in the tough NCC. She has great hands and I am confident she will learn our system quickly." Weber said.