STANFORD, Calif. – Head coach John Kosty and his staff are pleased to announce the signing of five to National Letters of Intent on behalf of the men's volleyball program.
Joining the Stanford family are Adam Chang (San Diego, Calif.), Nathaniel Gates (La Jolla, Calif.), Kevin Lamp (Lake Bluff, Ill.), Nathan Lietzke (Austin, Texas) and Will Rottman (Santa Barbara, Calif.).
"We are extremely pleased to sign this excellent class of scholar-athletes," said Kosty, now in his 13th season at the helm of the program. "Each one is special in his own right, but as a collective group they elevate our program to the next level. All of them have performed well in the USA Volleyball development system and competed at the highest levels. Each has worked exceptionally hard both academically and athletically to get to Stanford. We welcome them to The Farm and look forward to the years of success that they will have here."
Chang is a very versatile, well-rounded 6-4 middle blocker out of Westview High School in San Diego. He has several years of elite training in the USA Volleyball pipeline. Last summer, he was a member of the U-19 Youth A1 team and a starter on the top "Red" team that finished with the bronze medal at the 2018 US High Performance Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has an elite serve and is able to be an effective attacker on a multitude of set types. Belying his smaller stature, he is a strong, instinctive blocker that gets the most out of his frame.
"Adam has worked very hard to get to the highest level of academics and athletics. He gives a different type of middle blocker as he is extremely mobile and athletic, and can hit almost any type of quick attack. He is relentless and highly competitive. We can't wait to get him into our gym," explained Kosty.
Gates's stock rose quickly over the past few summers through his play with USA Volleyball. He is a 6-8 middle blocker from La Jolla High School. For the 2018 NORCECA Championships, he beat out a number of high-caliber middle blockers to make the U19 Youth National Team and travel to Cuba. During the tournament, he went from bench player to starter and helped team USA to several big victories.
"Nathaniel's size and lateral quickness will be great assets in our gym. His experience in Cuba over the summer is invaluable and demonstrates his high potential as a middle blocker. A very humble person with great work ethic, Nathaniel will do great thing on The Farm," added Kosty.
A 6-4 outside hitter from Lake Forest High School, Lamp is one of the most highly-touted prospects in the nation for 2019. He is a high flying, hard hitting dynamo. He also possesses good ball-handling skills and an advanced intelligence in the sport. He showed his talent by qualifying for the 12-man U.S. Men's Junior National Team roster as the only athlete still in high school. That team, which included current Stanford sophomores Jaylen Jasper, Kyler Presho and JP Reilly, traveled to Costa Rica to compete in the U21 NORCECA Championships.
"Kevin was one of the most heavily pursued recruits in the nation, so we are happy that he chose Stanford," explained Kosty. "It's easy to see why with his dynamic athleticism, big arm, and great skills as a complete volleyball player. He is typical of the Stanford student-athlete as he wants to be great in both academics and athletics. We can't wait to have him on The Farm next fall."
Lietzke, a 6-5 setter from St. Andrew's Episcopal High School, becomes one of the first major men's volleyball recruits out of Austin. His AJV program is nationally known for producing outstanding female collegians, but is a relative newcomer to the men's game. Lietzke's rapid rise made him one of the prize setting recruits in his class. He combines good size, outstanding athleticism, and a great feel for the game. During the summer, he seized the starting setter position for the USA Youth A1 Red team at the U.S. High Performance Championships and led his team to a bronze medal finish.
"Nathan is the most athletic setter in the nation for 2019. Aside from the ability to run a fast-paced offense, he also possesses a big serve and terrific blocking and defense," said Kosty. "His passion for the sport led him to successfully petition his high school to add a varsity boys volleyball program. This fall was their first season. An excellent academician, he is slated to do great things at Stanford. Adding him to our community definitely make us better."
One of the most heavily recruited prospects, Rottman has been one of the top point producers in the nation for the last three years. A 6-5 outside hitter from Santa Barbara High School, he is the main force on his club team and has led them to high finishes at national events. Rottman has received numerous invitations to participate in the USA High Performance pipeline, including the USA Youth National Training Team. He hits a heavy ball and has all of the skills of a great outside hitter.
"Will is the recruit that everyone goes and watches at the club tournaments as he makes such an impact on the game. He is so competitive and loves to carry his team. A very outgoing and likable young man, he will undoubtedly do wonderful things for Stanford during his time here. We are very excited to welcome this young man to The Farm," said Kosty.