Cheyenne, Wyo. - Laramie County Community College Golden Eagle volleyball head coach Austin Albers announced the addition of two student-athletes to the Golden Eagle volleyball program for the 2018 season on Thursday. Former LCCC middle blocker Elizabeth Clark will return to the program for her sophomore season and Alessia Venturelli is a libero/defensive specialist that will join the program as a true freshman.
Clark was a starting middle for the Golden Eagles during her freshman season in 2016 where she earned WCCAC All-Conference and Region IX North All-Tournament Team honors. In her freshman season with Laramie County, Clark ranked 21st nationally in total blocks and was 14th nationally in assisted blocks while ranking second in Region IX North in both statistical categories. Clark also added 220 kills for the Golden Eagles and finished in the top ten in the conference in hitting efficiency. After helping lead the team to a 28-10 record and Runner-Up finish in the 2016 Region IX North Tournament, Clark took a break in enrollment to serve on a mission.
"We are really excited to have Lizzy back with our program," Albers said. "She is a great addition to a team that is already heavy with sophomore leadership and we look forward to what she will add in the areas of experience, maturity and talent this season."
Venturelli is a native of Modena, Italy and was the final recruiting piece added to the LCCC roster. She brings with her plenty of high level experience playing overseas that makes her a valuable asset for the Golden Eagle program. Venturelli decided to seek out opportunities in the United States in order to pursue a Biology degree while continuing her love for the game. She plans to pursue a degree in Natural Sciences with an emphasis in Biology while at LCCC.
"Alessia is another welcome addition to our 2018 roster," Albers said. "She plays with a ton of energy, passion and athleticism at the libero position. Those abilities in combination with her volleyball IQ will help fortify our backcourt this fall."
The Golden Eagles begin the 2018 season with the Alumni Scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. Admission to the scrimmage is free to the public.