(June 14, 2009 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- Signing one of the top players on one of the state's top high school teams isn't usually a bad place to start with your first recruiting class as a college coach. That's just where Justin Martin began as he signed Katie Matz of Livonia Churchill, a team that finished her senior season with a stellar 59-4 record and an appearance in the Class A state semifinals.

Matz, who captained the JV squad her sophomore season, started on the right-side her two varsity seasons, finishing as the team's setter and defensive specialist her senior season. Her final prep season, Matz was awarded All-State Honorable Mention distinction, as well as picking up All-Observer, All-Conference, All-Regional and All-Association along the way.

Matz also served as the team's captain her senior season. Matz played her club schedule with the Oakland Jrs. and the Huron Valley Volleyball Club.

Academically, Matz is equally strong as she has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years, whole also being a member of the National Art Honor Society for two years. Matz was a member of the Churchill Honor Roll all four years of high school as well as logging 40 hours of community service, including her involvement in the Success Strategies Program and a Peer Conflict Mediator and Mentor.

"Katie not only comes from a high successful high school program, but has been an active member in the Christian community her whole life," said Coach Martin. "What I like most about Katie is her work ethic. It's infectious and our other players will definitely be able to feed off of it."