Central STL News

Paty Figueiredo, interim head coach of the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team, announced the signing of two more players to the squad for the 2023-24 season.

They are:

• outside hitter Gibson Beckler, Conway
• setter Caroline Glatkowski, Erfurt, Germany 

More about Beckler

Beckler has earned numerous awards as a Conway Bear. She received all-state, academic all-state, all-conference and conference player of the year awards and helped lead the Bears to a district championship in 2021 and a conference championship this past season.

She said liked several things about MSU-WP and the Grizzly Volleyball program during her official recruiting visit. "The relationship with the girls was so refreshing. I really felt like I connected with the team very well," she said. "The campus was comfortable for me, and it was very easy to get around."

Beckler, who said she puts academics first, describes herself as a team player. "I am very competitive and love when my teammates have success. That's what makes the game fun," she said. "I love learning the game and love making myself better."

Figueiredo is excited to have Beckler on the team. "Getting to know Gibby on her visit and watching her play afterwards was special. She is a complete and strong outside hitter who puts up a solid block. Her ball control and control of the game will make a significant impact and add a lot to our team all around.

"She has everything we were looking for in a future Grizzly player," the coach continued. "She has a team mind set and will do her best to see her teammates succeed. She loves being part of a team that is a family, where each member cares for the other.

We are excited for everything that Gibby will be adding to our program. She is not only a strong volleyball player, but the way she shows her gratitude for being part of our team and family makes us excited to work with her in the future," Figueiredo said.

More about Glatkowski

Glatkowski earned six most valuable player of the match honors during the past season and has helped her team earn five Thuringia state championships.

She said MSU-WP's academic programs, its dedicated coaches and the encouraging, cooperative atmosphere of the team drew her to the program. "I am very ambitious, hard working and a team player – both as a student and as a volleyball player," she said. "This is a place where I can use and further improve my skills."

Figueiredo said Glatkowski connection with her teammates and coaches captured the attention of the Grizzly coaching staff. "As a setter, we look for a player who will be the connection between the coaching staff and players. After watching Caroline play, we were able to see that she will be the player always willing to do whatever it takes to help her team succeed," Figueiredo said.

"She is a 6-foot, 2-inch setter with a lot of experience running 5-1, she has a great understanding of the game, and she is a player who is excited for her next steps and challenges on the court," the coach added. "She will be a setter who also will be a great asset to our defensive system. We are excited to add Caroline to our team and watch her contribution and growth during her time as a Grizzly."

For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit the team's website, MSUWPGrizzlies.com.

Original source can be found here.