Eckerman Finalizes 2024 Recruiting Class
5/3/2024 3:15:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KENT, Ohio — Head coach Haley Eckerman has announced the addition of 10 newcomers to the Kent State volleyball roster for the 2024 season, as the Golden Flashes will look to make their return to the Mid-American Conference Tournament.
The recruiting class features four transfer student-athletes with collegiate playing experience and six true freshmen. Kaelynn Burge, Nadia Miller and Avrey Rigney were all named to the class of 2024 JVA Watch List.
"I'm really excited for this class we're getting," Eckerman said. "I got to start the process from the very beginning with most of the incoming freshmen. It has been awesome getting to really know them and their families over the last year and excited to bring all of them in. The transfers are going to be a great addition to our team. They bring a lot of knowledge, experience and success to our team but all of them know and understand that the goal is to help bring back success to Kent State volleyball, regardless of how many seasons they are here."
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 season at McCook Community College in Nebraska. This past fall, Bolognini ranked second in the country with 707 digs and averaged 5.61 digs per set to rank fourth. She was named to the NJCAA All-Academic First Team, which honors student-athletes achieving a 4.0 GPA, following her freshman academic year.
"Greta is your typical Italian defensive specialist. It's hard to score on her. Her ability to read hitters and quickness on the court will help us stop teams from scoring."
Hailey Brenner | Defensive Specialist/Outside Hitter | Miami, Fla.
Brenner led Gulliver Prep to a state championship in 2023, capping off a stellar career in which she totaled 667 kills, 772 digs, 186 aces, and 178 assists. She was named All-Dade County by The Miami Herald each of the past three years. Brenner earned a spot on the all-tournament team while leading her Miami Hype club to a runner-up finish in the 15 American division at the 2022 USAV Junior Nationals.
"Hailey is going to be a great utility player for us with her experience as an all-around athlete. Coming from successful high school and club programs, Hailey has played almost every position on the court and always gives her all."
Kaelynn Burge | Setter | Frederick, Md.
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 back to the state semifinals while averaging a county-best 7.81 assists per set and team-best 2.93 digs per set.
"Kaelynn is such a technical setter. Although she will be a freshman, she has great knowledge of the game and brings great energy to our team."
Alex Connatser | Middle Blocker | Tampa, Fla. | New Mexico State
After redshirting the 2022 season at New Mexico State, Connatser totaled 32 blocks to help the Aggies to a runner-up finish in their first year as a member of Conference USA this past fall. Her career-high eight blocks against Denver were the most on the team in a three-set match all season.
"Alex is the prime example of student-athlete. She is probably one of the hardest workers I've seen. Her journey in college volleyball is unique and Kent State offers an academic program that will allow for an enhanced student-athlete experience."
Lesley Furuta | Defensive Specialist/Libero | Columbus, Ohio
Furuta played club ball with Elite Volleyball Training Center during her prep career and is an accomplished beach volleyball player. She qualified for the USAV Beach National Championships in 2022.
"Lesley's not only is a great indoor player but has found success on the sand. She brings ball control to our team in serve receive and defense."
Chelsea Harvey | Setter | Naperville, Ill. | Rutgers
Harvey brings experience playing against high-level college competition while playing at Rutgers and Tulane the past three years. The lefty averaged 7.00 assists in 66 sets of action. Her best season was her freshman year at Tulane in 2021 when she totaled 369 assists and 76 digs. Harvey was a two-time first team all-state selection at Pope John Paul II in Pennsylvania.
"Chelsea comes to us with a lot of experience, and it's really exciting to have someone who has competed in one of the top conferences in NCAA. She's bringing a lot of knowledge and leadership that we will need with such a young roster."
Liliana Mechura | Middle Blocker | Lakeway, Texas | Odessa College
A mid-year transfer, Mechura started 35 of 36 matches and earned all-conference this past fall in her only full season at Odessa College. She helped the Wranglers to one of the most successful seasons in program history, which included 28 wins, a NJCAA National Tournament appearance and Southwest District championship. Mechura totaled a team-high 80 blocks and averaged 1.76 kills per set while hitting at a .311 clip. She received a redshirt after appearing in just five matches during the 2022 season.
"Liliana is a quick, explosive middle. She comes from a competitive junior college program and has made such great improvements as an all-around middle while training with our team this spring."
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 career at Eastwood High School. She led the Eagles to district title game appearances each of the past two seasons.
"Nadia's explosiveness and shot selection allows her to be a dynamic middle. She has great eye work as a blocker and sees the court so well as a hitter."
Avrey Rigney | Outside Hitter | Richmond, Ky.
Rigney was a two-time all-state selection and led Madison Central to district championships each of the past three seasons. She eclipsed 1,000 kills during an illustrious prep career and earned AVCA Best and Brightest Second Team recognition as a senior. Rigney helped her Lexington United club team finished third in the Open division at the AAU National Championships in 2023.
"Avrey is a versatile pin that has been playing at a higher level the last few years. Her iq of the game will help us find us success no matter which pin she's on."
Ava Troyer | Middle Hitter | Dundee, Ohio
Troyer finished her career at Hiland High School as the all-time leader with 1,140 kills and 263 blocks. She was a two-time All-Ohio performer, earning a second-team nod as a senior and third-team honors as a junior. Troyer was named District 5 Player of the Year this past fall and was a two-time IVC Player of the Year. She broke the Hawks' single-season school record with 417 kills as a junior.
"Ava is a unique player for us. She's that diamond in the rough. Although she is newer to the game of volleyball, her height plus athleticism, along with some training, give her the potential to be one of the top blockers we have had."
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