Busa, Klein to Join Elon Women’s Volleyball Phoenix in 2014

ELON, N.C. – Elon head volleyball coach Mary Tendler has announced the signing of two players, Sydney Busa (Leesburg, Va./Heritage) and Michelle Klein (Lake Worth, Fla./Park Vista), for the 2014 season.

“We are very excited to welcome Sydney, Michelle and their families to Elon University and our volleyball program,” said Tendler. “The 2014 recruiting class may be small with only two players, but these two players will have a huge impact on our program starting in the fall. My staff did a great job of identifying our needs and finding the best players to help us succeed as we move forward into the Colonial Athletic Association.”

Busa, a 6-1 outside hitter, recorded over 1,000 kills in her career at Heritage High School under head coach Allison Smith and was the kills leader for the DC-Metro area in 2013. She is a three time all-district selection, earning first team honors her sophomore and junior years, and a two-time all-region pick, including a first-team selection in 2012. As a senior, Busa was named first-team all-conference. As a member of Virginia Elite 18s under coach Patrick Lobner, she helped the team earn a bid to USAV nationals in 2010 and competed at AAUs in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Off the court, Busa maintains a 4.0 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar and is a two-year editor-in-chief of her school’s yearbook. Sydney is the daughter of Paul and Suzette Busa.

“Sydney will be the most versatile player that we have had in the program in the last 10 years,” described Tendler. “She is a six-rotation player that can easily play any position in the front row and hit any tempo set. Her immediate focus will be as either a right or left side player.”

Klein, a 6-2 middle blocker, was a four-year varsity starter at Park Vista Community High School for head coach Erica Green. She was an all-county and two-time all-conference honoree, helping the team to four straight conference championships (2010-2013). As a senior, Klein earned the team’s MVP award and ranked first in the county in blocks and third in kills. As a member of Tribe 17 Rox under coach Jessie Ray, she helped the club team earn a bid to USAV nationals in 2011 and a fifth place finish in 2012. Off the court, she has been named the student of the year in several subjects, including English, television production and social science. A 4.0 student, she plans to study communications at Elon. Michelle is the daughter of Joe and Marie Klein.

“Michelle is a middle blocker with a ton of athleticism,” commented Tendler. “That allows her to hit from a high point, close the block easily and move fast in transition. She will help us both offensively and defensively.”

Both players will be eligible to play for the Phoenix beginning in the fall of 2014.