Jan. 4, 2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio State women's volleyball team has added three recruits for the 2012 season, Ohio State head coach Geoff Carlston announced Tuesday. Middle blockers Alex Heyn and Andrea Kacsits and outside hitter Katie Mitchell will join a team that finished 2011 with a 21-15 record, reached the Sweet Sixteen for the second-consecutive season and notched its third-straight season with 20-plus wins.

Heyn, a 6-4 middle blocker from Ashburn, Va., helped lead Stone Bridge High School to the 2010 Virginia State Finals and was named to the 2010 Virginia Northern Region All-Tournament Team. A member of Virginia Elite VBC, Heyn was listed No. 68 on Prepvolleyball.com's list of Top 100 seniors.

"Alex is a raw and athletic player that is going to add size across the front row," Carlston said. "She not only is 6-4, but she also has long arms and is very quick. As she continues to learn the game, I think she is going to be a top player in the conference."

Kacsits, a native of Rockford, Mich., is a 6-4 middle blocker from Rockford High School and Dead Frog Far Out VBC. Kacsits is No. 78 on Prepvolleyball.com's list of Top 100 seniors and was named an Under Armour All-American and a Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year finalist. A member of the 2011 Michigan Class A State Championship team, Kacsits was a four-time All-State selection, two-time team co-captain and a member of the National Honor Society.

"Andrea has a tenacious blocking mentality that is rare for a younger player," Carlston said. "She is fiery and shows tremendous natural leadership that will serve her well. Andrea will come in and make an impact as a freshman."

Mitchell, a 6-2 outside hitter from The Woodlands, Texas, was listed No. 42 on Prepvolleyball.com's list of Top 100 seniors and was named a Maxpreps.com and Under Armour All-American. A member of Houston Jr's VBC from College Park High School, Mitchell was a two-time All-State selection and four-time Academic All-District.