WILMINGTON, N.C. ? UNC Wilmington volleyball Head Coach Amy Bambenek has announced the signing of Natalie LaHaie (Lah-HAY), a 5-11 setter from West Lafayette, Ind., to a National Letter-of-Intent for 2009-10 season. LaHaie is the first recruit to sign with the Seahawk program since Bambenek's hiring in February. 

"I'm extremely excited that Natalie has decided to join the UNC Wilmington volleyball program and be my first recruit,” said Bambenek. “She first caught my eye with her intensity and leadership on the court, qualities that are crucial for a setter. Natalie has all the natural instincts to excel and make an impact on the team right away."

A two-time All-Hoosier Conference selection, LaHaie led West Lafayette to three conference championships during her career. An All-Area selection as a senior, LaHaie averaged 7.0 assists, 1.9 digs, 1.2 kills and 0.9 aces per game in guiding the Red Devils to their third straight Hoosier Conference Championship. LaHaie was named Team MVP following her junior and senior seasons as well as the team's Most Improved Player after her sophomore season when she made the transition from outside hitter to setter.

"Although Natalie has only been setting for three years, she has already shown the ability to perform at a high level while running a fast-paced offense,” said Bambenek. “She is the type of person who is never satisfied and will put in the extra time to perfect her skills. With her height and skill set as a former outside hitter, she is a blocking threat at the net, but her creative offensive mindset is where her game really shines."

LaHaie also plays club volleyball for the Circle City Volleyball Club, leading the squad to a third-place finish at the Capital Sports Center Central Zone Invitational in January and a fifth-place result at the CSC Central Zone Championship in February.