Yui Iwase has signed a NAIA national letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Iwase is a 5-8 setter from Plano, Texas where she attended Prince of Peace Christian School.

"Yui is a very talented setter," stated IWU head coach Candace Moats. "She has been trained well in her high school and club program, as well as with former USA National Team coach, Ruth Nelson. Her all around skills make her dominant both in the front court as well as the backcourt. Her collegiate potential has no limits."

In Texas, Iwase has been able to improve her volleyball skills through much hard work and training.

"Yui Iwase has dedicated the last 20 months to extensive training in the areas of sport-specific performance training, junior club training and private volleyball training in order to be more prepared for the 2009 collegiate season with Indiana Wesleyan University," said Ruth Nelson, Director of Volleyball at Integrated Athletic Development in Dallas, Texas.

Iwase captained the Texas Advantage Volleyball Club team and Prince of Peace Christian her senior season. She was honored as a member of the All-State TAPPS 3A First Team and as the Setter of the Year.

Nelson said, "In addition, her work ethic, positive attitude, and teamwork are outstanding. She is no doubt one of the most determined and dedicated young student-athletes that I have coached coming out of high school. I know she will be an asset in the classroom and on the court for the Wildcats."

Iwase is able to blend being a student with being an athlete as she was named Academic All-State TAPPS 3A.

Indiana Wesleyan completed 2008 with a 27-15 record as the Wildcats reached the NAIA National Championship Opening Round for the first time in program history.