Westosha Central senior verbally commits to Erskine
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
When Drake Muhlenbeck was a sophomore at Westosha Central High School, he wanted to join a National Collegiate Athletic Association boys volleyball team, but did not believe he would make it to a Division 1 school.
However, two years later, the current senior made it to the next level when he announced his verbal commitment to Division 1 Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina on social media.
“Proud to announce that I have officially committed to play Division 1 college volleyball at Erskine College,” Muhlenbeck Tweeted.
While Muhlenbeck proudly announced his decision, Falcons’ coach Wayne Schultz said the decision came after he accomplished his mission set two years ago.
“When he was a sophomore, he talked to me about wanting to play at that next level and he achieved those goals,” said Schultz. “Overall, I am very proud of him.”
Muhlenbeck, who capped off a senior season where he tallied 381 kills, 173 digs and 21 blocks, joins a team that captured a Conference Carolinas title with a 14-3 record (20-7 overall).
But he is not the only player with Central ties to connect with the Flying Fleet, which had recent Erskine graduate Mike Michelau on the squad.
Michelau, who plays professionally overseas, guided Muhlenbeck through the process.
“He definitely helped me, introduced me to the coach,” said Muhlenbeck. “In my freshman and sophomore year, I didn’t think I was going to make it to the Division 1 level.”
After considering several schools, Muhlenbeck picked Erskine College, noting the competitive Conference Carolinas.
“I decided on Erskine, because they are very competitive and they know how to win and I am competitive and am really excited to be a part of that program,”
Schultz said Muhlenbeck joins a long list of former Westosha Central volleyball players to join the college ranks.
“We have a long line of guys that have played in our program go on to play college volleyball,” said Schultz. “Two years ago, we had seven players go to play NCAA college volleyball.”