Volleyball Adds Five on National Signing Day
11/9/2022
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State volleyball Head Coach Leah Johnson announced the addition of five newcomers on Wednesday, November 9 during National Signing Day. Joining the Spartans in 2023 will be Cameron Berger (Setter/Eden Prairie, Minn.), Makya Clayton (DS/Lee's Summit, Mo.), Zuzanna Kulig (Middle Blocker/Chrzanów, Poland), Karolina Staniszewska (Outside Hitter/Marki, Poland) and Taylah Holdem (Outside Hitter/Christchurch, New Zealand).
CAM BERGER
Setter | 5'11" | Eden Prairie, Minn. | Vital VBC
Berger played nine seasons at Vital Volleyball Club under coach Ryan Stuntz, placing fifth in the open bracket of the USAV 18s Junior National Championship held earlier this year in Phoenix, Ariz. Following the conclusion of Berger's high school career she was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Region team (Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota).
Berger played five seasons at Eden Prairie High School under head coach Chad Becher, earning All-State (2022, 2021) and All-Conference (2022, 2021, 2020) honors for the Eagles playing in Class AAAA. Also served as a team captain during the 2022 campaign.
Comes from a volleyball family as mother Leigh, and father Ryan each played collegiate volleyball. Leigh was a record-setting player at Gustavus Adolphus before being inducted into the Golden Gustie Hall of Fame in 2010. Older sister, Makenna, currently plays at Concordia St. Paul.
Cam is a true hidden gem. She comes from a volleyball family and has flown under the radar thus far. However, the impact she has made on teams has been significant. Every team she quarterbacks has been a winner. Cam led an unranked team to an 18 Open club semifinal appearance and took their high school team to the state tournament against an extremely tough field. She’s smooth, hungry and a great learner. Above all, she’s a quality human being. Cam will be joining us this spring to start training!Head Coach Leah Johnson
She’s smooth, she’s hungry and SHE’S A SPARTAN! Welcome to the family Cam ????
— Michigan State Volleyball (@MSU_Volleyball) November 9, 2022
More info: https://t.co/Bs7EIBN4yo#GoGreen | #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/XodnCg5iBb
ZUZANNA KULIG
Middle Blocker | 6'4" | Chrzanów, Poland | Stal Mielec VBC
Kulig currently plays as a middle blocker for ITA TOOLS Stal Mielec in the Polish 1 Liga under head coach Wieslaw Popik. The play of Kulig currently has Stal Mielec at 6-0 in 1.Liga so far this season with the season ending in May. Kulig is a current teammate of fellow MSU signee Karolina Staniszewska. Previously played for Stezyca, Elite Volley Malopolska, the PZPS Spot Championship School in Szczyrk and UMKS MPOS Chrzanów.
Zuza has burst on to the scene internationally. She competes in the top league in Poland. She has a unique combination of size and speed that make her an elite blocker and offensive threat. Zuza is such a great mover and will train nicely in our system.Head Coach Leah Johnson
All the way from Poland… Spartan fans help us welcome middle blocker Zuza Kulig! ????
— Michigan State Volleyball (@MSU_Volleyball) November 9, 2022
More info: https://t.co/D1woN1oHhW#GoGreen | #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/s6OCZ8j92i
Makya Clayton
Defensive Specialist | 5'6" | Lee's Summit, Mo. | Performance Volleyball Academy
Clayton played three seasons at Lee's Summit High School under head coach Brittany Boerigter, earning her spot as team captain in 2022. Twice named First Team All-Conference (2020, 2022), Clayton also earned First Team All-District (2020, 2022) and Academic All-State (2020, 2022). Clayton helped lead Lee's Summit to a conference championship in 2020 and district championships in 2019 and 2020. Also played as an attacker and setter due to her athleticism. Currently ranks #6 and #28 in the MSHSAA record book for most assists in a match.
Clayton has earned multiple American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) accolades, having been named to the AVCA Phenom List (2020, 2021) and the AVCA All-America Watch List (2022). Named to the VolleyballMag ION Watch List for 2022 and the PrepDig Player Rankings List in 2020 and 2022.
Clayton played 10 seasons at Performance Volleyball Academy under head coaches Christi Lutman (2012-2022) and Jeff Morgan (2023), serving as a club captain in each of her seasons with the team. Was an Under Armour Next camp invitee and named to the Vballrecruiter.com 2023 National Player Rankings list.
Makya may be one of the best athletes I have ever recruited. She has a 34” vertical and has played as an attacker and setter during her club and high school seasons. She’s played all over the court which shows she has an elite understanding of the game from all aspects. Her foot speed and range are next level. She’s always locked in and consistent as a competitor - the type you want to go to battle with. Her touch on the ball is elite and we are excited to get in the gym and train her!Head Coach Leah Johnson
Can’t wait to go to battle with this one! We’re so excited to have you Makya ????
— Michigan State Volleyball (@MSU_Volleyball) November 9, 2022
More info: https://t.co/TxV0tX8HKj#GoGreen | #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/PgQSPj48Ir
KAROLINA STANISZEWSKA
Outside Hitter | 6'0" | Marki, Poland | Stal Mielec VBC
Staniszewska is a talented outside hitter arriving in East Lansing from Marki, Poland and is currently playing for ITA TOOLS Stal Mielec VBC in Mielec, Poland. A decorated player for her age group, Staniszewska was named the best outside hitter at the 2022 U19 European Championships and was the best scorer and receiver at the 2022 U19 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival. A team captain, Staniszewska helped the Polish team to third place finishes at both the European Championships and the European Youth Olympic Festival. Staniszewska also helped her team to the 2021-22 Polish Junior Championship title, earning tournament MVP honors. Named to the Red Bull Volleyball Wings program that supports up and coming volleyball talents.
Fans - get excited for this one! Karolina is a true 6-rotation player with an elite volleyball pedigree. She’s played on some of the biggest international stages and always finds herself leading her team. She has a skillset that every coach wants on the floor. Karolina has an arm that will score at a high level and the backcourt game to complement it. She’s a leader and determined to be the best.Head Coach Leah Johnson
TAYLAH HOLDEM
Outside Hitter | 6'2" | Christchurch, New Zealand | Silverbacks VBC
Holdem was a four-year player at Silverbacks VBC under head coach Sam Ryburn and a five-year player at Burnside High School in Christchurch, New Zealand.
In September, Holdem traveled to Turkey to play in the 2022 U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships. Holdem qualified after placing 5th at the Asian U19 Beach Volleyball Championships held in Roi-et, Thailand in June. Holdem was selected to play for the Southern Pounamu team in the New Zealand National Volleyball League (NVL) in which the top 12 players nationally were selected.
Taylah is such a fun athlete. She is one of the top beach players in the world for her age group which shows in her ball control, defensive eye and overall game. She’s crafty, versatile and has vision that you rarely find. Taylah will add skill to our gym right away. She’s humble, hardworking and the perfect fit.Head Coach Leah Johnson
From the sand to the hardwood we are thrilled to welcome the final piece to our 2023 puzzle Taylah! ????
— Michigan State Volleyball (@MSU_Volleyball) November 9, 2022
More info: https://t.co/wXBYlQBaaS#GoGreen | #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/PZVOBvzjdv
