Nov. 8, 2006

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State volleyball head coach Cathy George announced Wednesday that two players have signed National Letters Of Intent to attend Michigan State next fall. Jenilee Rathje (OH/RS, 5-11, Mt. Pleasant, Mich./Mt. Pleasant) and Megan Schatzle (MB/RS, 6-1, Monroe, Mich./Monroe) will don the Green and White in 2007.

Below is information on each signee.

Jenilee Rathje - Currently a finalist for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award... Garnered first-team all-league honors during sophomore and junior volleyball campaigns... Helped team to Saginaw Valley League title during junior season en route to league Most Valuable Player honors... Earned Most Valuable Offensive Player accolades at Mt. Pleasant during sophomore and junior seasons... Also garnered Mt. Pleasant Dream Team Area Player of the Year and honorable mention all-state accolades during junior season where she tallied 505 kills, 328 digs, and 104 blocks... Named team most valuable player and garnered first-team all-league honors during junior basketball season where she averaged 13.7 points per game... Named one of the top 100 girl's basketball players in the state by the Detroit Free Press during senior season... Member of the state champion 800 meter relay team during freshman track season... Also contributed to state runner-up 1600 meter relay team during sophomore year... Holds a 3.98 GPA, and is a National Honor Society member.

George on Rathje:
"Jenilee is an extraordinary athlete who has very dynamic jumping abilities. She has great quickness and is stronger than most high school and club athletes making the transition to the collegiate game. Jenilee has an excellent work ethic and strong will to succeed."

Megan Schatzle - Younger sister of Spartan junior outside hitter Ashley Schatzle... Named team captain for the 2005-06 season, posting a team-high 413 kills... Also contributed 102 blocks in 2005-06 en route to all-region honors... Has competed for the Toledo Volleyball Club for the last three years... Club team won 2004 Colorado Crossroads Qualifier Tournament and has qualified for Nationals two out of the last three years... Was selected to the 2005 USA Youth National A3 Team that trained in Colorado Springs, Colo... Also lettered in basketball at Monroe... Garnered academic all-state honors during junior campaign... National Honor Society member.

George on Schatzle:
"Megan is a great athlete with very smooth movements who has quick jumping abilities and a very fluid arm motion. She brings in a great deal of experience at both the high school and especially the club level. Her movements and poise mirror those of her sister Ashley. Megan will join our team with high skill levels in most areas of the game and could be ready to contribute early in her career."