ST. PAUL, MINN. – The St. Catherine University volleyball team has shown steady improvement in the last few seasons, proving it's an up and coming team with moves up the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) on standings. On Monday, the Wildcats discovered they have plenty to be excited about as they announced their incoming class of 2018 recruits.

St. Kate's class includes two of the top hitters in the state of Minnesota, one an outside/right side hitter and the other an outside/middle blocker.

Meet the Wildcats 2018 recruiting class:

Grace Amacher (Fairbault, Minn. / Fairbault / Defensive Specialist)
 
Amacher comes to St. Kate's after an outstanding career at Fairbault. As a defensive specialist, Amacher eclipsed the 1000 digs mark her senior year and is the school record holder for career digs. For her performance, she was voted All-Conference as a junior and a senior and was selected as a team captain in 2017. Off the court, Amacher was a member of National Honor Society, student council and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She will play on both the volleyball and basketball teams.
 
Amacher's comments: I can't wait to experience the college atmosphere while getting to play college sports with amazing people. I also have a chance to start my future and the opportunities St. Kate's provides in nursing.

Lauren Isaacson (Fairbault, Minn. / Fairbault / Outside)
 
Isaacson, like Amacher, will play both volleyball and basketball during her four-year career with the Wildcats. In the sport of volleyball, Isaacson was a force to be reckoned with on the outside, as she earned multiple accolades during her senior season at Fairbault. She was voted team captain and earned All-Conference, Offensive MVP, Team MVP and All-City Team honors after her senior season. Off the court, Isaacson was an "A'" honor roll student and named Big Brothers Big Sister Person of the Year.
 
Isaacson's comments:  I'm looking forward to being a member of both the basketball and volleyball teams! I felt at home when I toured campus and believe I can achieve my full potential as both a student and an athlete while attending St. Kate's.

Amy Koalska (Oakdale, Minn. / Hill-Murray / Defensive Specialist)
 
Koalska transfers to St. Kate's after spending her first semester in the state of North Dakota. In her one year at North Dakota State College of Sciences, Koalska appeared in all 35 matches for the Wildcats, accumulating 571 digs during the season, averaging 4.97 digs per set. She was even better in conference play, as she tallied 205 digs in 37 matches, averaging 5.54 per game. As a defensive specialist at Hill-Murray, Koalska earned All-Conference honors and was a member of Peer Listen, choir and Spanish Club.
 
Koalska's comments: I chose to attend St. Kate's because of the opportunities in fashion design and volleyball. I came to campus to meet the team, and everyone was so welcoming. I knew I wanted to be a part of such an amazing group of strong, educated, and talented group of women.
 

Bryana Leverentz (Andover, Minn. / Andover / Outside-Middle Blocker)

Leverentz was an all-conference honorable mention volleyball player during her career at Andover High School to highlight her supremely successful high school career as an outside hitter/middle blocker. She also possess several leadership qualities, as she was named captain of both Andover's volleyball and track and field teams during her high school career. Leverentz earned multiple accolades in both sports, as she was named the Rookie of the Year in track and field and earned the Coaches and Spirit Awards in volleyball.

Leverentz comments: "I'm lucky that I'll be able to pursue my major at a great school while furthering my volleyball career. For me it was really a no brainer, it's always been my dream school! I'm really excited to meet new people and bond with teammates. College is a whole new chapter in life, and I can't wait to start!"

Ann Loncorich (Plymouth, Minn. / Wayzata / Right Side)
 
Loncorich earned varsity letters during her career with the Wayzata High School volleyball team. She is a native of Plymouth, Minnesota and plans to student exercise and sport science while at St. Kate's.
 
Loncorich's comments: "I chose to attend St. Catherine University because of the excellent physical therapy program. It has been my dream to be a physical therapist since 9th grade. Being able to play volleyball while pursuing my academic passion is the perfect fit."


Julia Weiler (Shakopee, Minn. / Shakopee / Libero)
 
Weiler put together a successful career at Shakopee high school, as she lettered in volleyball and earned All-Tournament Team honors as a senior. Off the court, Weiler lettered in academics as well as athletics and earned an All-Academic and All-State Academic Award during high school.
 
Weiler's comments: I have always worked hard both in my school work as well as volleyball and I'm so excited to continue to work hard in an environment that supports strong women. I'm excited to study the things that interest me most and work towards a successful future all while playing the sport I love.