Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University head volleyball coach Shelton Collier has announced the signing of two student-athletes who have committed to play volleyball at Wingate beginning in the fall of 2023. Wingate welcomes outside hitter Analiese Baldauf (Apex, N.C.) and setter Maya Van Heyst (Tampa, Fla.).

"We are excited about signing both of these talented young players, and we feel that both are more than ready to contribute to more championships here at Wingate," Collier says. "Both Analiese and Maya were really impressive at our camp this past summer, and they both showed a high level of play as well as fitting in really well with our team personality."

Analiese Baldauf
6-0 Outside hitter
Apex Friendship High school
Triangle Volleyball Club

Baldauf was captain and a star outside hitter on her Apex Friendship high school team and was selected to the AVCA High School All-American list. As a club player, she is a standout on the nationally-successful Triangle Volleyball Club. Wingate has had several prominent players from the Triangle club, including Hall of Famers Rebecca Brezovec Bass and Melissa Deluca Scheutt.

Collier on Baldauf:
"I believe that Analiese will have an opportunity to make an impact here right away at the outside hitter position. We lose our top three outside hitters from this year's championship team, so she will certainly have a great opportunity to make a strong contribution as a freshman. She has a very strong all-around game and has the skills, competitive personality and athleticism to be a high-level player here."

Why Baldauf chose Wingate:
"I chose Wingate because after visiting the campus and meeting coach Collier, Coach Tek, and the girls on the team I knew Wingate was the perfect fit. They truly made me realize why I love the game. I am excited to be joining such a successful program while still staying close to home!"


Maya Van Heyst
5-11 setter
Tampa Preparatory School
Team Kiwi Club

Van Heyst is regarded as one of the top prep setters in Florida. In addition to her success at the high school level, she set for Team Florida in the High Performance National Championships, and is a prominent setter for Team Kiwi Volleyball Club in Tampa.

Collier on Van Heyst:

"With us losing such a high-level setter in Shannon Kasprak, the setter position next season will be a key factor in our success. Maya is already an established, highly-skilled, creative setter and will be in a position to compete for the setter position right away. She is a dynamic athlete and a charismatic leader, and will be an exciting addition to our program."

Why Maya chose Wingate:
"I chose Wingate because of the amazing atmosphere on the team. All of the players were incredibly nice and I loved connecting Coach Shelton and Coach Tek. I am so excited to be coming into such an impressive program with an amazing record this year!"

The duo will be joining a Wingate squad that has put together another impressive season, finishing with the best record in league play for the 16th time in 17 seasons. The 'Dogs won the Piedmont Division title and are entering the SAC Tournament semifinals at 27-2 overall after going 17-1 in SAC play. Wingate has piled up 28 total conference championships over the past 17 seasons, adding five regional titles. The top-ranked team in the region, the Bulldogs are looking for their 18th straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Wingate has hosted the regionals eight times and has made a SAC and region-best five appearances in the NCAA National Quarterfinals. Wingate ranks second nationally in opponents' hitting percentage, fifth in wins, hitting percentage and winning percentage and seventh in blocks per set.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
A comprehensive, independent and growing university, Wingate serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina. Founded in 1896, the University offers 37 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional programs. Wingate is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. Wingate blends in-class exploration with out-of-class application to deliver an uncommon and life-changing educational experience.
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past 13 years. Wingate is first in the 2000s among NCAA Division II and North Carolina's colleges and universities with 113 CoSIDA Academic All-America® selections. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 122 lifetime Academic All-America® honorees. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com. Current news and videos can be found at www.wingate.edu.