CHEYENNE, WY – The Laramie County Community College volleyball team is already reloading in preparation for the 2024 season and has signed a pair of international athletes to the team with a pair of athletes from Poland.
Nina Jasiecka hails from Świdnica, Poland and is a 5’10” right side and will be joined by 5’10” outside hitter Paulina Mielniczuk of Dziećmorowice, Poland.
“I think LCCC is the perfect place for sports enthusiasts,” Mielniczuk said of her decision to attend LCCC. “From my first interaction with Coach Shaver, I felt that this is the right fit for me. A strong team, fighting for every point and match, is exactly what I was looking for. Furthermore, LCCC offers a high academic standard and a wide range of interesting majors. I can't wait to start this exciting journey with LCCC.”
Jasiecka said she is looking forward to not only the competitive advantages of joining the Golden Eagles, but also the educational benefits she will get at LCCC.
“I find LCCC an incredible opportunity to develop not only academically but also to enhance my volleyball skills. I'm thrilled to be able to study a major that interests me and pursue my passion for sports,” she said.
The duo is the first signings for Head Coach Zach Shaver for the 2024 season and he said it gives the team a good start in the offseason recruiting process.
“We are excited to welcome Paulina and Nina to the Golden Eagle family,” Shaver said. “Both are strong attackers and will bring a complete skill set to their positions on our team. They are both currently playing in a high-level league in Poland which should help them transition to the U.S. college game. Paulina and Nina combined with our 5 returning sophomores give us a very strong base to build the rest of our 2024 roster around.”
Mielniczuk helped to lead her club team to a third-place finish in the Dolnoslaskie State Championship in 2022 and finished fourth in the quarter national Polish Junior Championships in 2023 after a third-place finish at the same tournament in 2022. She also was in the semifinal of Poland’s National Senior First Division in 2021.
“Paulina is a solid passer and defender who is used to attacking against a strong block which should help her be successful as an outside hitter for our team,” Shaver said.
“What I look forward to the most as a Golden Eagle next year is the opportunity to contribute to the team's success both on and off the court. I'm excited about-facing challenges in academics and sports. I'm thrilled to be part of such a thriving team and can't wait to represent LCCC with pride,” Mielniczuk said.
Jasiecka also has several deep tournament runs under her belt, including second place finishes in the U15 Dolnoslaskie State Championship in 2020 and in the U19 Dolnoslaskie State Championship in 2023. She also helped her team to third place finishes in the both the U17 and U19 Dolnoslaskie State Championship in 2021.
“Nina is a dynamic left-handed attacker who will fit in well with our offense and blocking scheme,” Shaver said.
“I'm glad to become a part of this team. I can't wait to represent the team and strive for the highest goals together with the Golden Eagles,” Jasiecka said.
Both athletes will be joining the Golden Eagles in the 2024 fall semester.