Volleyball November 10, 2017

Volleyball Signs Four To 2018 Roster

MILWAUKEE – Four standouts have signed their papers and are set to join the Milwaukee volleyball team next season, Milwaukee volleyball head coach Susie Johnson announced today.

Kleja Cerniauskaite of Crystal Lake, Ill., Jess Grabowski of Greendale, Wis., Abby Koenen of Burlington, Wis., and Rylie Vaughn of Wausau, Wis. have all signed on to play with Milwaukee for the start of the 2018 season.

"We are very excited about this incoming group," Johnson said. "They are four high-level players, they're all proven winners and they're all four at different positions, which is very exciting for us. I have high expectations for what they will provide for our team next season."

A 6-foot-2 middle, Cerniauskaite has taken big steps at Crystal Lake South High School in the greater Chicago area. After being named the team's most improved player as a freshman and helping the Gators to a sectional championship, Cerniauskaite has excelled as one of the top players in the area.

"Kleja comes from nearby Illinois and I'm really excited about what she brings to the table," Johnson said. "She has a lot of physicality. She has played middle for a long time and that's where we see her, making an impact right away.

Grabowski has been a part of a huge resurgence at Greendale High School. The libero and three-year team captain helped push the Panthers three straight state tournament appearances – their first since 1979 – and four consecutive conference, regional and sectional titles. She racked up over 600 digs during her senior season, including a match-high 28 at the state tournament. Grabowski earned all-state honors each of the last three seasons, while also shining in the classroom as an academic all-state honoree and a member of the National Honor Society.

"Jess is a libero and has been trained in that position at a very young age, so she's very confident in her skill set," Johnson said. "She's very quick, very competitive and is a great leader."

Koenen closed out her prep volleyball career in style just last weekend. The 6-foot outside hitter finished with an incredible 26 kills in the state final – including the deciding kill on her final swing – to help Burlington bring home the gold ball after knocking off previously undefeated River Falls. Tallying over 400 kills during her senior season, Koenen was named First Team All-State following this year's state tournament, where she turned in a double-double in each match on her way to a state title.

"Abby is very athletic and has tremendous footwork," Johnson said. "She comes from a program that has a lot of history of winning, and she has been the leader of that team this whole season, proven by her outstanding performance in the state championship match."

Vaughn is a do-it-all player from powerhouse Newman Catholic. She helped the Cardinals to four consecutive state tournaments, including an impressive three state championships. As a junior, Vaughn more than 400 kills and nearly 600 assists before shifting to more of an attacking player this season. This season, she was named second team all-state and was the Marawood Conference Player of the Year with nearly 700 kills on the season. The three-year team captain has also excelled in sand volleyball, bringing home a USA Volleyball Junior Beach National Championship in 2014.

"Rylie has a very wide skill set," Johnson said. "She's a great leader and a great teammate. She has the ability to make other people around her better and she's very competitive. Like everyone in this class, she's a proven winner."

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