ORLANDO – UCF Volleyball secured much of its 2021 incoming class Wednesday afternoon, announcing the signing of two newcomers from the high school ranks.
Head Coach Todd Dagenais, along with Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Jenny Maurer and other members from the staff, will bring two new outside hitters on board to improve on an already impressive roster. The list of newcomers includes Heidi Bonde (Minooka, Ill.) and Maddie Kinney (Loveland, Colo.).
"When I look at this class, they fit right into the mold of what we have identified as a UCF Volleyball student-athlete," said Dagenais. "They are both winners, they are both excellent in the classroom, and they both can make a difference in our program right away. They have respect for all the hard work that was put in for us to be where we are as a program today, but they also have a vision of taking us even higher."
Coach Dagenais and staff are not done yet as they expect to add to this 2021 class with additional signings in the future.
Heidi Bonde | 6'4 | Outside Hitter | Minooka, Ill.
- Three-year letter winner at Minooka Community Highschool
- Recorded 374 kills and 132 digs her junior season
- Two-time Southwest Praire All-Conference, Herald New All-Area First Team and Bugle News First Team All-Area
- Broke her school record with 27 kills in one match
- Is ranked in the top 150 in the nation in the 2021 class by Prep Volleyball
- Sister, Holly Bonde, plays volleyball at Kansas State University (RS Sophomore)
- Major is Undecided
Why UCF...
"There is an awesome family atmosphere here at UCF. I fell in love with it when I was on campus. I really like the coaches and their style, and I believe they will really help me succeed."
Dagenais on Bonde…
"Heidi is a very aware and experienced volleyball player who plays at a height. She reminds me a lot of Anne-Marie Watson. Long arms, great blocker, fast arm, and she has the ability to control the game in a variety of ways. She comes from a family of successful volleyball players, so her IQ and expectations are both very high."
Maddie Kinney | 6'2 | Outside Hitter | Loveland, Colo.
- Four-year letter winner at Loveland High School
- Racked up 226 kills, hitting at a .240 clip in her junior season
- Was named team captain her junior year
- Named First Team All-Conference and Academic All-State in her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons
- Named Offensive Player of the Year in her junior season
- Named Rookie of the Year in her freshman season
- Major is Undecided
Why UCF…
"I chose UCF because of the opportunity to compete at such a high level of volleyball and to be developed and coached by an amazing staff. All the while, receiving a quality education from a world class institution in such a beautiful part of the country."
Dagenais on Kinney…
"Maddie is another very high-IQ volleyball player who comes from one of the most prominent and successful club teams in Colorado – the same club team as Jordan Pingel. I think the height, speed and power that Maddie plays the game on the outside with are all things that you look for in a dominant, left-side attacker."
Future Knights Maddie Kinney (left) and Heidi Bonde (right) signing on to become official Knights
UP NEXT
The Knights will look to begin competition in late January, with play expecting to come to an end April 3 and with NCAA Tournament selections April 4. The finals site of the championship is scheduled for April 23-25.
"This year has been unlike anything we have experienced in the modern era of women's collegiate volleyball. With limited travel, we are looking to schedule as many in-state opponents as possible. With the nature of this year, we could still be working on our schedule right up to opening night, and even throughout the season."
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