Dec. 14, 2000
Columbia, Mo. -University of Missouri Head Women's volleyball coach Susan Kreklow announced the signing of Shen Den Ru on Friday.
Den Ru is a 5-11 outside hitter from Shang Hia, China. She is a former Chinese Junior National team player, serving as a defensive specialist. She also was an outside hitter for the Chinese Youth Junior National team. She was a member of the squad that won the World Youth Championships, the Asia Youth Championships and the Chinese National Tournament. She was also on the Chinese squad which finished fourth in the World Junior Championships.
"Shen Den Ru is a quality all-around player with excellent back-court skill." Associate Head Coach Wayne Kreklow said. "Her court savy will definitely be a strong asset to our squad."
Den Ru's signing concludes the Tigers 2001 recruiting efforts. Mizzou signed three very talented athletes, Lisa Boyd, Jenny Duitsman, and Lindsay Noll, on Nov. 8 on the first day of the early signing period.
"This recruiting class gives us a balance of size, athleticism and experience," Head Coach Susan Kreklow said. "We feel this class will enable us to continue to improve the level of play here at the University of Missouri."
Boyd is a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Farmington, Mo. She has been an all-conference, all-district and all-region volleyball player at Farmington High. Boyd has also earned all-conference honors in basketball and track and field. She also has been a member of the KREI Dream Team in all three sports.
"Lisa has good size and athleticism," Susan Kreklow said. "We think she could be a diamond in the rough and we are excited about having her here."
Duitsman is a 6-0 middle blocker and right side hitter from Lincoln, Neb. She is a three-time all-conference and a two-time first-team all-state player at Lincoln Lutheran High. She is the Nebraska Class C-1 record holder for most kills in a season and in her career. Duitsman also is an all-conference and honorable mention all-state basketball player.
"Jenny plays much bigger than 6-0," Susan Kreklow said. "She is an excellent overall player and an explosive, quick jumper."
Noll is a 6-4 middle blocker from St. Louis who Wayne Kreklow said is "an excellent combination of size and athletic ability." She has led Parkway West High in kills the past two seasons and led the team again this year. Noll also led the team in blocks as she did her first three seasons. A three-time first-team all-district selection, Noll also is a two-time all-conference selection.
"Lindsay will continue to get stronger which will really help her overall game," Wayne Kreklow said. "She has a great work ethic and attitude."