Three more volleyball prospects put their John Hancock on a National Letter of Intent to play at Eastern next year.

Panthers head coach Brenda Winkeler announced the signings of Leanne Kreps (Forsyth), Mary Welch (Chicago) and Megan Wollin (St. Peters) who will join Kara Sorenson who signed last fall.

Kreps is a 5-foot, 8-inch setter who twice earned First Team All-Macon County honors including a Player of the Year award last fall while playing for Maroa-Forsyth High School.

“As a setter, Leanne brings a wealth of playing experience,” Winkeler said.”Her excellent club training will put her in a position to compete as our starting setter right away.”

Kreps comes from a volleyball backround as her mother played volleyball at the University of Illinois.

“Leanne is a fierce competitor who is a student of the game,” Winkeler said.

Welch is a 5-foot-11 middle hitter who led Marian Catholic High School to a fifth place state finish at state last fall. During her senior year, she earned All-Area honors from the Times and Star Publications. Winkeler thinks she can play right away.

“Mary comes from not only a successful Marian Catholic program but also the Second City Club,” Winkeler said. “She has the skills to play as either a right side or middle hitter.”

Wolin is a 6-foot-1 outside hitter and led South Central High School to a 29-2 record. The News-Gazette of Champaign selected her for Honorable Mention All-State honors. Along with that honor, she was tabbed as the Salem Times Commoner 2002 Female Athlete of the Year and 2002 volleyball Player of the Year. She was also named to the First-Team All-Midland Trail Conference team three times.

“Megan will bring power to the outside hitting position along with size,” Winkeler said.

“Right now she would rank as one of the hardest hitters on our team.”