University of Evansville volleyball head coach Mike Swan will lose three of his starting players at the conclusion of the season but will be gaining two new players to help fill the void. High school standouts Hannah Wilson (Granite City, Ill. /St. Joseph’s Academy) and Jessica Knackmuhs (Albion, Ill./Edwards County) have signed letters-of-intent to play volleyball at UE next season.

Wilson is a 5’11” outside hitter who was named both all-conference and all-district for the last two years. Wilson recorded 20 kills in the state quarterfinals against Lafayette to help her team to the state tournament. The Angels finished second at state her freshman and sophomore seasons while winning the state championship this year.

“We were really impressed with Hannah,” said Swan. “She is a hard hitter and an excellent passer and defender. She has a really fun personality and will be a great contribution to our team.”

Standing at 5’11”, Knackmuhs led the Lions to conference championships in three straight seasons. Knackmuhs was named to the all conference team in 2007 and 2008 while also receiving the team’s hitting award both years. As a senior, she averaged 3.5 kills per set and had 105 blocks. The Lions finished third in the state in 2007 with a record of 35-6.

“Jessica is a tremendous athlete,” said Swan. “She has very sound skills and has the ability to play the full rotation and play any of the front row positions. She plays with a great deal of confidence and brings outstanding athleticism to the program.”