Esko’s Bandelin Selects St. Cloud State For Volleyball

Wes Vork-NSO File

May 18

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

Esko junior Stephanie Bandelin has decided to attend St. Cloud State University and play volleyball for the Huskies in 2013. Bandelin, a 6′-0″ junior outside hitter helped lead the Eskomos to the state volleyball playoffs will be an added dimension to the Huskies team.

Bandelin stated she chose St. Cloud not only because of the volleyball program, but for the many academic opportunities available and also its location which was not that far away from her family in Esko. Bandelin plans to major in either nursing or history at St. Cloud State.

Bandelin stated, “St. Cloud State was actually my top choice for schools, I knew this is where I wanted to go for my college education and also to play volleyball.” Bandelin added, “I knew I wanted to play in the NSIC conference.”

St. Cloud State made an offer and Bandelin stated she was happy to accept and have her college choice made before going into her senior year. Bandelin was part of the Esko volleyball team which was 28-3 overall, and made their second trip to the state tournament. Esko Head Volleyball Coach Desi DeLeon credited Bandelin for a lot of that success, explaining to Northland Sports Online. “Stephanie has started for 2 years on varsity and still has one year left. She gives us a very strong, powerful outside hitter as well as a team leader. She was our go to girl last season.”

Bandelin stated “Coach DeLeon has done great things with our program and I’m looking forward to having a great senior season at Esko.” Adding, “Hopefully we will go out with a bang, and maybe we will have another state tournament appearance.” Bandelin also mentioned how important the girls that are graduating in 2011 were in development and what a huge impact they made on her and pushed her to play harder.

DeLeon believes Bandelin has what it takes to play at the next level. “She is determined to get a college degree and play the sport she loves while doing it. I believe that she will make an impact there right away.”

Bandelin plans to sign her national letter of intent in November. She will remain busy though this summer playing volleyball for the Minnesota North 18’s who will be playing in the National AAU tournament in Florida in June.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com