RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University volleyball team welcomes three new members Molly Michalak, Audrey Eurton and Josie Schmitendorf – on Wednesday, head coach Johnna Fouch announced.
 
"I am so excited for this first recruiting class my staff and I have put together," Fouch said. "Each of these ladies bring a different style of play that is going to help elevate the competition in the gym, for what we are trying to build and an implement here at EKU. It is exciting to know that these three signees are going to be a part of that and help get us to where we need to be."
 
Michalak is a 5-foot-11 outside hitter from Grove City, Ohio. As a senior at Grove City High School she had 363 kills in 86 sets with a .284 hitting percentage. Defensively she had 212 digs and 33 total blocks. She helped lead her team to a 16-9 record on the year and a district runner-up. Michalak was named first-team all OCC and first-team all-district. She was a four-year varsity letter and competed in the Ohio Central District all-star match. She won the scholar athlete award and will graduate 14th in her class out of 492 students.
 
"Molly brings fire and passion to the court. She is a very dynamic outside hitter, who sees and knows the game well," Fouch said. "Molly brings power, but sees the court very well to know where to put the ball. She is someone who is going to come in a make a direct impact right away during our 2020 season."
 
Eurton joins the team from New Washington, Indiana. The 5-foot-11 setter played at New Washington High School and helped lead her team to back-to-back NWHS Invitational Championships. The setter posted a team-best 320 assists, 60 aces and 40 blocks. She ranked second on the team with 104 kills and 140 digs. Eurton was named SAC Player of the Year. She will graduate number three in her class.
 
"Audrey is a true leader, with a high volleyball IQ. She has the mindset and volleyball skills to run the EKU offense," Fouch said. "She is athletic and knows how to demand the court. As a true setter, she will be the dominant force that will help raise the competition of anyone she plays with. She is going to be a fun player to watch in the upcoming 2020 season."
 
Schmitendorf is a 5-foot-6 libero from Huntley, Illinois. She helped lead her team to a 33-6 record her senior year, a sectional championship, a regional championship and a Fox Valley Conference Championship. She was named all-conference, all-area and a team captain. Schmitendorf posted a team-best 474 digs her senior year. She finished as the school's all-time digs leader with 1,165 career digs and 68 service aces. 
 
"Josie is a very skilled libero. She has fast feet and is very consistent with her overall play," Fouch stated. "She is a true leader of the back court and her energy touches all those who are on the court with her. She plays for a good high school and club program so I know that the transition for her will be easy."