Nov. 28– Concordia volleyball coach Brady Starkey has announces that Elizabeth (Ellie) Duffy, Taylor Fieldsted, and Natalie Thomas have inked National Letters of Intent to play for the Golden Bears in 2008.

"We are excited about the talent level of the athletes we have coming in. They will have a chance to compete for positions on the court right away," coach Starkey commented on his recruiting class. "They are three dynamic athletes. They played at high level JO programs for years now and are ready to compete at the collegiate level."  

Duffy, a 5-8 outside hitter from Totino-Grace High School played on three straight North Suburban Conference title teams, finishing undefeated in 2006 and 2007.  She earned all-conference honors three straight seasons and was the conference Player of the Year as a junior and senior. Duffy is a two-time all-state team member and a two time all-metro selection by the Star Tribune.  She finished her career with 1,112 career kills.  While at Totino-Grace, Duffy also was a member of the track team, where she is a two time all-conference selection and participated in the 2007 state track meet.  She has spent four years on the A-honor roll and is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Ellie is an explosive kid with a powerful arm that we feel is going to be able to contribute and terminate balls for Concordia. She's a great kid on and off the court and a fantastic student. She grasps the game of volleyball very well."

Fieldsted, a 5-8 libero from Lakeville North High School was a member of four straight Lake Conference team titles and made four consecutive state tournament appearances, finishing twice as a runner-up and twice in third place.  Fieldsted was a first-team all-metro selection by the Pioneer Press and a second-team all-metro selection by the Star Tribune in 2007.  She earned all-state honors and was a member of the state all-tournament team as a senior.  In addition, she earned all-conference and academic all-conference honors.

"Taylor has been one of the best libero's in the state for the last four years. She's solidifies the ball control for a team that has been to the state championship for four years straight. She's another player that adds to our ball control arsenal of being able to keep the ball off the floor and plays great defense. Her ball control is some of the best I've seen."

Thomas, a 5-7 setter from Champlin Park High School was an all-conference selection in 2007 after earning honorable-mention all-conference as a sophomore and junior.  She has earned four letters in volleyball and three in basketball for the Rebels.  While at Champlin Park, Thomas is a three year member of the honor roll and participates in the school paper, the Rebel Report and Rebel Times.

"Natalie is a great athlete and we feel her best volleyball is ahead of her. She's currently a talented setter and we know she will grow into her role at Concordia."

The three will join a Concordia team that is currently 33-4 and has won five straight Northern Sun (NSIC) conference titles and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight three of the last five years. 

"All three are a great fit in the classroom. We have maintained a reputation for academic excellence and these incoming student-athletes will fit in well with the players we already have."

The Golden Bears open play with California University of Pennsylvania, the winner of the Atlantic Region on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 12:00.