Kunz, Newell, Graham and Woinowsky Join Chicago State Volleyball

Photo: (L) Jana Kunz, Selena Newell, Amber Graham and Elisa Woinowsky

CHICAGO, Illinois – Jana Kunz (Olton, Switzerland/ Kantonsschule Solothurn/Palm Beach State College), Selena Newell (Pembroke Pines, Fla./Pembroke Pines Charter HS/Palm Beach State College), Amber Graham (Las Vegas, Nev./Arbor View HS/Arizona Western CC) and Elli Woinowsky (Berlin, Germany/Merian Oberschule/San Jacinto College) have each signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Chicago State University volleyball program for the 2014 campaign.

"This is a very solid, athletic class," Chicago State interim volleyball head coach Dawn Barnes said. "I'm excited about this group and what they each bring to our program both on and off the court. They all add depth and athleticism to their respective positions."

Kunz, a 6-2 setter, was an all-state selection in high school and attended the Swiss Youth National Team Training Camps. She played for TV Schönenwerd for four years. She played setter, middle blocker and opposite hitter for Palm Beach State College.

"Jana gives us size and bigger block on the right side," Barnes said. "She is a versatile player and will raise the level of play in the gym. She will make an immediate impact at several positions."

Newell, a 6-0 outside hitter, was voted most outstanding player in 2013 at Palm Beach State College. She was listed as one of Max Prep's top athletes in 2012. She helped Pembroke Pines Charter High School to a pair of district championships and a regional appearance. Newell made the Dean's List and honor roll in high school. In 2011-12 she played with the South Florida Volleyball Club and won first place in gold at the Capitol Hill Classic. She was named the MVP in 2010-11 with the Ohana Volleyball Club.

"Selena is very dynamic and is a true outside hitter," Barnes said. "Her versatility and athleticism will allow us to do some different things offensively. She will definitely add creativity and competitive energy."

Graham, a 5-10 outside hitter, averaged 3.06 kills and 2.23 digs per set for Arizona Western College last season. She finished second on the team in total points (302.0). Graham helped the Lady Matadors to a record of 20-6. Her club won the District C Championship and earned a trip to the national tournament.

"Amber brings the mentality of a hard nosed kid and has a great competitive spirit," Barnes said. "She is an amazing talent. She is dynamic, explosive and has different shot selections that will throw off a lot of teams. Her ability to find the holes on the court while in the air is something that we are looking forward to."

Woinowsky, a 5-11 outside hitter, was named First-Team All-Conference at San Jacinto College last year. She averaged 3.26 kills and 3.53 digs per set. Woinowsky totaled 408.5 points on the year. She helped San Jacinto to a 22-10 record.

"Elli will make an immediate impact to the Cougars' offense and defense," Barnes said. "She is a six rotation kid that plays at a very high level. Elli brings more than ball control to our team. She has an incredible work ethic and a solid passing platform."

These four join previously announced additions Chelsea Sheldon-Medina (Waukesha, Wis./Waukesha North), Milica Zmiric (Sombor, Serbia/Gimnazija Veljko Petrovic), Essence Jackson-Jones (Muskegon, Mich./Muskegon) and Alex Messner (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Fremd) to make up the eight-member 2014 recruiting class.

Chicago State opens the 2014 season in late August.

COURTESY CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS