St. John's University Athletics
St. John’s Standout Rashanny Solano-Smith Named Best Libero at U-21 Pan American Cup
8/4/2025 9:30:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Solano Smith earns defensive honors after helping national team secure podium finish
ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – St. John's volleyball standout Rashanny Solano Smith was named the Best Libero of the U-21 Pan American Cup, hosted by The North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
The rising junior was tabbed the top defensive specialist after logging 89 digs against the top collegiate talent in North and Central America.
The libero helped lead the host country of Costa Rica to a third-place finish in tournament play at the Monserrat Sports Complex in Alajuela.
The Lima, Costa Rica, native had 89 digs over 9 sets of play and averaged 6.85 digs per set. She helped the national team to a 3-1 record with sweeps of Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The squad would make it to the semifinals before falling to Chile. Costa Rica then defeated Canada in the bronze medal match.
Solano Smith returns to Queens as the primary libero for the Red Storm under Head Coach Joanne Persico. Over the last two seasons, she has amassed 534 digs and averaged just over four digs per set.
"I am super proud to call her a Johnnie," said Perscio. The four-time hall of famer added, "Against the best that the Dominican Republic, America, Mexico, Canada and Chile had to offer, Rashanny proved that extraordinary drive, a humble heart, grit and the ability to lead under pressure are unbeatable qualities."
Last season, Solano Smith led the team with 519 digs and averaged 4.12 D/S. She ranked third in the BIG EAST in digs and fourth in digs per set. On the offensive side of the ball, she had 107 assists and 18 service as the Johnnies advanced to the NICV Fab Four, the programs best-ever postseason finish.
The St. John's volleyball program will return to campus this week as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.
