Five student-athletes will continue their education at Ohio Wesleyan University and be candidates for the 2024 Battling Bishop volleyball team, it was announced by Ohio Wesleyan head coach Kirsta Cobb.  The incoming recruiting class includes Megan Lantis from Wooster, Ohio; Lexi Manly from Westerville, Ohio; Jordanne Shannon from Detroit, Mich.; Sarah Thomas from Worthington, Ohio; and Ella VanSteenkiste from Bryan, Ohio.

Lantis is a 6-0 outside hitter who plans to major in pre-medicine and psychology.  She spent her prep career at Wooster High School, where she was a member of National Honor Society, lettered on the varsity team for 4 years, and earned first- and second-team all-district.  She helped lead her team to 4 straight conference championships.  She also spent time volunteering with the Wayne Country Community Foundation.  She played her club career with Elite and more recently Club Extreme.

Coach Cobb on Megan: "Megan is a long athlete who has a high ceiling to be very dynamic and explosive as an attacker.  We are looking forward to working with her to further her overall game as well as for her to bring her bright and fun personality to the gym!"

Why Megan chose OWU:  "I chose OWU because of its welcoming atmosphere. It has many amazing academic and athletic opportunities that will help me reach my goals.  OWU has a beautiful campus and I am so excited to meet new people!"

Manly is a 5-8 outside hitter who plans to major in neuroscience.  She spent her prep career at Westerville North High School, where she was a scholar-athlete and honor roll recipient, earned an AP Award of Distinction, and was a member of National Honor Society.  As a captain, she earned 3 varsity letters as well as Best Offensive player in her senior season and All-OCC honorable mention.  She also was a part of horseback riding at North.  She has volunteered her time with foster a child events and the Humane Society and also was a member of the Warrior Athletic Leadership Team.  She played her club career with Game Plan Athletics.

Coach Cobb on Lexi:  "Lexi has a great all-around game that we are excited for her to bring to our gym.  She can pass, defend, and attack with some range and power.  She also will fit our team culture really well!"

Why Lexi chose OWU:  "OWU is a friendly community that encourages personal growth and exploration in addition to offering the academic and athletic opportunities that align with my personal goals."

Shannon is a 5-10 middle blocker who plans to study exercise science.  She spent her prep career at West Bloomfield High School, where she helped her team to the league championship in 2023.  She earned all-league honors during her junior and senior years, was named Laker of the Year in 2023, named to the 5-star JVA watch list and AVCA Phenom watch list, was an Under Armour All-American invite, and ranked No. 41 in the state by Prep Dig,  She volunteers with Uplift Family Services.  She spent her club career with Team Detroit Volleyball Club.

Coach Cobb on Jordanne:  "Jo is an exceptional athlete.  She is fast off the ground and has a great arm swing.  She also has a great feel for blocking. We are excited for her to bring her competitive energy into our gym."

Why Jordanne chose OWU:  "I chose OWU because it is a very diverse community and when I went on my visit it felt like home!  Everyone was very welcoming, especially Coach Cobb and Coach Amaya!  I am very interested in the health and human kinetics degree program as well."

Thomas is a 5-7 defensive specialist/libero who plans to study pre-physical therapy and exercise science.  She helped her Bishop Watterson High School team go to the OHSAA Final Four in 2022 while earning 3 letters, as well as captaining them to a district championship in 2023.  She is a member of Morgan's Message and also competed on the basketball team in her freshman and sophomore years.  She spent her club career playing with Greater Columbus Volleyball Club.

Coach Cobb on Sarah:  "Sarah has a great work ethic and court personality, and we are excited for her to bring her grit and positivity to the gym every day.  She has the ability to get a lot of touches on the ball defensively and we can't wait to get to work with her."

Why Sarah chose OWU:  " I chose OWU because of the beautiful campus, strong academic programs, and the welcoming community of people that made it feel like home.  When I was first on campus, I fell in love with the opportunities that they had offered me while being surrounded by the loving (Ohio Wesleyan volleyball) program."

Vansteenkiste is a 6-0 middle blocker who plans to study exercise science and business.  She was a member of National Honor Society at Bryan High School and also lettered 3 times in volleyball.  She earned honorable mention District 7, second-team District 7, honorable mention NWOAL, second-team NWOAL, 4-year Outstanding Scholar Athlete, District 7 Division II All-Star Volleyball All-Academic Team recognition, and also set the school record for most kills in a match with 28.  She was named 2020 Ultimate Miss Bryan and 2022 Miss Bryan, and she also volunteers with Cancer Assistance of Williams County, United Way of Williams County, and Queens for a Cause.  She played her club career with Empowered Volleyball Club.

Coach Cobb on Ella:  "Ella has a dominant arm and a boldness in her offensive play.  We are excited to work with her fun personality and see her competitiveness in our gym."

Why Ella chose OWU:  "OWU had the vibe I was looking for.  I loved the positive energy and kindness from the coaches and girls.  OWU had a welcoming environment and beautiful campus.  And I love all that great opportunities that OWU has to offer its students."
 
Ohio Wesleyan's 2022 season kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 31, in Puerto Rico at the Division III College Sports Tour.  The Bishops' home schedule opens with the annual Bishop Invitational on Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 12-14, at Branch Rickey Arena.