Oregon State Volleyball Welcomes Two to 2011 Roster

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(Corvallis, Oregon) - The Oregon State volleyball team welcomes Haley Clarke (Newberg, Ore.) and Lexi Wilhelm (Escondido, Calif.) to its 2011 roster, announced Thursday by head coach Taras Liskevych.

Haley Clarke (Dundee, Ore./Newberg HS/North Clackamas VBC) 6-3 Middle Blocker

Haley Clarke joins the Oregon State volleyball team after lettering three years at Newberg High School, earning All-Pacific Conference First Team honors as an all-around player after being named to the All-Conference First Team at middle blocker as a junior. She currently is on the 2010 AVCA/Under Armour All-America Watch List with the All-America teams being named later this month.

“Haley is very competitive and has the tools to be a dominating blocker in the Pac-10,” Liskevych said. “We are delighted to add another outstanding Oregon athlete to our roster.”

Clarke is also a four-year letterwinner in the high jump with a personal best of five-feet, and played one season of basketball as a freshman as center. Off the court, Clarke has earned a perfect report card and is a member of the National Honor Society, yearbook editor and Powder Tuff organizer.

“Oregon State feels like a home away from home,” Clarke said. “I love the coaching staff, the atmosphere and everything about Oregon State. I can't wait to be on campus and a part of the team. It’s like a dream come true being able to play volleyball and go to school at the same time, and I’m honored to do both at Oregon State. I'm proud to call myself a Beaver.”

Lexi Wilhelm (Escondido, Calif./San Pasqual HS/Encinitas Wave VBC) 5-11 Setter

Lexi Wilhelm comes to Oregon State, lettering all four years at setter, earning All-East Avocado League honors as a senior after leading San Pasqual High School to a league championship. Had success in her rookie season as well, earning another All-League mention.

“Lexi is a hard worker and a very good setter who will immediately help our depth in the setting position,” Liskevych said. “She has played her high school and club volleyball in San Diego county – one of the most competitive counties in the US.”

She also competed in soccer, helping her team to an undefeated season in the East Avocado League. In the classroom, Wilhelm is an honor roll student, member of the National Honor Society, ASB and an AP Scholar with Honor Award recipient.

“I’m happy to say there are a number of things that influenced me about coming to Oregon State,” Wilhelm said. “I visited campus and was overwhelmed - everyone is so knowledgeable, friendly and active. Academically, OSU is nationally recognized for studies in Marine Biology, which is the major I’m very interested in, and there also seems to be a lot of fun stuff to do off-campus. If there is one thing in particular though, I’d have to say that getting the best coaching staff on Pac-10 volleyball team really hooked me.”