Drake University Athletics

Sophomore Year (2013): Started 10 matches before suffering injury ... left program after season due to career-ending medical issues.

Freshman Year (2012): Started all 29 matches ... selected to the Missouri Valley Conference all-freshman team ... finished with 229 kills, which ranked fourth on the team ... led the team in points with 304 ... led the team in blocks with 107, including 27 block solos and 80 block assists ... averaged 1.04 blocks per set, which ranked ninth in the MVC ... smashed a career-high 16 kills against Bradley on Oct. 6 ... finished with eight blocks in each match against Bradley on Oct. 5 and Nov. 3 ... named to the all-tournament team at the Wisconsin Green Bay tournament ... elected to the team's leadership council.

High School: Teammate of fellow Drake player Scarlett Howerter ... class B state champions her senior season ... participated in a all-star volleyball game her final season ... four-time state tournament qualifer ... two-time state champion ... two-time Neb. Class B All-State member ... ... member of National Honor Society in high school.

Personal: Born April, 1994 in Lincoln, Neb. ... full name is Cassandra ... daughter of David and Kellie Effken ... has two sisters, Danielle and Erica ... honored with the 2012-13 MVC Commissioner's Academic Excellence award.