Siedlik signs Baden for 2013

Bruin volleyball coach Trish Siedlik announced today the signing of 5-10 outside hitter Bridgette Baden (Hebron, Neb./Thayer Central HS) to a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers beginning in the fall of 2013.

Baden, the daughter of Stan and Chris Baden, will be a senior at Thayer Central High School in 2012, where she earned Lincoln-Journal Star first team all-state honors and was a two-time first team all-conference honoree. Baden led TCHS in her junior season in kills (349), digs (326), hitting percentage (.226), and service aces (31) while playing for head coach Kurk Wiedel.

"Bridgette is a tall, athletic outside with excellent ball control," said Siedlik. "This was a huge recruit for us to start off the class of 2013. She comes from a strong, competitive program at Thayer Central and we can't wait to have her be a part of our success here at Bellevue."

A three-sport standout, Baden also earned letters in basketball and track. She was a two-time all-state honorable mention selection in basketball while leading her team in points (186) and rebounding (125), earning team MVP and Most Inspirational Player honors.

In track, Baden set a school record in the long jump (14'11"), while also qualifying for the 2010 Nebraska State Track and Field Championships in the 4x800 relaty.

Baden played club volleyball for the Thayer Central Volleyball Club under head coach Craig Wiedel.

An excellent student, Baden is a member of her school's honor roll.

Baden is the Bruins' first signee in the 2013 recruiting class.

Bellevue finished the 2011 season with a No. 25 final national ranking, winning the 2011 MCAC Tournament title after finishing second in the MCAC regular season. The Bruins advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the fifth-straight season.