Nov. 9, 2005
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Julianna Klein, a prep standout from Keota, Iowa, has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the nationally-ranked Missouri volleyball team next fall, as announced Wednesday by Mizzou Head Coach Wayne Kreklow. Klein, an Iowa All-State First Team selection in 2004, ranks amongst the best outside hitters in the country.
Klein was ranked in the top 40 of PrepVolleyball.com's Senior Aces of 2006. Quoting the website, "Klein was a gymnast until she became too tall to stay with it. But gymnastics has served her well. She has incredible balance, a strong core, and that ever elusive `hang time,' a trio of talents that make her a killing and blocking machine. ... A wonderful leader who is a coach on the floor to her teammates, Klein will put a lot of Tiger in Missouri's tank."
"We are excited about having Julianna join our program here at Mizzou," Kreklow said. "Aside from being a good volleyball player, Julianna is a great asset off the court. She will be a great addition to our team and will be able to contribute in many ways."
Klein, a 6-0 senior at Keota Community High School, has averaged 5.67 kills per game with her squad so far this season, coming off a 2004 season in which her 5.30 kills per game lead the state of Iowa in the category. In addition, Klein has totaled a season hitting average of over .400 in each of the last two seasons and is a multiple threat, having averaged 2.30 digs, 0.67 blocks, and 0.79 service aces per game this season.
Klein has helped Keota High School to two district and two conference championships in the past three years, having earned numerous All-Conference and All-District honors while being named to the Iowa All-State First Team her junior season. In addition, Klein is a member of the Iowa Rockets club team, a squad that finished 13th nationally her junior year in the 17-and-under division.
Klein is also a standout high jumper at Keota, finishing third in state in 2004 also breaking her conference and school's record by jumping over 5 feet, 5 inches her sophomore year.
Klein is also very active in her community and school's extracurricular activities outside of sports, having been a member of several clubs and groups while in high school.