Benet's King, Jendryk set for Divison I action

With volleyball season a week away, the Benet girls are firming up their college plans.

Redwings senior Kaitlyn King and junior Jenna Jendryk recently made their collegiate decisions, joining four Benet teammates committed to Division I schools.

King, a 5-foot-9 setter, will play next year at Maryland.

"I absolutely love everything about Maryland," King said, "especially the direction the volleyball program is going, the coaches and the Comcast Center. When I visited I knew immediately this is where I wanted to be."

King started last year for Benet's 35-5 team that advanced to the Class 4A supersectional and also sets for her Sports Performance club team.

"Kaitlyn is one of the most underrated setters in the state," Benet coach Brad Baker said. "Her game is not flashy but like all great setters she delivers a very hittable ball. She has a unique confidence about her that makes players around her better."

Jendryk, a 6-foot setter/opposite hitter who also plays club for Sports Performance, has committed to Virginia Tech.

"I chose Virginia Tech because it is one of the fastest-growing programs in the country," Jendryk said, "and they are building a program to win the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference)."

Jendryk's older sister Jessica currently is a sophomore at the University of Illinois and starred at middle for Benet's 2008 Class 4A state runner-up.

"Jenna is a high-level athlete who comes from a great volleyball family," Baker said. "She has an extremely fast arm and her great athleticism allows her to be a difference maker on the court. She is an excellent blocker who has worked hard to be a high-level defender."