Oblong libero Grace Flexter to join VU volleyball team

VINCENNES, Ind. – The two-time defending Region 24 Champion Vincennes University volleyball team made another big addition to their 2023 recruiting class this week with the addition of libero Grace Flexter from Oblong High School in Illinois.

Flexter is a five-foot two defensive specialist/libero who joins the Trailblazer volleyball program as a recipient of VU's Val-Sal Scholarship.

"Grace initially contacted us due to her interest in our Nursing major and volleyball program," VUVB Head Coach Gary Sien said. "She had quite a bit of interest from a number of other programs and was highly recruited. We needed to recruit at least one person in the DS/L position for 2023. We wanted to get another experienced person like Morgan Netcott who has played their entire career in that position. Grace, who comes from the same club program as 2021 Region 24 Player of the Year Grace Earp, fits the bill with her skillset and athletic potential. Not only is she experienced but she has been well coached."

"Later, we found out that Grace was a candidate for the Val-Sal Scholarship," Sien added. "She will join Alexis Chrappa and Morgan Netcott as fellow award recipients on next year's team. As for Nursing, Grace will join Claudia Mendoza, Grace Earp, Kaley Roush, Hannah Graber and Kennedy Sowell as recent volleyball students in that major."

Flexter comes to VU with an already impressive resume at the high school level. Flexter is the school record holder for total digs in a career with 1,019 and in a single season with 316 digs last season.

Flexter also has 157 career aces after leading her team with 70 her junior year and tying for the team lead with 65 last season.

Flexter helped guide the Panthers to a 24-13 record last season, including going undefeated in the Little Okaw Valley Conference to win her second conference championship and winning the LOVC tournament last season.

Flexter also helped Oblong win the Hutsonville tournament last season, in addition to setting a new school record for wins in a season with 24.

Flexter was named First-Team All-LOVC her junior and senior seasons and was also named to the Edwards County Invitational All-Tournament team last season.

Grace is the daughter of Trent and Tammy Flexter and plans to major in nursing while at Vincennes University.

"Grace has loved volleyball from the beginning," Oblong Head Coach Pam Johnson said. "She has always been our libero and I am so proud and excited for her. I cannot wait to see her succeed in this next chapter."

"We expect all of our back row players to serve receive on point and to aggressively play defense," Sien said. "We are not just paying lip service to that. Like all of our defensive players, Grace will be required to be proficient in playing in all three back row positions. She will compete for playing time in the libero position, which would be true for all incoming players in every position."

"Besides being in the libero position, every defensive specialist has to be capable of playing in every position on defense. While having some similarities, each one has its own specific differences which needs to be mastered. It can be challenging and I would state that it is more demanding than to know how to play all three front row positions. Grace will step into a program where we pride ourselves on our exceptional individual and team defense."

In addition to playing at Oblong High School, Flexter was a member of the Club 217 volleyball club.

The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to welcome Grace Flexter to the 2023 recruiting class and wish her well as she finishes her senior year of high school.