Volleyball signs three to NLIs for the 2024 season
HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Tech volleyball coach Matt Jennings announced that three student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to join the program. Defensive specialist Madelyn Elsen, Outside hitter Cameron Herman, and middle block Paige Wagner will continue their education and playing careers at Tech beginning in the fall of 2024.
"We've got an excellent class coming in next year," said Jennings. "These three bring with them everything you want on a team: talent, character, coachability, and stellar academic backgrounds. They will be impact players for our team and will help us maintain our competitive presence in the GLIAC, the region, and on a national level. We're grateful for the trust they've shown in us here and look forward to working with each one of them in the gym up here with us soon."
Madelyn Elsen is a 5-3 defensive specialist from Hawthorn Woods, Illinois. She played for Lake Zurich High School and Sky High Volleyball Club. She was a four-year starter in high school and was named NSC First Team All-Conference and IVCA Academic All-State. Elsen is the career dig leader at Lake Zurich and was the team captain as a senior. In 2023, she was named to the JVA All-American Watchlist, AVCA All-American Watchlist, Illinois Prep Volleyball "Player to Watch", and AVCA All-America Watch List.
"Madelyn is a hardworking, coachable, and super quick libero who will undoubtedly contribute to our backcourt. She's fast, well-trained, and has a great approach to the game. I am very familiar with her background and the kind of training and playing experience she brings with her to our gym. Madelyn will be a great asset to our team and is a great fit in terms of our program culture and chemistry. She's a serious student who'll thrive here at Tech. We're grateful that she's decided to continue her career up here with us."
Cameron Herman is a 5-10 outside hitter from Howell, Michigan. She was a two-time team captain at Hartland High School and led the Eagles to their first district championship in 44 years. Herman was the 2022 Livingston County Volleyball Player of the Year and was a First Team All-County selection and all-region. The also played for L2 Volleyball Club and is also a varsity track and field athlete, participating in high jump, long jump, and sprints. She is in the top 10 in her class and plans to study kinesiology at Michigan Tech.
"From the start, we were really big on Cameron and what she would bring to our program. First, she's a wonderful human who is going to be a great teammate and a positive influence on the team culture. As a player, she's exactly the kind of outside hitter we like. She's a big jumper, has a really fast arm and nice control. With six rotation capabilities and the ability to pass and play solid defense, we think Cam is going to contribute in a big way for us. If she continues to work hard, I suspect we'll be hearing Cam's name called early and often in her time as a Husky. I'm so happy she's coming our way."
Paige Wagner is a 6-3 middle blocker from Lakeville, Minnesota. She played for Lakeville South High School and Minnesota Northern Lights Volleyball Club. Her 17-1 club team finished third at the USAV National Championships in 2023 and was ninth overall in the 17 open division. Wagner was a captain on one of Minnesota's top-ranked teams last season. She was named to the All-State Class AAA Team, Star Tribune All-Metro team, and was a three-time all-conference selection. She ranked fourth in the state in hitting percentage (.376) with 2.7 kills per set. She is in the top five in her class, earning Academic All-State Gold Team Honors, and will study biology or pre-health at Tech.
"Paige is the perfect fit for our program here at Tech. She's one of the top middles out of the ultra-competitive Twin Cities area this year and has trained for a number of years with one of the country's top club teams. Her 17-1s team made an impressive run last summer at nationals and she captained her HS team into what was a very successful senior season. She's a strong blocker, really quick in front, and can find ways to score that will keep defenses on their toes. Paige will contribute in major ways for the Huskies, and we're thrilled to have her talents and positive attitude starting in our gym this summer."