The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/144506
Michigan's Top Five Recruiting Classes For 2013-14 Softball: The 2013 class of four is headlined by the signings of pitcher Megan Betsa and infielder Abby Ramirez. Both were nationally ranked and named Gatorade Players of the Year for their respective states of Georgia and Illinois, and both boast gaudy high school statistics. Betsa won two Pitcher of the Year honors in Georgia. With the graduations of pitcher Stephanie Speierman and infielder Amy Knapp, look for Betsa and Ramirez to help ease the transition at those positions. "We expect all of these freshmen to make an impact," Michigan head coach Carol Hutchins said. "They all play at high levels and that continues with their summer teams. They will fit in very well with our team. "Megan Betsa has some intangible qualities that will be good for our staff. Abby Ramirez, Kelly Christener and Lindsay Montemarano are all quality athletes and will transition to the college game quickly to make an impact for Team 37." Swimming and Diving: The Wolverines welcome a mammoth class of 14 swimmers that will be counted upon to make an impact after U-M lost 10 to graduation this spring. Phoenix product Brianna Jurries is the top performer of the class, while Kelsey Cummings arrives as a transfer from North Carolina. She brings a good mid-to-distance freestyle performance, and scored big points for the Tar Heels at last year's ACC Championships. "We are excited to bring this group of student-athletes into our program at the University of Michigan," U‑M head coach Mike Bottom said. "This is an outstanding group of students and we look forward to working with them throughout their careers as they swim for Michigan." Volleyball: It's not easy to surpass a Final Four appearance once expectations have been adjusted, but head coach Mark Rosen and the Wolverines are in prime position in 2013, losing only Claire McElheny to graduation. The 2013 recruiting class isn't as big as prior years with only a three-member group, but the trio's abilities are more than enough to grab a No. 25 ranking on PrepVolleyball.com's list. The ranking service calls Abby Cole the third best player in nation, while 6-4 middle blocker Gabbie Bulic was one of the top recruits out of the state of Ohio and landed on the Under Armour national honorable mention list. Cindy Zhou, a 6‑0 setter, rounds out the class and is ranked PrepVolleyball.com's No. 91 Senior Ace in the country. "I really like this class," Rosen said. "It's not the biggest class, but we will get more physical at each position that we're bringing in, and that's a priority. "Our class includes a tall setter, a more physical setter, which is exciting. We