Long Beach State Women’s Volleyball Announces Addition of Two More Players
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State women’s volleyball has announced the intent of two more players to join the 49ers for the 2011 season, as Tara Roenicke and Tyler Jackson will both be added to the roster. Roenicke, originially hailing from Alta Loma, Calif., comes to the 49ers as a sophomore transfer from the University of Houston, where she started in all but one match as the team’s starting setters. “Tara is one of the best beach volleyball players in the country,” said head coach Brian Gimmillaro. “She’s also an accomplished indoor player, and there’s a possibility that she could help us this fall in a variety of positions.” Roenicke made 1,041 assists as a true freshman in 2009 with Houston, but transferred as part of a focus on beach volleyball, where she, along with Summer Ross, make up the No. 1 ranked U21 tandem in the FIVB. The pair won last season’s FIVB U21 World Championships in Turkey, and Roenicke has won a number of other international tournaments on the sand. Long Beach State continues a local pipeline from Lakewood High School with another addition from the Lancers in Jackson. “Tyler is certainly one of the best players in the greater Long Beach area,” said Gimmillaro. “She can play on the right side or help us in the back row. As she adjusts and feels comfortable, she can make an impact on the team’s success right away.” Jackson was a Long Beach Press-Telegram “Dream Team” selection as an outside hitter for Lakewood High School, and rounds out the 2011 additions for Long Beach State, as the 49ers have eight new faces joining the squad next season. Long Beach State begins the 2011 campaign on August 20, hosting the first of two tournaments to be held at the Walter Pyramid by welcoming Prairie View A&M, UMBC, and Washington.
