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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Tomic, Falcons Welcome Five To BGVB On National Signing Day
November 09, 2023 | Volleyball
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Bowling Green State University volleyball program has added five newcomers to the incoming 2024 class during the Early National Signing Day period. The Orange and Brown will welcome three defensive specialists with Avery Anders, Katherine Eigner and Sydnie Hernandez, a setter Anna Sitek and a right side/outside hitter Cecily Waynar to the Falcon Family.
"We are thrilled to add and welcome the five talented Falcons to our program!" said Head Coach Danijela Tomic. "They all come from great families, are excellent students and teammates, and have played for winning high school and club teams. All five bring different skills and personalities that we believe will enhance our program if they stay committed to the process of becoming the best that they can be for the team."
Avery Anders (North Olmsted, Ohio / Saint Joseph Academy / Academy Volleyball Cleveland)
Avery Anders will arrive in Bowling Green from North Olmsted with BGSU family ties already established. The sister of BGSU linebacker Darren Anders, Avery is currently in the midst of leading the Saint Joseph Jaguars on a playoff run, advancing to the state tournament final with a 23-4 record. This season, Anders has been named Third-Team All-District and listed on the AVCA All-American Watch List. She also earned AVCA Best and Brightest Third-Team honors. In addition to her brother playing football at BGSU, her dad, Mark Anders, played football at Ashland and Baldwin Wallace.
Anders on choosing BGSU:
"I chose BGSU because of the outstanding culture that has been created. The coaching staff and all the girls are amazing, extremely welcoming and will help me achieve my goals. I wanted to play at the highest level possible with great competition where I could learn and grow to be the best player I can be. I am so honored and excited to become a Falcon!"
Coach Tomic's Take:
"Avery has all the attributes to be an excellent libero in college. Her athleticism mixed with a highly competitive and dogged spirit is what stood out to us in the recruiting process. Avery is driven to be the best that she can be and with her work ethic and mindset, we are excited to be a part of her journey at BGSU."
Katherine Eigner (Bowling Green, Ohio / St. Ursula Academy / Toledo Volleyball Club)
Coming from a Falcon Family as well, Katherine Eigner will join the Orange and Brown as the third Falcon in the family, joining her dad Ty and her brother Pete. Playing for St. Ursula Academy, Eigner has aided the Arrows to back-to-back sectional championships with the 2023 season still underway. She was also named to the Detroit Catholic High School League All-League Team. In addition to her dad and brother here at BGSU, two of Eigner's uncles played collegiate hockey, her cousin, Lily Eigner, currently plays volleyball at Holy Cross and her sister, Ellie, plays women's hockey at Southern Maine.
Eigner on choosing BGSU:
"I chose to attend BGSU because it's a super special place to me and my family. I felt like my values aligned with the volleyball program's and I enjoy the way they run their program."
Coach Tomic's Take:
"To have Kate in our program is special not only because of her family ties to BGSU, but because we have known her since she started playing volleyball at our Lil' Falcons clinics many years ago. Kate's athleticism and versatility have allowed her to play different positions on her teams, but we will focus on developing her as a defensive specialist. We are excited that Kate will start her BGSU journey in January '24 and can be a part of our spring training and development."
Sydnie Hernandez (Bloomington, Ill. / Normal Community West High School / Illini Elite Cardinal)
Sydnie Hernandez will join Bowling Green from Bloomington, Ill. Playing for Normal Community West over the last three years, Hernandez has paced the Wildcats to a 101-17 record, advancing to the Elite Eight this year, the sectional championship last year and a third place finish in the state in 2021 while captaining the team the last two seasons. Individually, Hernandez is a two-time First-Team All-Conference recipient while being named All-State Second Team this year and All-State Honorable Mention last year. She set the program record for career digs and averaged 8.2 digs per set this season. Hernandez comes from an athletic family. Her sister, Averie, currently plays volleyball for Northwestern. Her brother, Cole, played football for Truman State. Her dad, Johnny, played basketball at Eastern Illinois and her mom, Hilarie, played volleyball at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Hernandez on choosing BGSU:
"Choosing Bowling Green State University was an easy decision for me. As I walked off of campus, I couldn't help but think of BGSU as my new home. A part of me couldn't believe how sure I was about BG. But, deep down, I knew the decision was already made. I can picture myself happily surrounded by the kind people of Bowling Green. The loving and small town feel of campus only made my choice easier. I can't wait to be a Falcon!"
Coach Tomic's Take:
"Sydnie stood out to us in the recruiting process with the consistency and quality of her first contact. She is equally good in serve receive and defensively and has all the other intangibles to be an excellent libero in college. We are thrilled that Sydnie chose to be a Falcon"
Anna Sitek (Katowice, Poland / LXII LO Mistrzostwa Sportowego, Warsaw)
The lone international student-athlete of the class, Anna Sitek will arrive in Bowling Green from Katowice, Poland, the same hometown as current Falcon freshman Edyta Waclawczyk. Sitek is a three-time gold medalist and a two-time silver medalist at the Silesian Voivodeship Championships while being a bronze medalist of the Polish Beach Volleyball Championship. She's also been an annual participant in the final tournament of the Polish Championship. Individually, Sitek has been named a two-time MVP of the State Championships and was named the Best Server of the State Championships. She has been named the Best Setter in nationwide tournaments four times and is a six-time MVP in the nationwide tournaments.
Sitek on choosing BGSU:
"I chose BGSU because of the wonderful family atmosphere there. I am also impressed by how much work the coaching staff puts into making their girls a better player and a better person day-to-day. Moreover, it is a very good university where I can develop my skills in every aspect and the amazing volleyball program allows me to combine playing volleyball and studying at a very high level. I can't wait to become a Falcon and meet everyone in person. Let's go Falcons!"
Coach Tomic's Take:
"Anna is a proven winner and has the skills and mentality that are necessary for a setter. We like versatility in our players and Anna brings that with her beach volleyball experience and as someone who transitioned from a hitter to a setter position. We are excited about what she will bring to our team and how she will make us better."
Cecily Waynar (Amherst, Ohio / Amherst Steele High School / CVC)
A second-generation BGVB member, Cecily Wayner is the daughter of Marin (Ferlic) Waynar who played volleyball for the Falcons from 1993-97. Playing for the Amherst Steele Comets, Waynar is still in the midst of the 2023 season and has landed 317 kills with a .345 hitting percentage and 104 blocks. A season ago, she landed 275 kills while hitting .396 to go along with 97 blocks. Waynar has been a three-time recipient of the Lorain County Volleyball Coaches Association honors for Academic Excellence. At the end of the 2022 season, she was named All-Conference Second Team and All-District Honorable Mention. In addition to her mother playing volleyball at Bowling Green, her aunt, Meredith Bingham, played volleyball at Tennessee Tech and her grandfather, George Ferlic, played football at Dayton.
Waynar on choosing BGSU:
"I chose to attend BGSU because of the competitiveness of the program, but also the community and support I would be receiving as well."
Coach Tomic's Take:
"We are thrilled to see Cecily continue the family legacy as a member of BGVB! Cecily has untapped potential with her height and powerful arm swing. She has played mostly as a middle blocker for her high school and club teams, but we will transition her to a right side/outside hitter. She is hardworking and a great learner, so we have no doubt that she will thrive in her new role."
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons volleyball team on social media
Twitter - @BGAthletics and @BGSUVolleyball
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsuvolleyball'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics' and 'Bowling Green State University Volleyball'
TikTok - @bgsuvolleyball
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
"We are thrilled to add and welcome the five talented Falcons to our program!" said Head Coach Danijela Tomic. "They all come from great families, are excellent students and teammates, and have played for winning high school and club teams. All five bring different skills and personalities that we believe will enhance our program if they stay committed to the process of becoming the best that they can be for the team."
Avery Anders (North Olmsted, Ohio / Saint Joseph Academy / Academy Volleyball Cleveland)
Avery Anders will arrive in Bowling Green from North Olmsted with BGSU family ties already established. The sister of BGSU linebacker Darren Anders, Avery is currently in the midst of leading the Saint Joseph Jaguars on a playoff run, advancing to the state tournament final with a 23-4 record. This season, Anders has been named Third-Team All-District and listed on the AVCA All-American Watch List. She also earned AVCA Best and Brightest Third-Team honors. In addition to her brother playing football at BGSU, her dad, Mark Anders, played football at Ashland and Baldwin Wallace.
Anders on choosing BGSU:
"I chose BGSU because of the outstanding culture that has been created. The coaching staff and all the girls are amazing, extremely welcoming and will help me achieve my goals. I wanted to play at the highest level possible with great competition where I could learn and grow to be the best player I can be. I am so honored and excited to become a Falcon!"
Coach Tomic's Take:
"Avery has all the attributes to be an excellent libero in college. Her athleticism mixed with a highly competitive and dogged spirit is what stood out to us in the recruiting process. Avery is driven to be the best that she can be and with her work ethic and mindset, we are excited to be a part of her journey at BGSU."
📝𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙀𝘿
— BGSU Volleyball (@BGSUVolleyball) November 9, 2023
Ay Ziggy! Avery Anders is officially a Falcon!#AyZiggy || #BGVB24 || #BGWarriors || #DreamBig pic.twitter.com/zuZgDMAIbz
Katherine Eigner (Bowling Green, Ohio / St. Ursula Academy / Toledo Volleyball Club)
Coming from a Falcon Family as well, Katherine Eigner will join the Orange and Brown as the third Falcon in the family, joining her dad Ty and her brother Pete. Playing for St. Ursula Academy, Eigner has aided the Arrows to back-to-back sectional championships with the 2023 season still underway. She was also named to the Detroit Catholic High School League All-League Team. In addition to her dad and brother here at BGSU, two of Eigner's uncles played collegiate hockey, her cousin, Lily Eigner, currently plays volleyball at Holy Cross and her sister, Ellie, plays women's hockey at Southern Maine.
Eigner on choosing BGSU:
"I chose to attend BGSU because it's a super special place to me and my family. I felt like my values aligned with the volleyball program's and I enjoy the way they run their program."
Coach Tomic's Take:
"To have Kate in our program is special not only because of her family ties to BGSU, but because we have known her since she started playing volleyball at our Lil' Falcons clinics many years ago. Kate's athleticism and versatility have allowed her to play different positions on her teams, but we will focus on developing her as a defensive specialist. We are excited that Kate will start her BGSU journey in January '24 and can be a part of our spring training and development."
📝𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙀𝘿
— BGSU Volleyball (@BGSUVolleyball) November 9, 2023
Ay Ziggy! Kate Eigner is officially a Falcon!#AyZiggy || #BGVB24 || #BGWarriors || #DreamBig pic.twitter.com/5HHLDymRfX
Sydnie Hernandez (Bloomington, Ill. / Normal Community West High School / Illini Elite Cardinal)
Sydnie Hernandez will join Bowling Green from Bloomington, Ill. Playing for Normal Community West over the last three years, Hernandez has paced the Wildcats to a 101-17 record, advancing to the Elite Eight this year, the sectional championship last year and a third place finish in the state in 2021 while captaining the team the last two seasons. Individually, Hernandez is a two-time First-Team All-Conference recipient while being named All-State Second Team this year and All-State Honorable Mention last year. She set the program record for career digs and averaged 8.2 digs per set this season. Hernandez comes from an athletic family. Her sister, Averie, currently plays volleyball for Northwestern. Her brother, Cole, played football for Truman State. Her dad, Johnny, played basketball at Eastern Illinois and her mom, Hilarie, played volleyball at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Hernandez on choosing BGSU:
"Choosing Bowling Green State University was an easy decision for me. As I walked off of campus, I couldn't help but think of BGSU as my new home. A part of me couldn't believe how sure I was about BG. But, deep down, I knew the decision was already made. I can picture myself happily surrounded by the kind people of Bowling Green. The loving and small town feel of campus only made my choice easier. I can't wait to be a Falcon!"
Coach Tomic's Take:
"Sydnie stood out to us in the recruiting process with the consistency and quality of her first contact. She is equally good in serve receive and defensively and has all the other intangibles to be an excellent libero in college. We are thrilled that Sydnie chose to be a Falcon"
📝𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙀𝘿
— BGSU Volleyball (@BGSUVolleyball) November 9, 2023
Ay Ziggy! Sydnie Hernandez is officially a Falcon!#AyZiggy || #BGVB24 || #BGWarriors || #DreamBig pic.twitter.com/R5XeSqfe9N
Anna Sitek (Katowice, Poland / LXII LO Mistrzostwa Sportowego, Warsaw)
The lone international student-athlete of the class, Anna Sitek will arrive in Bowling Green from Katowice, Poland, the same hometown as current Falcon freshman Edyta Waclawczyk. Sitek is a three-time gold medalist and a two-time silver medalist at the Silesian Voivodeship Championships while being a bronze medalist of the Polish Beach Volleyball Championship. She's also been an annual participant in the final tournament of the Polish Championship. Individually, Sitek has been named a two-time MVP of the State Championships and was named the Best Server of the State Championships. She has been named the Best Setter in nationwide tournaments four times and is a six-time MVP in the nationwide tournaments.
Sitek on choosing BGSU:
"I chose BGSU because of the wonderful family atmosphere there. I am also impressed by how much work the coaching staff puts into making their girls a better player and a better person day-to-day. Moreover, it is a very good university where I can develop my skills in every aspect and the amazing volleyball program allows me to combine playing volleyball and studying at a very high level. I can't wait to become a Falcon and meet everyone in person. Let's go Falcons!"
Coach Tomic's Take:
"Anna is a proven winner and has the skills and mentality that are necessary for a setter. We like versatility in our players and Anna brings that with her beach volleyball experience and as someone who transitioned from a hitter to a setter position. We are excited about what she will bring to our team and how she will make us better."
📝𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙀𝘿
— BGSU Volleyball (@BGSUVolleyball) November 9, 2023
Ay Ziggy! Anna Sitek is officially a Falcon!#AyZiggy || #BGVB24 || #BGWarriors || #DreamBig pic.twitter.com/u5b9MURiDn
Cecily Waynar (Amherst, Ohio / Amherst Steele High School / CVC)
A second-generation BGVB member, Cecily Wayner is the daughter of Marin (Ferlic) Waynar who played volleyball for the Falcons from 1993-97. Playing for the Amherst Steele Comets, Waynar is still in the midst of the 2023 season and has landed 317 kills with a .345 hitting percentage and 104 blocks. A season ago, she landed 275 kills while hitting .396 to go along with 97 blocks. Waynar has been a three-time recipient of the Lorain County Volleyball Coaches Association honors for Academic Excellence. At the end of the 2022 season, she was named All-Conference Second Team and All-District Honorable Mention. In addition to her mother playing volleyball at Bowling Green, her aunt, Meredith Bingham, played volleyball at Tennessee Tech and her grandfather, George Ferlic, played football at Dayton.
Waynar on choosing BGSU:
"I chose to attend BGSU because of the competitiveness of the program, but also the community and support I would be receiving as well."
Coach Tomic's Take:
"We are thrilled to see Cecily continue the family legacy as a member of BGVB! Cecily has untapped potential with her height and powerful arm swing. She has played mostly as a middle blocker for her high school and club teams, but we will transition her to a right side/outside hitter. She is hardworking and a great learner, so we have no doubt that she will thrive in her new role."
📝𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙀𝘿
— BGSU Volleyball (@BGSUVolleyball) November 9, 2023
Ay Ziggy! Cecily Waynar is officially a Falcon!#AyZiggy || #BGVB24 || #BGWarriors || #DreamBig pic.twitter.com/29ENl7HcTe
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons volleyball team on social media
Twitter - @BGAthletics and @BGSUVolleyball
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsuvolleyball'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics' and 'Bowling Green State University Volleyball'
TikTok - @bgsuvolleyball
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
Players Mentioned
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