BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University signed three student-athletes in the early signing period for the 2009-10 academic year, head coach Matt Ginipro announced on Wednesday. Outside hitters Meghann Forshey and Kelsey Kuehner join libero/defensive specialist Courtney Rhein in next season's freshman class.

"The Class of 2009 represents our second recruiting class for Appalachian State Volleyball and we went out looking for very specific things in our new Mountaineers," said Ginipro. "First and foremost, we were looking for players who were going to help raise the program to the top of the SoCon and, more importantly, whose presence will create a winning culture in our gym every day. We also wanted to bring in players who were extremely competitive and had experience playing at a high level. All three of our signees fit that mold perfectly. Along with that, all three are amazing young women with fantastic personalities that will be fun to have on the court. We are very excited for Meghann, Kelsey and Courtney to don the Black and Gold and look forward to getting them on campus."

Meghann Forshey (Glen Allen, Va./Deep Run High School) led her team to two state titles and earned first team all-district and all-region honors for coach Terra Balla's team as a senior in 2008. The 6-0 outside hitter also earned all-district honors as a sophomore and junior and was named to the second team all-region in 2007 as well. She earned the Coaches' Award as a junior and was named the 2008 District Player of the Year. Forshey plans to major in graphic design with a minor in business.

"Meghann brings us height and athleticism to our left side attack, along with the ability to hit multiple types of sets across the net. She has experience playing both on the left and in the middle, so I'm excited to think of the offensive possibilities we'll have with her on the court. Meghann won two state titles with her high school and they very nearly made it to their third championship match this year. That type of experience will be invaluable for our program."

Kelsey Kuehner (Solon, Ohio/Solon High School) was named to the all-district and all-conference teams as a senior for coach Liz Guard this season and was named to her district's all-star team. A four-time Scholar Athlete Award winner, she led her club team to a ninth-place finish at nationals. The 6-1 outside hitter earned district and conference honors as a junior and was named a Top 150 Senior Ace by PrepVolleyball.com. She plans to major in biology/pre-dentistry.

"Kelsey will be bringing some depth and much-needed height to our left-side attack. She is a long 6-1 outside hitter who I believe can develop into a consistent terminator for our program, along with being a big block for opposing teams to deal with on that side of the net. She comes in with great club experience and plays on a team with several other NCAA Division I signees. Kelsey had a very good senior high school season and looks to grow even more as a dominant outside hitter during her final club season this spring."

Courtney Rhein (York, Pa./Eastern York High School) was her team's captain this year and was named to the all-district and all-county teams. The 5-8 libero/defensive specialist tallied 336 assists and 169 kills as a setter for Eastern York, where she was named to the school's honor roll each of her four years. The York, Pa. native played basketball and ran track for two years in high school and was named the track rookie of the year for 2008. She is undecided on a major.

"I have known the Rhein family for nearly three years because I recruited Courtney's sister to Virginia. They are an amazing family and I couldn't be happier that they are going to be a part of ASU Volleyball. Courtney will add a great deal of ball control to our program as well as high level of competitiveness in the gym. She is also one of the strongest, most stable, players I have seen in the libero position and I look forward to adding her skills to our veteran back-row tandem of Heather Kale and Cassie Engelgau."

"I believe that the trio makes up a great recruiting class, and will possibly grow into one of the best Appalachian State Volleyball has seen in a while. They are the perfect players to come in and make an immediate impact in the rebuilding process of our program. I feel very fortunate to have been able to attract these players to Boone and hope that luck can continue in future classes."

The Mountaineers finished fifth in the Southern Conference North Division this season with a 3-15 mark in league play, 7-25 overall. Eleven players return for 2009 after the graduation of seniors Charissa Clearman and Carla Durham.