University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Adds Jess Menden to Team
6/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
The Minnesota volleyball team added Jess Menden to the team according to an announcement by Head Coach Mike Hebert on Wednesday, June 17.
Menden, who is a 5-8 setter/defensive specialist out of Shakopee, Minn., transferred to Minnesota from TCU. She is currently in her sophomore season, after playing in nine matches for the Horned Frogs as a freshman. In her freshman season, Menden averaged 4.32 aps, 0.79 dps and 0.37 aps.
The local product from Shakopee High School, was also a two-time All-State and four-time All-Conference honoree. Menden was also honored as a Prep Volleyball All-American in 2007, was named First-Team All-Metro as a senior and second-team as a junior. She also helped lead her team to state championship as a senior, and was a five-time Academic All-State performer.
She will join transfers Taylor Carico (from USC) and Megan Wilson (from Missouri), along with freshmen Jasmine Dittrich, Katherine Harms, Brianna Haugen, Tabitha Love and Mia Tabberson as one of eight newcomers to this year's squad. The five freshmen are part of a class that was named No. 1 in the nation by prepvolleyball.com in late May.
Minnesota welcomes back a strong core in Second-Team All-American Brook Dieter, Third-Team All-American Lauren Gibbemeyer and 2008 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Christine Tan. Junior defensive specialist Hailey Cowles, sophomore defensive specialist Jessica Granquist and sophomore middle blocker Ariana Filho also return from last year's team that finished 27-7 and in second place in the Big Ten at 16-4.
