RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University Head Coach James Finley announced the addition of four recruits for the 2009 season Friday.
Grace DeMichelis joins the Rams after playing one season at Howard University in Washington, D.C. DeMichelis, a 5-9 setter, started 31 of 33 matches and averaged a team-best 8.55 assists per set. She also served up 17 aces and averaged. 0.49 blocks per set.
A native of Aurora, Colo. DeMichelis starred at Overland High School, where she collected 12 letters in volleyball, track & field and basketball.
“Her speed and vision will combine to give us depth and consistency at the setting position,” Finley said. “In addition, her positive attitude and work ethic will make our whole team better.”
Michala Kvapilova is a 6-0 outside hitter from Liberec, Czech Republic, where she attended Gymnasium Pripotocni High School. Kvapilova also plays with the PVK Olymp Prague Club and is a member of the Czech Junior National Team that will compete in the World Junior Championship in Mexico July 14-21. The past two seasons, her club team has placed second at the Czech Junior Championships. In addition, she is a veteran of a number of other international competitions, including the Youth European Championships and the Junior European Beach Volleyball Championships.
“Michala brings a high level of experience to our team,” Finley said. “She’s an extremely athletic outside hitter who can touch 10-4 and is an outstanding blocker. Michala will have an immediate impact on our team and will compliment our current outside hitters.”
Marisa Low is a setter and defensive specialist from Carlsbad, Calif., where she accumulated an impressive resume at Carlsbad High School and on the club courts. In 2007, Low helped Carlsbad to a Division 1 State quarterfinals appearance. In addition, she led the Lancers to three league championships during her career.
“Marisa is an intelligent player who can read and react ahead of most players,” Low said. “Not only does she have outstanding ball control, but she is also a seasoned setter.”
Grace Perilli joins the VCU program after an all-state career at Independence High School in Thompson’s Station, Tenn. Perilli, a 5-4 libero and defensive specialist, earned all-state, all-region and all-district honors last season when she helped lift the Eagles to the Class AAA State Championship.
“When I saw Grace as a rising sophomore in high school, I knew we had found someone special,” Finley said. “She is one of those rare players who can compete every time she steps on the court. Grace will not only increase our team’s ball control. She will add a new level of competitiveness to all we do.”
VCU opens the 2009 season with its annual Black and Gold Scrimmage on Sunday, Aug. 23 at the Siegel Center at 3 p.m.
