University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Add Grad Transfer Atherton to Roster
5/14/2020 4:08:00 PM | Volleyball
The University of Minnesota volleyball program has announced the addition of Hunter Atherton (Prospect, Ohio) to the roster. Atherton, who is a graduate transfer, was at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Nebraska her previous four years.
"We're extremely excited to add Hunter to our 2020 roster," head coach Hugh McCutcheon said. "She gives us more depth at the setting position and brings some great playing experience as well. We are excited that she chose to continue her education at the University of Minnesota and look forward to having her join our team this year."
Atherton, a 5-foot, 10-inch setter, played for North Carolina during the 2019 and 2018 seasons. While at UNC, she saw action in 49 matches and 176 sets as she established 1,390 assists and 321 digs. Atherton was at Nebraska for two seasons, where she redshirted in 2016 and played in 20 matches during the 2017 season. In that season, Atherton had 137 assists, 13 aces and 46 digs. Prior to her collegiate tenure, Atherton led Dublin Coffman High School to a state final. She also played for Mintonette Club Volleyball. Named the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, Atherton was also the No. 41 prospect by Prepvolleyball.com. She also garnered Under-Armour First Team All-America honors and named the best setter award at the Under Armour All-America Showcase. The daughter of Keith and Kim Atherton, Hunter has already received her bachelor's degree and will look to gain her master's in sports management.
"I chose the University of Minnesota because of the people, the program's history, and the opportunity to continue my academic career at such a reputable university," Atherton said. "When meeting the staff, I was blown away by their dedication and desire to be a successful team and to help their athletes succeed individually along the way. Their leadership is amazing and there is also a history of greatness at the University of Minnesota. This greatness is shown through their success, but also created through their culture. I also am very excited about the opportunity to continue my education as it has been my personal goal to complete a master's degree. I feel extremely blessed and grateful for this opportunity and I cannot wait to get started."
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"We're extremely excited to add Hunter to our 2020 roster," head coach Hugh McCutcheon said. "She gives us more depth at the setting position and brings some great playing experience as well. We are excited that she chose to continue her education at the University of Minnesota and look forward to having her join our team this year."
Atherton, a 5-foot, 10-inch setter, played for North Carolina during the 2019 and 2018 seasons. While at UNC, she saw action in 49 matches and 176 sets as she established 1,390 assists and 321 digs. Atherton was at Nebraska for two seasons, where she redshirted in 2016 and played in 20 matches during the 2017 season. In that season, Atherton had 137 assists, 13 aces and 46 digs. Prior to her collegiate tenure, Atherton led Dublin Coffman High School to a state final. She also played for Mintonette Club Volleyball. Named the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, Atherton was also the No. 41 prospect by Prepvolleyball.com. She also garnered Under-Armour First Team All-America honors and named the best setter award at the Under Armour All-America Showcase. The daughter of Keith and Kim Atherton, Hunter has already received her bachelor's degree and will look to gain her master's in sports management.
"I chose the University of Minnesota because of the people, the program's history, and the opportunity to continue my academic career at such a reputable university," Atherton said. "When meeting the staff, I was blown away by their dedication and desire to be a successful team and to help their athletes succeed individually along the way. Their leadership is amazing and there is also a history of greatness at the University of Minnesota. This greatness is shown through their success, but also created through their culture. I also am very excited about the opportunity to continue my education as it has been my personal goal to complete a master's degree. I feel extremely blessed and grateful for this opportunity and I cannot wait to get started."
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