Viterbo Volleyball Wecomes Harelstad

La Crosse, WI - Viterbo University volleyball head coach Ryan Delong announced the signing of Heather Harelstad (Chippewa Falls, WI) to a letter of intent to play for the 2006 V-Hawk squad.

Harelstad has had an amazing career as a four year varsity letter winner for Chippewa Falls High School. Harelstad, a libero, was 1st team all conference in the Big Rivers 2003, 2004, and 2005. She was also named defensive player of the year in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and was 1st team all county in 2003 and 2005. 

Harelstad grew up on a volleyball court, watching her mother, Michelle, coach at the high school level at New Auburn and Chippewa Falls. She gives her mother credit for introducing her to the game of volleyball and for being so supportive throughout the years in anything she pursues. Standing at 5’2, Harelstad did not anticipate her career to be this successful until the addition of the libero position. 

“I don’t think I would be here today if not for the libero position,” commented Harelstad. “Being 5’2 I did not think I would have a chance to play at this level, I thought my height would limit me.”

Harelstad had many opportunities to play at the college level, but chose to play with the V-Hawks because they made her feel important and she saw the passion and dedication the team had. “I liked what I saw at Viterbo because I felt the girls were there to play volleyball and were dedicated,” stated Harelstad. “Coach Delong kept in good contact with me and made me feel like an individual.” 

Harelstad, who has worked very hard to become the player she is today, has also had a lot of help along the way. She has played four years under Coach Tammy Slowiak at Chippewa Falls High School and has played five years for Kim and Jason Wudi at Eau Claire Air. “Coach Slowiak taught me about mental attitude and thinking on the court,” commented Harelstad. “Kim and Jason helped me learn how to be a team player, reading the ball, and having a positive attitude.”    

“We are thrilled to have Heather coming to Viterbo University,” commented coach DeLong. “She brings tremendous volleyball skills to our program. She has worked hard for her success and I’m confident she will continue to work hard in college and have a very successful career. Heather is also an outstanding person with a tremendous family and she will be a great addition for the V-Hawks.”

Harelstad joins Abby Breitung (Tomah, WI) as the first two 2006 recruits to sign with the V-Hawks. The V-Hawks are coming off their best season in the last ten years and are hopeful to build on what they started this year. Coach DeLong knows that both Harelstad and Breitung will be part of a bright future.