TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State head volleyball coach Ted Kopacz announced the signing of three incoming freshmen for the 2027 season Thursday.
 
"Knowing the 2027 class would be our first recruiting class at Indiana State, we were very intentional about finding the right people, student-athletes who embrace what Sycamore Volleyball stands for and share our vision for its future," Kopacz said. "All three are exceptional people who come from outstanding families. Throughout the recruiting process, we consistently heard how highly their coaches and teammates regard them, not just as athletes, but as people.
 
Middle blocker/pin hitter Nataliya Linder, setter Brooke Barntsen and pin hitter Auden Hummel all signed with the Sycamores during the early period and will join the program as freshmen with five years of eligibility next season.
 
"This class brings the physicality to immediately elevate our presence at the net, both in the practice gym and on the competition court," Kopacz said. "They will help us play faster and compete more physically as we continue our pursuit to become the premier program in the Valley!"
 
Nataliya Linder
6-1 | Middle Blocker/Pin Hitter | New Sharon, Iowa | North Mahaska
Linder is a versatile athlete who has earned all-state accolades in both volleyball and track and field. She has tallied over 300 kills and four kills per set in each of the last two seasons to go alongside nearly three digs per set in each of the last two campaigns. Linder tallied 646 kills, 384 digs and 64 aces over the course of the last two seasons at North Mahaska HS. In addition to her talents on the volleyball court, Linder was the runner-up in the long jump at last year's state championships and averaged a double-double with 13.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game on the basketball court last year.
 
Linder on signing with Indiana State: "I am excited to be a part of such a wonderful program at Indiana State. The girls and coaches are the most amazing group of people! They bring great energy to every situation!"
 
Head Coach Ted Kopacz on Linder: "Nat is an extremely gifted athlete that has excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Work ethic like hers is rare to find and will be an immediate boost to our gym. Her leaping ability is what stands out most, as she is a long athlete that can impact the game from all three front row positions. She has tremendous upside and is a great learner which will help her reach her potential!"
 
 
Brooke Barntsen
6-0 | Setter | Lexington, Kentucky | Sayre School
Barntsen is a highly-decorated setter who joins the Sycamores as the top-ranked player in the state of Kentucky in the 2027 class. A two-time all-state selection, Barntsen made history by becoming the first player in the state of Kentucky to record over 1,000 career kills, assists and digs. Barntsen is the all-time assists and kills leader at Sayre School, totaling 2,050 assists and 1,603 kills for her high school career. She was also a four-time all-district team selection and a first team all-conference honoree in each of the last four seasons, leading Sayre to its best season in school history and earning all-tournament team honors at the district, region and state level.
 
Barntsen on signing with Indiana State: "I am so excited to be a Sycamore because of the amazing culture and energy surrounding the volleyball program. Indiana State Volleyball feels like a family that genuinely supports one another and plays for each other. I can't wait to compete at the highest level and learn from Coach Ted and the amazing coaching staff."
 
Head Coach Ted Kopacz on Barntsen: "Brooke is everything we look for in a young setter. She runs a fast offense with great location and regularly gets her hitters advantageous looks. She impacts the game at the net with a relentless attacking ability and causes problems for other team's outsides defensively. She is a complete player that is already operating our Sycamore style of offense and will help push us to the next level!"
   

Auden Hummel
6-2 | Pin Hitter | Winchester, Indiana | Winchester Community
Hummel is a two-time First Team All-State selection, also earning multiple all-district, all-conference and all-county accolades at Winchester Community HS. She has recorded more than 350 kills in each of the last three seasons, including back-to-back seasons over 400 kills in 2025 and 2026. Hummel hit over .300 in each of the last two seasons, and has also averaged more than two digs per set for her career. She was a force from the service line with over 200 career aces to her name, and also added just shy of 200 blocks for her career. Hummel finished her high school career with over 1,500 kills and 900 digs.
 
Hummel on signing with Indiana State: "I am excited to be a Sycamore because of the friendships I know I will make with the incredible players and the opportunity to compete with like-minded individuals. I am honored to have the opportunity to play for this talented coaching staff and to help be a part of the many accomplishments that can be achieved at Indiana State."
 
Head Coach Ted Kopacz on Hummel: "Auden is a local Indiana athlete with a huge personality that is matched only by her raw power. Auden's cannon of an arm has allowed her to be lethal from both pins in high school and club, ranking among the top scorers in the state. Her celebrations are memorable and there is no doubt she will quickly become a fan-favorite with her authenticity, passion, and skill!" 
 

The three incoming Sycamores join a program that will finish with its best season since 2021. Indiana State ranks in the top 40 nationally in total kills, attacks, assists and aces this season, while earning top-three MVC rankings in kills, assists, aces and attacks
 
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