Gophers sign nation's first- and third-ranked volleyball recruits

November 14, 2019 at 4:34AM

The Gophers volleyball program signed four players Wednesday, including the No. 1 and No. 3 recruits in the nation. Taylor Landfair, a 6-4 outside hitter from Plainfield, Ill., is ranked the No. 1 recruit in the nation by Prep Volleyball.

Coach Hugh McCutcheon called Landfair a special talent, adding, "She's got length, she's physical and she can play the whole game. It's a rare combination of skills."

"I chose Minnesota because I absolutely love the coaches and their coaching styles," said Landfair, a three-time AAU All-America player who led her team to the 18 Open national title in 2018 and was named that tournament's MVP.

The other signees: Jenna Wenaas, a 6-1 outside hitter from Frisco, Texas, who is the No. 3-ranked recruit; Melani Shaffmaster, a 6-3 setter from New Castle, Ind.; and Cami Appiani, a 5-8 defensive specialist from San Diego.

Staff reports

about the writer

about the writer

More from Gophers

See More
card image
Renée Jones Schneider/The Minnesota Star Tribune

The Terrapins used three steals, three layups and four free throws to complete a 10-0 run to close the game, denying the Gophers an upset at Williams Arena.

Minnesota running back Ky Thomas (8) runs away from West Virginia safety Alonzo Addae and safety Sean Mahone (29) during the first half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
card image