Posted By Howard Senzell

Maddy Densberger, probably the best female athlete in St. Helena history, has accepted a volleyball scholarship to Sonoma State University.

Densberger is currently playing basketball for the Saints where she already owns the school’s scoring record. At SSU beginning next fall, she is expected to concentrate on volleyball.

Also signing a letter of intent to play volleyball beginning next season for the Seawolves was Regan Richert of Centennial High in Kern County.

“I feel like these girls are going to be the cornerstones of our program in the years to come,” head coach Bear Grassl said. “They both provide extraordinary athleticism as well as being excellent in the classroom.”

Densberger, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter, was named the most valuable player in the North Central League I South this year. According to maxpreps.com, she ranked first in the North Coast Section in service aces (124), second in kills (429) and third in hitting percentage (.405).

“We are very excited about Maddy deciding to stay home and play here at Sonoma State,” Grassl said. “We feel she is cut from the same cloth as (Keala) Peterson and (Ally) Sather and is going to continue our string of excellent left side attackers.”

Richert, also 5-foot-11, led Centennial to the Southwest Yosemite League title in the fall. She was a middle blocker/outsider hitter for the Golden Hawks. She also competes on her high school’s track team, specializing in jumping events.

“Regan has the ability to contribute immediately,” said Grassl. “She is an explosive attacker and has a huge volleyball IQ.”

Sonoma State is coming off its third straight appearance in the NCAA Division II Volleyball Championships and finished the 2010 season with a 17-10 record.