Feb. 8, 2008

GREELEY, Colo. -- University of Northern Colorado volleyball coach Lyndsey Benson announced the addition of four more commitments to the 2008 roster. Abbie Howe is currently enrolled at Northern Colorado, while Jill Dawson, Natalie Laband and RaeLynn Snyder will enroll in the fall semester.

"We are thrilled to have these four joining our program," stated Benson. "The level of athlete and training we are getting in this class really shows where our program is going.  They are all excellent students, and have the whole package of what we are looking for in a student-athlete.  They will raise the level of play in our gym immediately."

Abbie Howe, DS, 5-6, Eaton, Colo. (U. Colorado/Eaton)

Howe spent her first semester in college at the University of Colorado but did not play volleyball for the Buffaloes... Earned four letters in volleyball and two in track & field for Eaton High School... Was an all-state first-team as well as an all-conference selection in 2006... Earned honorable mention all-state honors as a junior... Member of the National Honor Society... Played both outside hitter and defensive specialist for volleyball and ran the 100 meters and competed in the long jump.

"Abbie has had great training for many years," said Benson.  "She will add depth to our defensive positions.  She has great leg strength and will really benefit from training with the team this spring to prepare for the fall."

Jill Dawson, DS, 5-8, Lincolin, Neb. (Lincoln Southwest)

Dawson played both outside hitter and libero for the Silver Hawks as well as running sprints and relays on the track & field team... Was honorable mention all-state, first-team all-conference and all-city as a senior... Named a scholar athlete in 2006 and was a two year member of the honor roll... Member of the Nebraska Volleyball Academy 17 Red team that won Junior Olympic National Division National Championship in 2007.

"Jill is a tough competitor," Benson quoted.  "She refuses to lose.  She will accept any challenge which is the type of attitude we look for in that position.  Jill will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the court this fall."

Natalie Laband, S, 5-8, Monument, Colo. (Lewis Palmer)

Laband earned four letters in volleyball and was captain her senior year... Was an all-state second-team selection as well as an all-area second team and a Metro League first-team pick... Holds the school record for most assists in a season with 969... As a junior was also a Metro League first-team pick and an all-area second-team selection... Served as the student body president her senior year and was class vice president as a freshman.

"Natalie will add depth to our setting position," Benson said.  "She will come in with great training from Colorado Juniors Volleyball Club.  She has great instincts and great passion for the game."

RaeLynn Snyder, OH, 5-11, Simla, Colo. (Simla)

Earned four letters in volleyball, basketball and track & field for the BearCubs... Was a three-time all-state selection in volleyball and a three-time all-tournament team pick by both the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post...  In basketball, earned two all-state pick... Earned three all-conference honors in both volleyball and basketball in the Black Forest League... Four-year honor roll member and has three class leadership awards.

"RaeLynn is a very good athlete that just needs more time on the court," stated Benson.  "She is a three-sport athlete that has great potential.   Her mom is her high school coach so she understands the game and will make great improvements in a short time."