ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Head coach Kelley Sliva announced the signing of five
recruits to play volleyball for the University of New Mexico during the 2003 season. "We found a group of players who fit well with and will make an immediate impact on our program," stated Sliva. "UNM was their top choice and all come from winning programs. They're committed academically and are going to be part of the foundation to build a competitive program here at UNM."
(listed alphabetically)
Lauren Dunsmoor, 5-11, Outside Hitter/Blocker, Pueblo West, Colo. (Pueblo West High School)
Dunsmoor lettered in three sports at Pueblo West including volleyball, basketball and track...she was named all-conference (South-Central League) her entire four years in high school...named to the all-state second team in 2001...academically was named to the All-Academic Team (South-Central League) three years straight...as a senior was named South-Central League MVP and to the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports All-State team...is also a member of the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) All-State
firs team...PERSONAL...is the daughter of Debbie and Mark Dunsmoor...plans to major in Psychology...maintains a 3.7 grade point average.
"Lauren is a dynamic player, a good athlete with an exceptional work ethic," said Sliva. "She comes from a successful high school program."
Jessica Jensen, 6-2, Middle Blocker, North Mankato, Minn. (Mankato East High School)
Jensen was a two-sport athlete at Mankato East having played volleyball and
basketball at MEHS...named All-Conference Big 9 Player...Jensen earned several academic awards including the Minnesota All-State Academic Award, the Big 9 Conference Scholar Athlete Award, and earned the Distinguished Academic Achievement Award her sophomore through senior years...named to the Who?s Who Among High School Students in 2002...earned a superior rating in a choir solo contest...PERSONAL...is the daughter of Terri and Larry Jensen...was admitted to UNM Honors Program with the intent of majoring in either Business or Education...maintains a 3.8 grade point average.
"Jessica is a versatile hitter who is big over the net," stated Sliva. "She has the size we need and can hit behind the setter."
Brittany Jones, 6-0, Middle Blocker, San Pedro, Calif. (San Pedro High School)
Jones plays club volleyball with "Club Long Beach"...maintains a 3.3 grade point average...is the daughter of Cassandra and James Harris.
"Brittany is very athletic, dynamic player," said Sliva. "She's got raw talent and can hit and block well. We're looking forward for Brittany joining the Lobos."
Kelly Therkelsen, 6-2, Right Side Hitter/Blocker, Eagan, Minn. (Eagan High School)
Therkelsen was named 2002 All-Lake Conference and the Pioneer Press All-State (honorable mention)...she was voted the Best Offensive Player by her teammates her senior season...academically Therkelsen was named a National Merit Scholar Commended Student, named to the A-Honor roll, and is
in the top-1% of her graduating class of 525...a member of the National Honor and the World Languages National Honor Societies...was a High School Heisman National Nominee...PERSONAL...is the daughter of Jill and Kent Therkelsen...was admitted to UNM Honors Program with the intention of majoring in Pre-Law...maintains a 4.0 grade point average.
"Kelly is a big blocker and has good ball control skills," said Sliva. "She comes from a winning high school and club program and is a versatile
athlete. She will excel both on and off the court."
Georgia Whitson, 6-1, Outside Hitter/Blocker, Taos, N.M. (Taos High School)
New Mexico native Whitson joins the Lobos from Taos High School...lettered in volleyball and track...was named the District 2-AAAA Player of the Year in 2002...was named to the first team All-District her sophomore through senior seasons...was the district champion in 2000 in the High Jump...PERSONAL...is the daughter of Edith and Marcus Whitson...maintains a
3.6 grade point average.
"Georgia is one of the top players in the state of New Mexico," said Sliva. "She's a physical, dynamic athlete with a big block and a fast arm. Her versatility will help us."
