St. John's University Athletics
Red Storm Volleyball Adds Three To 2015 Freshman Class
6/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
QUEENS, N.Y. -- St. John's volleyball head coach Joanne Persico, the only coach in program history, announced the addition of three student-athletes to the 2015 freshman class. Nia Diaz, Alexandria Lobdell and Ariel Miyasaki will join the Red Storm for the upcoming season.Â
"I am excited to have the opportunity to coach this talented and athletic group of young women," said Persico. I would like to see them reach their full potential on the court, in the classroom and in the community. It's an outstanding class that will bring a defensive mindset and ball control skill set to our program."
Name: Nia Diaz
Height: 6-0
Position: Middle Hitter
Hometown: Nanuet, N.Y.
High School: Nanuet
Highlights
Diaz, a 6-foot middle hitter, was a four-year letterwinner at Nanuet High School in New York. As a senior, Diaz guided the Knights to a league championship and a victory in the Section 1 Class B final. In both her junior and senior seasons she was named Nanuet's Most Valuable Player. Diaz was named to the All-Section 1 team in 2013 and 2014, while picking up All-League honors four-consecutive years for the Knights.
"Nia hails from New York and was one of the most athletic middle blockers in the region. She set her school's kill record during a playoffs match last fall and led her team to a league championship," said Persico. "Nia is a focused and intelligent player who gets off the floor quickly and she will use her speed to compete for some time on the floor as a freshman. I look forward to seeing Nia wearing the Red and White as she will follow the long list of local volleyball players from New York who I have had the privilege to mentor and coach."
Name: Alexandria Lobdell
Height: 6-0
Position: Outside Hitter
Hometown: Aurora, Ill.
High School: Metea Valley
Highlights
Lobdell, a 6-foot outside hitter, was a four-year letterwinner at Metea Valley High School in Illinois. She set the Mustangs single-season record for kills in a season with 293, while also becoming the school's all-time leader in kills, assists, and digs. Lobdell was named to the Daily Herald All-Conference and All-Area teams in 2013 and 2014. She also finished with 40 aces, 14.5 blocks and 191 digs in her senior campaign, while earning All-Upstate Eight Conference honors and being named to the Warrior Blast All-Tournament Team. Lobdell is a two-time Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) National Champion (2012, 2014).
"Lexi Lobdell is one of those unique young athletes that have both the offensive and defensive skills to compete immediately for a spot in the starting lineup," said Persico. "She had a fantastic career at Metea Valley in Illinois and graduated as the school's all-time leader in kills, assists, and digs. Lexi knows what it takes to be the best and has competed against some of the top talent in the country, which will help her in the highly competitive BIG EAST. She always comes to play, which is a trait that I value as a coach, and she has a tremendous volleyball IQ. I look forward to seeing Lexi play in Carnesecca Arena very soon."
Name: Ariel Miyasaki
Height: 5-2
Position: Libero/Defensive Specialist
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
High School: Mid-Pacific Institute
Highlights
Miyasaki, a 5-foot-2 libero/defensive specialist, was a four-year letterwinner at Mid-Pacific Institute, serving as a co-captain during senior year. Miyasaki was named Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) honorable mention and has been heavily involved with USA Volleyball. She was selected to play for the USA Girls Select A1 team in 2010 and 2011, while winning a bronze medal at the 2011 USA High Performance Championships in Tucson, Ariz. Miyasaki has also participated in the USA Volleyball Winter Training Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. (2010-13).
"I have watched Ariel Miyasaki play volleyball in Honolulu for a couple of years," said Persico. "Ariel has a nose for the ball and she has a never quit attitude every time she steps on the court. Her speed and quickness will be an asset in our day-to-day practices as well as matches. Ariel will bring that `Aloha' spirit to Queens and follow the long list of Hawaiian volleyball players that have made the trek to New York to play for St. John's."
For all the latest news on the St. John's volleyball team, log on to RedStormSports.com and follow the team (@StJohnsVB) on Twitter. You can join the conversation with #SJUVB. If you would like to be added to the St. John's volleyball mailing list, send an email to stjcommunications@stjohns.edu with the subject line "Volleyball Mailing List".Â
Â
