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June 18, 2009

VBALL: KEN KING ANNOUNCES INCOMING FRESHMAN CLASS

SYRACUSE, NY – Le Moyne College head coach Ken King announced on Thursday the eight-member freshman class that will join the Dolphins’ volleyball team this fall.

Bethany Fabian is an OH from volleyball rich western New York. A four time All-ECIC Conference selection, she has been named to the All-Western New York team the past three seasons. Bethany is also a two time All-State Class AA selection. A three-sport star athlete at Frontier High School, Bethany graduates holding the records for hitting percentage, total aces and digs. Bethany is a member of the National Honor Society and was named an All Western NY Scholar Athlete for the 2008-09 academic year. She played for Steve Pierce, Don Pieczynski and Rocco Lucci with Niagara Frontier VBC, and Debbie Schruefer at Frontier HS. The daughter of Frank and Joan Fabian, Bethany is looking to major in History or English, with a concentration in Education.

Coach King’s thoughts on Bethany
“As is the case with this whole class, Bethany can flat out play the game. Her leadership and enthusiasm is what hooked me, but the bottom line is that she can put the ball away on offense, and refuses to let it touch the floor on defense.”

Danielle Fetsch comes to Le Moyne from O’Fallon, MO. She is an All-Conference and All-District selection and led her Fort Zumwalt West team to the district championship in 2008. Danielle is a member of the National Honor Society and the Gateway Athletic Conference South All-Academic team. She played for Jill Plassmeyer at Fort Zumwalt West and Carol Gevers at Xplosion VBC. Danielle is the daughter of Tammy and Tim Fetsch, and will pursue a major in forensics/criminal justice.

Coach King’s thoughts on Danielle
“Danielle brings that strong Midwest volleyball work ethic to our program. As a lefty RS hitter, she will give us a natural hitter from that side. Her game IQ is very high which will make the transition to a 6-2 much smoother.”

Allison Hebel is an OH/MH from Harborfields High School on Long Island. After the 2008 season, Allison was named to the Suffolk County League V All-Conference team, the League V Player of the Year, the All-Suffolk County team, the NYS All Tournament team, and 1st team Class A All-New York State. Allison helped to lead her Harborfields team to the New York State Class A volleyball finals. The Harborfields team MVP in 2008, playing under Coach Suzanne Legge, she leaves as the career leader in solo blocks and aces. Allison also played for coaches William Corrao and Kim Simpson at the Academy VBC. She is the daughter of Greg Hebel and Nancy Hebel, and plans to major in communications.

Coach King’s thoughts on Allison
“Allison brings great skill and depth at four positions. While she will be vying for a starting spot, her versatility will insure that she will see some very significant time for our team this fall.”

Morgan McDermott is from West Genesee High School in Camillus, NY. Morgan is the reigning two-time Central New York Player-of–the-Year, as well as a two-time All-OHSL, All-CNY, and All-State selection. She has participated in the Empire State Games the past two summers, and has played for the Onondaga Volleyball Club. Morgan is the daughter of Tim and Marilyn McDermott and is undecided upon a major at LeMoyne.

Coach King’s thoughts on Morgan
“Morgan will give us a strong presence in the middle. She plays a very smart game and has shown that she has the quickness to be able to help us right away. Coach Martin at West Genesee has developed the style of program that allows the players to improve and grow during their career. It accelerates the player’s readiness for the next level.”

Alexis Pickett is a middle hitter from Spackenkill High School, in the Hudson Valley. Lexy is a two time Mid-Hudson Athletic League selection. Named the MHAL MVP for the 2008 season, Lexy was also named to Class B All-New York State team. She has been a member of the National Honor Society since 2007, and is a 2008 Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership alumna. Lexy played for Dave Thomas at the APEX VBC and for Nancy Dixon at Spackenkill HS. She is the daughter of Michael and Barbara Pickett, and is undecided upon a major.

Coach King’s thoughts on Alexis
“Lexy shows a great deal of promise as someone that will become a very strong middle hitter/blocker for us. She has natural blocking instincts, and will catch onto the pace of the college game quickly.”

Katie Plukas is a setter from Rochester, NY. She was one of two setters that led the West Irondequoit HS team to a NYS Class AA State Championship in their 6-2 offense. A three time All-Monroe County selection, Katie helped lead the team to three consecutive Section V championships. She has played for the VolleyFX VBC out of Rochester. Katie is the daughter of Jim and Denise Plukas, and is looking to major in psychology and concentrate on Elementary Education.

Coach King’s thoughts on Katie
“Katie’s strong skills will compliment our offense very well. Although she is quiet off the court, Katie shows great confidence on the court as an offensive leader and will be a welcome addition to our team.”


Kelsey Polanski comes to LeMoyne from volleyball power St Mary’s Lancaster, in suburban Buffalo, NY. She helped to lead her school to three consecutive league championships, as well as NYS Catholic School Championships in 2006 and 2008. In 2008, Kelsey was selected to receive the team’s Coach’s Award, and was named to the All-Conference team. A member of the National Honor Society and the principal’s commendation list, Kelsey is an AP Scholar, and comes to LeMoyne as a Presidential Scholar. She played for Jeremy DeMong and Tania Martzolf with the Niagara Frontier VBC, and for Donny Pieczynski at St. Mary’s. Kelsey is the daughter of Ken and Anna Polanski, and looks to major in english or communications.

Coach King’s thoughts on Kelsey
“Not knowing just what to expect, except that Niagara Frontier VBC and St Mary’s High School produce some great volleyball players, I was very impressed with Kelsey during her visit. She has a strong foundation of the skills needed and can help us at three positions.”

Jules Shelton comes to us after a 5-year varsity career under legendary coach Kay Barton at Paul V. Moore HS, Central Square, NY. A three time All-Onondaga County High School League selection, Jules was named to the All Central New York team in 2008. She represented Central New York in the Empire State Games in 2007 & 2008. Jules is a member of the scholar athlete team, 2005-2009, the National Honor Society, 2007-09, and was her senior class’ president. She played for the Onondaga Storm VBC.
Jules is the daughter of Richard and Mary Ellen Shelton. She will major in Bio-Chemistry.

Coach King’s thoughts on Jules
“Jules is the kind of student-athlete that catches your eye immediately. She leads extraordinarily well and possesses all of the intangibles that a coach looks for. Her poise on the court never changes, which is a great trait for a setter/libero. Regardless of where she will develop playing time, I know that I will be able to count on her for a 100% effort.”