St. John's University Athletics
Persico Welcomes Three Newcomers for Fall 2021
12/10/2020 2:20:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Wiktoria Kowalczyk, Ariana Robinson and Giorgia Walther will enroll for the fall of 2021
QUEENS, N.Y. (Dec. 10, 2020) – St. John's Head Volleyball Coach Joanne Persico welcomes three newcomers for the fall 2021 season, as Wiktoria Kowalczyk, Ariana Robinson and Giorgia Walther enter their first year with the Red Storm.
"This year's recruiting class combines high-level volleyball IQ with experience and athleticism," said Persico, the owner of more than 500 wins as the Red Storm's head coach. "It was clear to me early on that these three players have the fortitude it takes to be successful both during and after a pandemic at the Division I level as they help lead us to a sixth BIG EAST title."
Kowalczyk is a setter from Warsaw, Poland, who has played for the UKS Atena Warszawa club since 2012. In 2018, Kowalczyk was named the best setter of the Polish Mini Cadet Championships. She was also named the best setter of the Polish Cadet Championships in 2019 and the best setter of the Polish Junior Championships in 2020. The 6-foot-3 standout has racked up four total medals at the Polish Championships.
Walther is a native of Cannobio, Italy, who played on Virtus Biella's Regional U18 team and National Serie B1 team as a pin hitter during the 2019-20 season. After beginning her volleyball career at the age of 13 as a middle blocker, Walther transitioned into the outside spiker position. In 2018-19, Walther played for Pro Patria Milano on their Regional U18 squad and Regional (Serie C) team.
Robinson comes to Queens after spending the last four years at Note Dame Academy in Inglewood, Calif. The 5-foot-11 middle blocker earned a spot on the all-conference second team and was an all-conference first team honorable mention. Robinson is also a three-time varsity letter winner and a member of her school's National Honors Society.
"I could not be more proud of Ariana, Wiktoria and Giorgia," said Persico. "We are so excited to have them wear the Johnnie red and add to our very talented and cohesive team here in New York City."
Kowalczyk, Walther and Robinson will look to help St. John's capture a third BIG EAST Championship. Last year, the Red Storm upset then-No. 10 Creighton and then-No. 12 Marquette to secure the 2019 BIG EAST Tournament Championship. The Johnnies were rewarded with an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, making their third appearance in program history. Efrosini Alexakou, Erica Di Maulo and Rachele Rastelli each earned a spot on the All-BIG EAST Team and the All-BIG EAST Tournament Team. Alexakou also took home the conference's most outstanding performer award for her performance during the BIG EAST tournament.
"This year's recruiting class combines high-level volleyball IQ with experience and athleticism," said Persico, the owner of more than 500 wins as the Red Storm's head coach. "It was clear to me early on that these three players have the fortitude it takes to be successful both during and after a pandemic at the Division I level as they help lead us to a sixth BIG EAST title."
Kowalczyk is a setter from Warsaw, Poland, who has played for the UKS Atena Warszawa club since 2012. In 2018, Kowalczyk was named the best setter of the Polish Mini Cadet Championships. She was also named the best setter of the Polish Cadet Championships in 2019 and the best setter of the Polish Junior Championships in 2020. The 6-foot-3 standout has racked up four total medals at the Polish Championships.
Walther is a native of Cannobio, Italy, who played on Virtus Biella's Regional U18 team and National Serie B1 team as a pin hitter during the 2019-20 season. After beginning her volleyball career at the age of 13 as a middle blocker, Walther transitioned into the outside spiker position. In 2018-19, Walther played for Pro Patria Milano on their Regional U18 squad and Regional (Serie C) team.
Robinson comes to Queens after spending the last four years at Note Dame Academy in Inglewood, Calif. The 5-foot-11 middle blocker earned a spot on the all-conference second team and was an all-conference first team honorable mention. Robinson is also a three-time varsity letter winner and a member of her school's National Honors Society.
"I could not be more proud of Ariana, Wiktoria and Giorgia," said Persico. "We are so excited to have them wear the Johnnie red and add to our very talented and cohesive team here in New York City."
Kowalczyk, Walther and Robinson will look to help St. John's capture a third BIG EAST Championship. Last year, the Red Storm upset then-No. 10 Creighton and then-No. 12 Marquette to secure the 2019 BIG EAST Tournament Championship. The Johnnies were rewarded with an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, making their third appearance in program history. Efrosini Alexakou, Erica Di Maulo and Rachele Rastelli each earned a spot on the All-BIG EAST Team and the All-BIG EAST Tournament Team. Alexakou also took home the conference's most outstanding performer award for her performance during the BIG EAST tournament.
Players Mentioned
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