Valparaiso bowling head coach Matt Nantais announced today that Raychel Wolever, a three-time First Team All-State honoree from Charlotte [Mich.] H.S., will join the Crusader bowling program as a freshman for the 2012-2013 season.

Wolever helped Charlotte to the state title as a team as a junior in 2011, a year in which she also finished fifth individually at the state tournament. The 2009 Lansing State Journal Bowler of the Year and a member of the Lansing State Journal's All-Decade Team, Wolever also earned Second Team All-State honors once to go with her three First Team nods. A four-team All-Conference honoree as well, she was the individual regional champion in 2009, a year in which she also finished fifth at states. Wolever capped her career by being named a finalist for the 2012 Detroit Athletic Club Female Athlete of the Year, the first bowler to ever be a finalist.

“Raychel is going to be a great addition to the team this upcoming season,” said Nantais. “She has a very strong work ethic on the lanes as well as in the classroom. Raychel has had a great high school career and looking for her to continue her high level of performance at Valpo.”

The addition of Wolever gives the Crusaders five newcomers for the 2012-2013 season, coming off of their first appearance in the NCAA Championship last year.