EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head women’s volleyball coach Mike Swan has announced the signing of Alysia Baznik and Kristen Koncelik to National Letters of Intent to begin play for the Purple Aces beginning next season.
 
“We are thrilled to add Alysia and Kristen to our roster,” Swan said.  “They have been outstanding players for their high schools and both play for the top club program in the country, Sports Performance.”
 
Baznik will come to UE from Naperville, Ill. where she played at Naperville Central.  She was recently named to the Chicago Sun-Times 2012 Girls All-Area Volleyball Team as she finished her senior campaign with 304 kills, 176 digs and 58 aces in her senior campaign.  Baznik has seen time at each position on the floor.
 
Along with her All-Area honor, the 5-10 Baznik was selected as a 2012 All-Star for SportsTownChicago.com’s 3^rd annual Illinois High School Volleyball All Star Game, which will be held on December 1.  Prior to her senior season, she spent time as a setter where in 2011 she notched 485 assists to go along with 231 kills and 102 digs.  She has been named an All-Conference, All-Area First Team, All-Academic and All-Tournament Team player in her high school career.
 
“Alysia is a great athlete; she can pass, set, hit and play solid defense,” Swan continued.  “A super competitor and teammate, Alysia makes everyone around her on the court much better because she plays with confidence and enthusiasm.” 
 
Joining Baznik in the class is middle hitter Kristen Koncelik.  A native of Downers Grove, Ill., Koncelik will come to Evansville from Batavia High School.  Koncelik received four letters in high school while being a presence in the middle.  She is the all-time blocks leader at her high school with 273 while leading the way for her squad with 111 in 2011 (26 solo and 85 assists).  Last summer, she was named an All-American at the AAU’s.
 
Koncelik was named to the All-Conference Team (Upstate 8 Conference) in 2010 and 2012 while receiving an Honorable Mention in 2011.  While her blocking totals are impressive on their own, she is an extremely talented hitter, who registered a 47% kill rate in 2011 in 555 attempts while notching 223 kills in her senior campaign.  Her top season in high school came in 2010 where she led Batavia to a 36-6 mark.
 
“Kristen is an extremely physical player who hits with much power and intelligence.  Her blocking skills were something that stood out when we saw her play last club season,” Swan commented.  “We expect her to be challenge our returning middles immediately because she is fast and aggressive.”