DENVER - University of Denver volleyball head coach Beth Kuwata announced Thursday morning that Colleen King (Steamboat Springs, Colo.), Brea Muhle (Leigh, N.E.), Kate Oakes (Evergreen, Colo.) and Cassie Ronda (Chandler, Ariz.) signed national letters of intent to play for the Pioneers beginning next season.

"This might be top to bottom the best class that has come to Denver," Kuwata said. "There is tremendous physicality in this group, especially along the net, and we are excited to welcome them to Denver. This is an exciting group of young talented athletes with a great deal of potential that I believe can all contribute immediately."

A multi-sport standing out from Steamboat Springs High School, King comes to DU with experience as a setter, outside hitter and right-side hitter and according to coach Kuwata, has the size and skill necessary to change how the Pioneers run their offense.

Joining the Pioneers from Columbus Lakeview High School in Leigh, N.E., Muhle is a 6-foot hitter that has the ability to play multiple positions and the knack to learn things quickly, Kuwata mentions.  "Brea brings the kind of day-in, day-out work ethic that a team needs."

Also joining the Pioneers from the State of Colorado, Oakes played for the Evergreen High School Cougars and will be the first left handed attacker that this coaching staff has recruited to DU.

"Kate has a great feel for passing and playing defense," Kuwata said. "Her speed, jump and overall athleticism are qualities that will allow her to excel in the Sun Belt Conference."

Rounding out the incoming recruits for the 2010 class is Ronda, another 6-foot-1 attacker, from Chandler, Ariz., who played for the Corona del Sol High School Aztecs.

"Cassie brings a maturity and confidence to our left side attacking position," Kuwata said.  "She has had success, in all aspects of her life and is a proven winner.  We are excited about her ability to be a six rotation player for us."

Denver closes out the regular season on the road as it faces Arkansas-Little Rock on the road on Friday, Nov. 13 at 3:30 p.m. (MT). The Pioneers then plays their final match of the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 14 against Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Ark., in a 6 p.m. (MT) match.

COLLEEN KING

Before Denver: Played volleyball for Steamboat Springs High School and club team for four years • plays as a setter, outside hitter and right side • won All-Conference in 2007, 2008 and 2009 • was the recipient of MVP award in 2008 and 2009 • named All-State in 2009 • played post for high school basketball team • won All-Conference and Honorable Mention for basketball • played soccer for two years as an outside midfielder.

Personal: Born August 29, 1991 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. • daughter of Buddy and Joanie • has four siblings, Tara, Shannon, Brody and McKenyon • chose DU for the great atmosphere of the team, the academic opportunities and wanted to stay in-state • also recruited by Weber State, UNLV, Colorado State University, University of Idaho, Mesa State, Western State and University of Utah • participates in Link Crew, Young Life and Wyldlife • was on the honor roll all four years of high school • won an academic letter in 2008 • enjoys playing piano, sports and spending time with family and friends • undeclared major.

BREA MUHLE

Before Denver: Played volleyball for Columbus Lakeview High School for four years • plays middle, outside hitter and right side • won Honorable Mention, All-Conference, All-State and Academic All-State for volleyball • set school records for kills in a match, kills in a season, kills in a career, digs in a career, blocks in a match, solo blocks in a career, ace serves in a career, serve receive percentage in a career, points in a match, points in a season, games played in career and matches played in career • tied school record for blocks in a season • played center in basketball for high school • won Honorable Mention, All-Conference, All-State and Academic All-State for basketball • participated in track for high school and ran the 400 meter, 4x4 100 meter relay and the 4x4 400 meter relay • also participated in shot-put and discuss.

Personal: Born August 4, 1992 in Columbus, Neb. • daughter of Jeff and Reva • has one sister, Blaine • chose DU for the comfortable feel on campus and the friendliness of the people • hopes to continue career in playing professional sand volleyball and later have a job as an occupational therapist • was a member of Future Business Leaders of America and won first place in State Leadership Conference and eighth place at the National Leadership Conference for Desktop Publishing • member of Tomorrow's Leaders Today, National Honor Society, Student Council, Viking Voices and Viking Viewpoint • participated in MADD Fundraisers, Columbus Food Pantry Food Drive, Helping Hands and Sweetheart Raffle for March of Dimes • intends to major in occupational therapy and speech pathology.

KATE OAKES

Before Denver: Played varsity volleyball for Evergreen High School for three years • plays right side • named Second Team All-Conference in 2007 • named Honorable Mention All-Conference in 2008 • was named a team captain and was a First Team All-Conference selection in 2009 • was named to the pre-season All-American watch list in 2009 • played club for Denver Parks and Recreation in 2009 • played club for Juggernaut Elite from 2007 to 2009.

Personal: Born June 6, 1992 in Dallas, Texas • daughter of Chip and Jay • chose DU because it had the perfect combination of coaches, players and classes to study • also recruited by Colgate, University of New Mexico, University of Toledo, University of Buffalo and Colorado State University • hopes to play volleyball professionally and eventually become a top chef at a restaurant • enjoys playing volleyball and cooling • intends to major in hotel, restaurant and tourism management.

CASSIE RONDA

Before Denver: Played volleyball for Corona del sol High School for four years • plays outside hitter and right side • three year varsity player and three year State Tournament qualifier • named All-Arizona First Team, East Valley Tribune First Team, Joe Sellen Most Dedicated Player and to the Nike Tournament of Champions All-Tournament Team • played for a travel club and was a two-time Junior Olympic qualifier.

Personal: Born September 16, 1991 in San Luis Obispo, Calif. • daughter of David and Larisa • has two sisters, Kayla and Erica, and one brother, Evan • chose DU because of the dedicated team, the challenging academics, and the great location • also recruited by Duke, William and Mary, Ohio State and CU Boulder • member of Bible Study Fellowship • volunteers at Andre House Soup Kitchen and teaches at Vacation Bible School • was a National Merit Semifinalist and an AIA Honor Roll recipient • enjoys playing piano, reading historical fiction and Charles Dickens, blogging, coaching club volleyball, working out and watching movies • intends to major in biology, chemistry or accounting.

- PIONEERS -