Women's Volleyball | November 23, 2016

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan volleyball program and head coach Colleen Munson have announced the signings of Rachel Bontrager (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso), Cassandra Smigel (Rockford, Mich./Rockford), Kaley Smith (Mendon, Mich./Glen Oaks Community College), Janell Williams (Portage, Mich./Portage Central) and Emma Yarber (Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay) for the incoming class of 2017.

The five student-athletes come from three different states in Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. Positionally, the class consists of two middle blockers, an outside hitter, a libero and a setter. 

"We are incredibly excited to welcome these young women to the Bronco Volleyball family," said Munson. "Each one brings a unique personality and attributes that will contribute to our established team culture. We're looking forward to watching these young women as they grow as teammates and individuals on and off the court."

Rachel Bontrager // Outside Hitter // 5'11 // Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso HS
- Two-time Second Team All-State selection (2014 and 2016).
- Recorded 1,473 kills during high school career, leading the team during her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Set school records for kills in a season during junior (416) and then again in senior season (482).
- Named Duneland Athletic Conference MVP during junior season, and was twice named First Team All-DAC (2014 and 2016).
- Named Northwest Indiana Times Newspaper Player of the year in 2015 and Post-Tribune Newspaper Player of the Year.
- First Team All-Area selection in 2014 (Times and Post Tribune).
- Named to 2016 Prep Volleyball HS All-American Watch List

Coach Munson on Bontrager – "Rachel is a terrific outside hitter that will be a dynamic contributor for us! We're looking forward to the depth that that she brings us on the outside."

Cassandra Smigiel // Middle Blocker // 6'0 // Rockford, Mich./Rockford HS
- Helped Rockford to OK Red Championship in 2016 and to district titles in 2013 and 2016.
- Recorded 927 career kills at the varsity level, seventh-highest in Rockford history.
- Recorded 262 career blocks at the varsity level, third-highest in Rockford history.
- Named First Team All-OK Red in 2014.
- Named to Michigan HS VBInsider Senior Watch List.
- Helped lead Rockford to the state finals, finishing runner up.
- Named Second Team All-State in 2016
- Played club volleyball for DFFO.

Coach Munson on Smigiel – "Cass is a great addition to our program! She's a strong, hard-working middle blocker and has the heart of a true Bronco!"

Kaley Smith // Libero // 5'5 // Mendon, Mich. /Mendon HS
- Earned eight combined varsity letters in track and field and volleyball
- Helped Mendon to two league championships, three district championships, three regional championships, three berths to the state quarterfinals and a trip to the state semifinals.
- Holds MHSAA record for aces in a season with 158.
- Named Third Team All-State during sophomore season and Second Team All-State during junior season.
- Named All-BCS (Berrien Cass St. Joe), Second Team All-State and to St. Joe Dream Team in 2016.
- Recorded over 1,000 digs during junior season and was named to St. Joe County Dream Team.
- Named All-State in track and field during junior season.
- Co-President of National Honor Society at Mendon

Coach Munson on Smith – "Kaley brings an added layer of depth to the libero position. We love her athleticism, personality and confidence she'll bring to the floor for us!"

Janell Williams // Middle Blocker // 6'2 // Portage, Mich./Portage Central HS
- Helped Portage Central to district championship in 2016.
- Also starred at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School.
- Daughter of Western Michigan football defensive line coach Jimmy Williams.
- Played club volleyball for Legacy Volleyball Club
- Named Second Team All-Conference and All-Region in 2016.
- Recorded 279 kills, averaging 2.26 per set during senior season and hitting .501 percent, also registering 92 total blocks (50 solo, 42 assists).
- Helped Portage Central to the state quarterfinals in 2016.

Coach Munson on Williams – "We're so excited that Janell moved right into the Kalamazoo area! She's an athletic middle blocker that's been really well coached at the high school level, and we're looking forward to watching her soar next season!"

 Emma Yarber // Setter // 5'10 // Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay HS
- Helped Henry Clay to four District 42 titles, three Region 11 championships and a Kentucky State Runner-up finish in 2016.
- Two-time Second Team All-State selection.
- Two-time All-District 42 Team selection.
- Two-time AAU Academic All-American (2014, 2015) and a KHSAA Academic All-State Honorable Mention selection in 2014
- Averaged 6.25 assists over four season, including 10.53 in 2015 and 9.62 in 2016.
- Named to PrepVolleyball.com Senior Aces Top 250

Coach Munson on Yarber – "Emma is an athletic setter that will give us immediate depth in an integral position. We love that she brings big game, championship experience to our team!"