ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University volleyball's 2012 recruiting class has been given a "High Honorable Mention" rating by PrepVolleyball.com, making the Billikens' program one of 30 to receive the honor.
Using input from a panel of more than 120 college coaches from around the country, the website ranked the nation's top 31 NCAA Division I classes, followed by 17 that were given a "Highest Honorable Mention" rating and the 30 "High Honorable Mention" classes. SLU's inclusion in the "High Honorable Mention" category gives head coach Kent Miller a class that ranks between 49th and 78th in the nation. A total of 328 institutions play Division I volleyball.
Members of the coaches' panel were asked to judge each class using both size and strength of the class and impact on that program as guides. Coaches also were requested to assess based on the cumulative impact the class could make in four or five years at the school, not on the group's potential immediate impact during the 2012 season.
The Billikens' 2012 freshman class consists of setter Meredith Boe (Bloomington, Ill./Bloomington Central Catholic), defensive specialist Anna Church (Fairway, Kan./Bishop Miege), outside hitter Lindsey Dinkelacker (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mother of Mercy) and middle blocker Megan Gilbert (Tripoli, Iowa/Tripoli).
"We are excited to have Meredith, Anna, Lindsey and Megan join our program," Miller said. "Not only are they high-level competitive athletes and great students, but they also are quality individuals who fit the mission of Saint Louis University, our athletic department and our volleyball program. They will represent SLU at the highest level on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
"My staff and I are very pleased with the recognition received by our first recruiting class," Miller said. "We're fortunate to be able to offer recruits a great institution that has not only high-level athletics but also outstanding academics. We're looking forward to seeing what this class and future recruiting classes will mean to the success of our program."
