KENT, Ohio — head coach Hayley Eckerman The Golden Flashes have announced the addition of 10 new players to the Kent State volleyball team's roster for the 2024 season as they look to return to the Mid-American Conference Tournament.
This freshman class includes four transfer student-athletes with collegiate playing experience and six true freshmen. Kaylin Burge, nadia miller and avery rigney All were named to the 2024 JVA Watch List class.
“I’m really excited to be taking this class,” Eckerman said. “I got to start the process from the beginning with most of my new students. It's been great getting to really get to know them and their families this past year, and I'm excited to welcome them all. They all bring a lot of knowledge, experience and success to our team, but no matter how many seasons they've been here, their goal is Kent. We understand and understand that it's about bringing back success to State University volleyball. ”
Greta Bolognini Defensive Specialist | Bergamo, Italy | McCook Community College
The 2023 Region IX Libero of the Year totaled nearly 1,000 digs over the past two seasons at McCook Community College in Nebraska. This fall, Bolognini ranked second in the nation with 707 digs and fourth with a set average of 5.61 digs. Following her freshman year, she was named to her NJCAA All-Academic First Team, which recognizes student-athletes who achieve a 4.0 GPA.
“Greta is a typical Italian defensive specialist. It's difficult to score on her. Her ability to read batters and her quickness on the court will help prevent teams from scoring.”
Haley Brenner Defensive Specialist/Outside Hitter | Miami, Florida
Brenner led Gulliver Prep to a state championship in 2023, capping a stellar career with 667 total kills, 772 digs, 186 aces and 178 assists. Old Dade County was named after miami herald each of the past three years. Brenner led the Miami Hype Club to a runner-up finish in the America 15 division at the 2022 USAV Junior Nationals, earning him a spot on the all-tournament team.
“Haley's experience as an all-around athlete will make her a great utility player for us.Haley has had success in high school and club programs, and has played nearly every position on the court, always giving her best effort.” I am doing my best.”
Kaylin Burge | Setter | Frederick, Maryland
After helping Urbana win the Maryland Class 4A state championship as a junior in 2022, Burge was named Frederick County Player of the Year in 2023. She led the Hawks to the state semifinals while averaging a county-high 7.81 assists per set and team. Her best 2.93 digs per set.
“Kaelynn is a very technical setter. Even though she's a freshman, she has a lot of knowledge of the game and brings great energy to the team.”
Alex Conassar | Middle Blocker | Tampa, Florida | New Mexico State
After redshirting the 2022 season at New Mexico State, Conasser totaled 32 blocks last fall to lead the Aggies to a runner-up finish in their first year as a member of Conference USA. His career-high eight blocks against Denver were the team's most in a three-set match all season.
“Alex is a classic example of a student-athlete. She's probably one of the hardest workers I've ever seen. Her journey in college volleyball is unique and Kent State is a great example of a student-athlete. We offer academic programs that enhance your experience.
Leslie Furuta | Defensive Specialist/Libero | Columbus, Ohio
Ms. Furuta plays club ball at the Elite Volleyball Training Center during her preparation stage, and is also an expert at beach volleyball. She has qualified for the 2022 USAV Her Beach National Championships.
“Leslie is not only a great player indoors, but she also has success on the sand. She brings ball control to our team with her serve-receive and defense.”
Chelsea Harvey | Setter | Naperville, Illinois | Rutgers
Harvey brings experience playing in high-level intercollegiate competition, having played at Rutgers and Tulane the past three years. The left-hander averaged 7.00 assists in 66 sets of action. Her best season was as a freshman at Tulane University in 2021, when she totaled 369 assists and 76 digs. Harvey was a two-time first-team all-state selection under Pope John Paul II at Penn State.
“Chelsea comes to us with a wealth of experience. It's really exciting to have a player who has competed in one of the top conferences in the NCAA. She brings a lot of knowledge and leadership that is needed on such a young roster. It will bring you.”
Liliana Metula | Middle Blocker | Lakeway, Texas | Odessa College
Metula, who transferred in mid-year, started 35 of 36 games last fall in his only full season at Odessa College and earned all-conference honors. She helped the Wranglers to one of their most successful seasons in program history, including 28 wins, an NJCAA National Tournament appearance and a Southwest Regional championship. Mechula totaled a team-high 80 blocks and averaged 1.76 kills a set while hitting her .311. She received a redshirt after appearing in just five games during the 2022 season.
“Liliana is a speedy, explosive middle. She graduated from a competitive junior college program and while training with our team this spring, she has developed a very big all-around middle. We have grown.”
Nadia Miller | Middle Hitter | Bowling Green, Ohio
A three-time first-team all-conference and two-time all-district selection, Miller totaled 780 kills, 359 digs and 219 blocks during her time at Eastwood High School. She led the Eagles to district title game appearances in each of the past two seasons.
“Nadia's explosiveness and shot selection allow her to be a dynamic middle. She has great eye work as a blocker and sees the court very well as a hitter.”
Avery Rigney | Outside Hitter | Richmond, Kentucky.
Rigney is a two-time All-State selection and led Madison Central to district championships the past three seasons. She achieved her 1,000 kills during her illustrious prep career and as a senior she was named to the AVCA Best and Brightest Second on Her Team. Rigney helped her Lexington United club team finish third in the Open Division at the 2023 AAU National Championship.
“Avery is a versatile pin who has been playing at a high level for several years now. The intelligence of her game will help her find success no matter which pin she is at.”
Eva Troyer | Middle Hitter | Dundee, Ohio
Troyer finished her Highland High School career as the all-time leader with 1,140 kills and 263 blocks. She was a two-time All-Ohio, earning second team honors as a senior and third team honors as a junior. Troyer was named District 5 Player of the Year last fall and is a two-time IVC Player of the Year. She broke the Hawks' single-season school record with 417 kills as a junior.
“Eva is a unique player for us. She's a diamond in the rough. She's new to the game of volleyball, but her height and athleticism and the way she's trained allows us to play this game. He has the potential to be one of the top blockers we've ever had.” ”
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