Cassidy Sintobin To Continue Volleyball CareerAt Division I Saint Francis (8/4/12)
Recently graduated Lady Cat Volleyball standout, Cassidy Sintobin has joined the 2012 class of recruits at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA. The Red Flash are a Division I program, competing in the North East Conference (N.E.C.).
The 5’11” Cassie, who was the District 9 M.V.P., and All-State and All- State Tournament Team selection will join former Lady Cat teammate, Kierstin Kiser. Kierstin was likewise District 9 M.V.P., and All-State and All-State Tournament Team selection. The two played together in 2008, when Cassie was a freshman and Kierstin was a senior.
Cassie Sintobin
Cassie joins Hannah Kutny from Catholic Central HS (Clifton Park, NJ); Danielle Cullen, Loudin County HS (Leesburg, VA); Chelsea Easter, Notre Dame Roman Catholic HS (Burlington, Ontario); Brittany Zmyslinski, Walsh Jesuit HS (Cuyahoga Falls, OH); and Maria Cup, Gilmore Academy (Chesterland OH), as the newest members of Coach Chuck Mullen’s team.
Coach Mullen said, “Cassie comes from a great high school program at Clarion with coach Shari Campbell, where competing for state titles is the norm, and I really value those type of players.” And on Coach Mullen, Cassie said, “I’m excited to play for him. He seems like he runs a pretty tight ship He’s really going to take this program somewhere.”
Cassie, who will major in Health Professions (Nursing), said, “I chose Saint Francis because it is a great education and it’s a small atmosphere where I’ll be able to get connected with my team and my professors, and really get to know people.” On her time at Clarion she said, “Definitely playing at Clarion has been one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had. Coach Campbell was one of the greatest coaches and I’m so glad she’s taken the time out of her schedule to spend so much time with our team to make us as great as we are, as great as our team has been the last few years. She’s really done a lot to help me personally and through my volleyball.”
Coach Campbell shared these comments about Cassie, “I am extremely proud to see Cassie Sintobin headed to Saint Francis University. Cassie is a very athletic player and she will bring her great court presence to the Division I program. SFU is a great fit for Cassie academically and there are opportunities for her to make an immediate impact. While playing at Clarion, Cassie was named the 2011 KSAC MVP, District 9 MVP and was selected to the PAVBCA Coaches Association All-State Team. During the 2011 season, Cassie served as a team captain and led the team in both blocks and kills. Her experienced as a three year starter at the state tournament and two appearances in the state finals match will bring a competitive edge for Cassie. I look forward to her playing with Clarion Alumni, Kierstin Kiser. Cassie had a great spring season playing for the Pitt Elite 18 Premier team. I see Cassie continuing to elevate her game to the next level.”
Cassie will play Right Side for the Red Flash, the same position she played in high school, and will team with Kiser, a senior Setter. “Kierstin and I, we have chemistry on the court. We work really well together. She’s a great listener. She sets extremely well. She’s a great leader,” Cassie said.
“I am very excited to play with Cass again! Because we both played for Coach Campbell, we naturally know how each other plays,” said Kierstin. “ I practiced with Cass over the summer and we were already clicking as setter and hitter. Her quickness and versatility and block will be important for us next year.”
Kierstin sees Cassie as someone “always willing to learn more… working to get better” and as a person who “rose to any challenge that was thrown at her.” She said, “Cass can expect a team (Saint Francis) that is ready to put in the work to achieve the goals we have this season. I think she will adjust very well. Lucky for us, Coach Campbell has done a great job preparing us for college level competition.”
Cassie is the daughter of Rob and Deanna Sintobin. She says, “I would like to thank my parents for supporting me through all of my years and getting me through financially and taking me to all of those tournaments.
And in addition to her gratitude to Coach Campbell, and Kiersten she said, “I’d also like to thank my coaches down in Pittsburgh. For my J-O team, ‘Pittsburgh 18 Premier’ for ‘Pittsburgh Elite’. Working with them and getting a fresh new sight on volleyball; some new eyes working with me on volleyball really helped.”
Congratulations to Cassie! And to Cassie and Kierstin, continued success as you team together for the Red Flash.