Feb. 28, 2006
Villanova, Pa. - Chelsea Graman and Elysse Studzinski have signed National Letters of Intent to play for Villanova in 2006, coach Gilad Doron announced.
Graman, a 5-11 setter from Cincinnati, Ohio, was a senior captain of the 2005 Ohio High School Division I state champions. Her team made a final four appearance in 2004. She earned All-League, All-City and All-State recognition as a senior and was recognized as a "Top Senior Ace" by Prep Volleyball. The three-year varsity letter winner competed in the Southwest Ohio Volleyball Coaches Association District 16 senior showcase, and she is featured in the School Sports Magazine January/February 2006 premiere issue.
A product of Seton High School, Graman has had great success in the club arena. She played on the Northern Kentucky Volleyball Club (NKYVC) Tsunami 17-1 and 18-1 teams in 2004 and 2005 as well as the USA High Performance team in 2004. Her 2005 NKYVC team finished fifth in the club team national championships in Salt Lake City, and her NKYVC 18-1 team is currently ranked 37th in the nation.
Doron says of Graman, "She is a very competitive setter. Chelsea brings enthusiasm and positive energy, and she will fit in well with the team chemistry. She has great volleyball experience, giving us an option at setter. Chelsea will compete for a starting spot."
Studzinski, a 6-1 right side hitter from Palos Heights, Ill., is a three-year varsity letter winner. She has been named All-State and All-Conference, and earned All-Area notice from the Daily Southtown, the Star, the Joliet Herald, the Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago Sun-Times. The graduate of Lockport High School is also a two-time Rich East All-Tournament Team selection. Studzinski has single-match career highs of 18 kills, seven blocks, and five aces.
Doron on Studzinski: "Elysse is a very physical player; we're looking forward to her blocking ability. Because she is a left-handed hitter, we can run different combinations from right to left. She has the room to develop into a solid BIG EAST player, and she will compete to start."
