June 4, 2007 - Broncs add Six to 2007 Roster
June 4, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rider Volleyball Adds 6 for 2007
LAWRENCEVILLE—The Rider University volleyball team has added six recruits to the 2007 roster, Rider head coach Emily Ahlquist announced.
Elyse Grassmuck of Seguin, Texas, Kristy Love of Pittsford, N.Y., Amanda Piccolini of St. Clairsville, Ohio and Katelyn Thompson of Tucson, Ariz., signed National Letters of Intent to further their educations and athletic careers at Rider. Kerianne Dudley of Nanuet, N.Y., and Tara Nadasky of Stone Ridge, N.Y. have also been named to the Bronc varsity as walk-ons.
“This class is a great addition to Rider Volleyball,” said Ahlquist, the 2004 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. “Each student-athlete brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. I look forward to melding this class with the current roster.”
Grassmuck, a senior at La Vernia High School, earned District MVP honors and was named the San Antonia Express News All-Area MVP. As a junior, Grassmuck earned First-Team All-District and Academic All-District honors. Grassmuck also earned Defensive MVP, TABC All-Region and Academic All-District honors in basketball and is a member of the Spanish Club. “As a setter Elyse can take over the floor,” said Ahlquist. “She can be a court general and her knowledge of the game is beyond her years.”
Love, a senior at Pittsford Sutherland High School, was the Section V Division III Player of the Year and a New York State Section V Class A All-Tournament selection. As a co-captain, Love was awarded First-Team All-County honors and as a junior and was named the New York State Intersectional MVP. “Kristy will be a force in the middle,” said Ahlquist. “She is very athletic and brings energy to the court.”
Piccolini, a senior at St. Clairsville High School, was named Second-Team All-Ohio and was a three-time District and Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) honoree. Piccolini helped lead her team to four straight OVAC AAA championships and was also a four-year letterwinner in basketball and track while maintaining membership in the National Honor Society. “Amanda can do dual roles on the floor as a hitter and setter,” said Ahlquist. “She will be utilized in both areas.”
Thompson, a senior at Catalina Foothills High School, earned Second-Team All-State and All-Southern Arizona First-Team honors. Thompson was also named to the Kino-Region First Team, and AZ Starnet and Tucson Citizen First-Team. “Katelyn has great ball control and court sense,” said Ahlquist. “She has also competed against some of the best clubs in the country which adds to her experiences.” Thompson earned team MVP honors as the team captain and earned AIA Scholar Athlete awards in both volleyball and track while maintaining membership in the National Honor Society and played for the Zona Volleyball club team.
Dudley, a senior at Nanuet High, earned team MVP honors and was a four-year letterwinner and three-year captain of the volleyball team and three-year letterwinner in softball. An honor roll student, Dudley was a two-time Scholar Athlete and also played for the DIGS Volleyball Club. “Kerianne is a nice late addition to the squad,” said Ahlquist. “She is very versatile and can fill any role.”
Nadasky, a senior at Rondout High School, was the two-time Section nine Player of the Year, was named a section nine All-Star twice and was a three-time Mid-Hudson Athletic League First-Team honoree. As a sophomore, Nadasky was the section nine Hitter of the Year. “Tara is very strong and powerful,” Ahlquist said. “Her willingness to learn will be a huge asset to the team.”
The volleyball team opens the 2007 season at the Temple Invitational August 24 and opens the home schedule against MAAC rival Manhattan on September 22.
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