(February 8, 2008 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- When Concordia volleyball head coach Dan Kirchhoff was putting together a list of attributes of recruits that would help continue the rise of the Cardinal program he cited the obvious choices in talent and a strong work ethic. Kirchhoff also wanted someone who could instantly fit in and contribute while also having a tremendous upside that will allow that player to get better over the years. At the top of his list jumped the name Ashley Hart of Marian High School in Bloomfield Hills. The middle blocker has officially become a Cardinal as she has signed to join the Concordia volleyball squad this coming fall.

 

"I am choosing to attend Concordia University because it suits me," Hart said in a Marian High School produced news release. "I have always loved the small, close atmosphere, and I felt that when I visited Concordia. It offers wonderful Christian surroundings and is giving me a chance for a great education."

 

Hart's high school coach, Irick Gardner, has intimate knowledge of how Concordia fits well with his senior as he coached the university in the early part of the decade. That allows him to know how Hart will adjust to not only the school, but the college game as well. Her development will be key as, unlike many other players, hasn't been involved in volleyball as long, but has already picked up the game extremely well having only played it since her sophomore season.

 

"I am extremely happy for her," Gardner said. "She is not like the typical volleyball player starting up in fourth or fifth grade and moving up through high school. I think she will do very well at Concordia; she has four more years to get even better."

 

Kirchhoff believed that after moving the program up from the bottom to the conference to the door-step of the upper echelon in just two short years, that he was going to have to bring in individuals who will quickly adapt and make an impact for the program. Signing his top recruit was no small feat and he hopes it will be the stepping stone needed to have a team capable of challenging for a conference title next season.

 

"Ashley was listed as our top incoming freshman recruit and she has all the intangibles that will allow her to not only adjust and grow at the college level, but excel very quickly," Kirchhoff said. "By adding Ashley to the fold, we can now focus on bringing in other talent that can make this class the best ever to enter at one time in Cardinal history."

 

Hart hails from a very athletic family as he grandfather, Leon Hart, was the 1949 Heisman Trophy recipient while her father was a 1980 McDonald's All-America basketball player from Brother Rice High School. Hart's older sister is a former captain at Marian and now attends DePaul University and participates with their club volleyball team.

 

"Concordia is allowing me to fulfill my dream of playing volleyball and making something of myself for the future, what more could I ask for in a school?" Hart said.

 

While Kirchoff is helping Hart realize her dream, he is hopeful that Hart and her recruiting class will combine with the current roster to build a program that will allow him to see his dream: banners hung in the Cardinal Field House for championships won.