Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Volleyball Inks Two Additions for 2020 Campaign
6/18/2020 3:00:00 PM | Volleyball
Eastern adds Journey Barsh and Makayla Smith
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University Head Volleyball Coach Darcy Dorton announced the addition of middle blocker Journey Barsh (Homewood, Ill.-Homewood Flossmoor) and right side Makayla Smith (Portage, Mich.-Portage Northern) to the program for the 2020 season, today, June 19.
"As always, from an athletic standpoint, I expect all three to train hard in practice and provide needed depth, while also competing for playing time," said Dorton. "Each one plays a different position so I look forward to seeing them challenge the groups they work with to get better every day. I am perhaps more excited to see the value these three will add from a cultural standpoint. I expect each of these student-athletes to contribute by helping us achieve success in the three C's - Champions on the Court, Champions in the Classroom, and Champions in our Community."
Journey Barsh – Middle Blocker – Homewood, Ill.-Homewood Flossmoor High School
Barsh, a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain for Head Coach Anthony Kruse, led the Vikings to a 30-7 record and a Regional championship her senior season. She finished with a .348 attack percentage; which led the team and 86 blocks in 2019. The 5-foot-10 middle blocker was named to the All-Tournament Team for the St. Viator Invite, Sept. 21, and Manteno Invite, Sept. 28. Barsh also played for 1st Alliance Volleyball Club under Coach Nicasio Paquiz.
"Journey has an infectious energy to her personality that will feed positivity to her teammates right away," added Dorton. "She also possesses a strong work ethic and will be able to learn quickly from the other experienced players in her position. Journey is academically as well as athletically-driven and she understands the value of putting the student before the athlete."
Makayla Smith – Right Side – Portage, Mich.-Portage Northern
A Portage, Mich. native, Smith joins the Eagles by way of Portage Northern High School. A four-year letterwinner under Head Coach Heather Magelseen, she helped lead the Huskies to a 24-16-2 record her senior season. The 5-foot-11 right side, tallied 477 kills with a .265 hitting percentage and played in all 50 matches her final campaign. She earned a spot on the All-Division Honorable Mention Team in 2018. Smith also played for Dead Frog Volleyball Club.
"The recruiting process for Makayla was an interesting one in that I felt that Makayla was recruiting us as much as we recruited her," said Dorton. "As a Michigan-native, I have had my eye on Makayla for a few years, but what impressed me was how passionate she was about joining the Eastern Michigan volleyball program. She understands the high standard we have for our student-athletes at EMU and is brought into the goals we are working to achieve. "
Barsh and Smith join other signees in defensive specialist Bella Hommes and setter Olivia Szylar for the 2020 season.
Eastern finished the 2019 campaign with an 11-17 overall record and 6-10 mark in Mid-American Conference play under Dorton's first year at the helm.
"As always, from an athletic standpoint, I expect all three to train hard in practice and provide needed depth, while also competing for playing time," said Dorton. "Each one plays a different position so I look forward to seeing them challenge the groups they work with to get better every day. I am perhaps more excited to see the value these three will add from a cultural standpoint. I expect each of these student-athletes to contribute by helping us achieve success in the three C's - Champions on the Court, Champions in the Classroom, and Champions in our Community."
Journey Barsh – Middle Blocker – Homewood, Ill.-Homewood Flossmoor High School
Barsh, a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain for Head Coach Anthony Kruse, led the Vikings to a 30-7 record and a Regional championship her senior season. She finished with a .348 attack percentage; which led the team and 86 blocks in 2019. The 5-foot-10 middle blocker was named to the All-Tournament Team for the St. Viator Invite, Sept. 21, and Manteno Invite, Sept. 28. Barsh also played for 1st Alliance Volleyball Club under Coach Nicasio Paquiz.
"Journey has an infectious energy to her personality that will feed positivity to her teammates right away," added Dorton. "She also possesses a strong work ethic and will be able to learn quickly from the other experienced players in her position. Journey is academically as well as athletically-driven and she understands the value of putting the student before the athlete."
Makayla Smith – Right Side – Portage, Mich.-Portage Northern
A Portage, Mich. native, Smith joins the Eagles by way of Portage Northern High School. A four-year letterwinner under Head Coach Heather Magelseen, she helped lead the Huskies to a 24-16-2 record her senior season. The 5-foot-11 right side, tallied 477 kills with a .265 hitting percentage and played in all 50 matches her final campaign. She earned a spot on the All-Division Honorable Mention Team in 2018. Smith also played for Dead Frog Volleyball Club.
"The recruiting process for Makayla was an interesting one in that I felt that Makayla was recruiting us as much as we recruited her," said Dorton. "As a Michigan-native, I have had my eye on Makayla for a few years, but what impressed me was how passionate she was about joining the Eastern Michigan volleyball program. She understands the high standard we have for our student-athletes at EMU and is brought into the goals we are working to achieve. "
Barsh and Smith join other signees in defensive specialist Bella Hommes and setter Olivia Szylar for the 2020 season.
Eastern finished the 2019 campaign with an 11-17 overall record and 6-10 mark in Mid-American Conference play under Dorton's first year at the helm.
Players Mentioned
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