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New Bremen seniors made their college choices known during a ceremony on Monday at James F. Dicke Auditorium at New Bremen High School. Signing were, from left, Keira Steininger (University of Georgia volleyball), Melina Schrader (University of Dayton volleyball), Ava Trentman (Converse University volleyball) and Mia Hirschfeld (Indiana Tech cross country and track and field).
NEW BREMEN - Three seniors who left a significant presence on the New Bremen volleyball team and a senior running standout will continue their educations and competition on the college level after making their announcements on Monday.
Melina Schrader, one of the top setters in the state, will continue her play at the University of Dayton. Ava Trentman, the beneficiary of many of Schrader's assists, will attend Converse University in Spartansburg, South Carolina. Libero Keira Steininger will also head south to play volleyball at the University of Georgia. Mia Hirschfeld, fresh off her competing at the state cross country meet, will continue her distance running career at NAIA school Indiana Tech.
"I went there over the summer for a recruiting day," said Hirschfeld, who plans to major in health and science. "I really fell in love with the facilities. The dorms and campus are nice. The coaches are very supportive.
The Warriors finished fourth at the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference cross country meet. The track team won the WHAC outdoor championship for the 11th time in 13 seasons this past spring.
"They have a new indoor track that's connected to their outdoor track," said Hirschfeld. "It has new technology for injury prevention. Just a real nice facility
Hirschfeld has had a solid 2024 both in track and cross country. In the spring, Hirschfeld was third in the 800-meter run and fourth in the 1,600 at the Midwest Athletic Conference track meet. This fall, she finished fourth at the MAC cross country meet and qualified for the state meet, placing 61st overall.
"My coaches here definitely played a big role in my decision to continue running," said Hirschfeld. "They're real supportive and helped me fall in love with the sport."
It didn't take long for Schrader to know that Dayton was the right fit for her.
"Probably since the moment I took my first visit," said Schrader, who will major in business administration and marketing. "I knew I wanted to be there."
The Flyers ran the table in the Atlantic 10 conference this season with an 18-0 record and take a 28-1 record into this weekend's conference tournament that will be played at the Frericks Center in Dayton.
"I love their competitive edge," said Schrader of the Flyers.
Schrader was the 2023 co-MAC Player of the Year in helping the Cardinals to their second straight Division IV state title. This season, Schrader averaged 9.6 assists, 2.8 digs and 1.9 kills per set while serving up 82 aces in earning first team All-Ohio honors in Division VI and being named the Setter of the Year in District 8. Schrader finished her four-year varsity career at New Bremen with 3,207 assists, 316 aces and 772 digs.
"It's been so competitive here (at New Bremen)," said Schrader about what she'll take with her from her days at New Bremen as she heads south. "Going through those games with the team, just going together."
While the volleyball aspect played a part in her selecting Converse, the school's music program was the biggest factor.
"I went down there for a camp. I didn't know anything about the college and wanted to see what it was all about," said Trentman. "I was really interested in their music program and that fed into (going for volleyball).
"I knew I wanted to do something with music since first grade, then I fell in love with volleyball."
The Valkyries, playing in NCAA Division II, finished 20-9 and 13-5 in Conference Carolinas.
"They had a rough patch last year, but coach Alexis (Ivey) cleaned it up."
Trentman averaged 2.8 kills per set to go with 39 blocks.
When asked what she'll take with her from her years at New Bremen to Converse, Trentman said confidence.
"Confidence is the key," said Trentman. "Coach (Diana Kramer) always preaches that. I feel like it will carry on to my college life."
Steininger fell in love with Georgia from first conversation with the coaches.
"I started talking to the coaches and they told me all that (the school) had to offer," said Steininger, who will major in mechanical engineering. "I think they make good people down there, not just great athletes. I loved every bit of it.
"The facilities are so amazing. It's so nice. All the people are great there, too. Very welcoming there."
The Bulldogs are 10-13 overall and 4-9 in the Southeastern Conference heading into Friday's conference match at Texas A&M at College Station.
"The SEC is tough," said Steininger. "What I like is you have to play great every night."
Steininger averaged 4.3 digs per set as the libero and also had a strong serve that resulted in 66 aces this season.
"At New Bremen, I have played in a lot of big games," said Steininger. "It taught me about mindset and confidence. That's something I can take to college."
