Nov. 21, 2003

CLEVELAND - Seanna Steinle has committed to play volleyball at Cleveland State next year. The Fremont, Ohio native was inked by head coach Chuck Voss during the early signing period.

"She's a very versatile athlete that can play pretty much anywhere on the court," Voss said. "She is strong at the net and has very good instincts on defense. I anticipate her contributing right away next year."

A 5-10 middle hitter, Steinle had 225 kills, 189 digs, 67 blocks and 29 aces to lead Fremont Ross High School to an 11-11 record her senior year. A first team all-league selection in 2002 and 2003, she also earned first team all-district honors last season. The team captain and MVP as a senior, she helped the squad to the sectional championship in 2001. The school record holder with 27 kills in a match, she earned conference all-academic accolades in 2003.

The daughter of Tammy and Stephen Steinle, she led the Ohio Volleyball Region team to a fifth-place finish at the 2000 AAU Junior National Championships and the Toledo Volleyball Club to a 14th-place finish at the open nationals in 2003.

Steinle follows in the footsteps of fellow Fremont Ross grad Michelle Smith, who finished her CSU career in 2000 as the school's all-time leader in hitting percentage (.326) while ranking third with 1,242 kills.

Sixth-seeded Cleveland State (17-15) opens play in the Horizon League Championship tomorrow (Nov. 21) against No. 7 Illinois-Chicago (11-20) at 10:00 a.m. in Indianapolis. The winner advances to face No. 3 UW-Green Bay (20-10) in the second round at 5:00 p.m.