April 12, 2017
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech volleyball added three student-athletes to its 2017 roster head coach Michelle Collier announced Wednesday.
The spring additions are Dominique Washington (5’10, OH, Hoffman Estates, Ill.), Alessia Del Romano (6’0, OH, Bologna, Italy) and Samantha Knapp (5’6, DS, Orlando, Fla.).
The trio joins fall signees Nicole Alford (Setter, Annapolis, Md.), Cori Clifton (Right Side, Williamsburg, Va.), Grace Rigsbee (Right Side, Suwanee, Ga.) and Kendall Wilson (Middle Blocker, Fayetteville, Ga.).
Dominique Washington | Outside Hitter | 5’10” | Hoffman Estates, Ill. / St. Edward Central Catholic High School
Dominique Washington, an outside hitter, finished a four-year multi-sport career at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, Ill. Washington led her volleyball team to a regional title in 2015 while her track team earned sectional championships in both 2014 and 2015. She garnered a multitude of individual volleyball honors, including three-time all-conference, three-time all-area and three-time team MVP recognition. Despite playing only three seasons, Washington owns the school’s career and single match kills records, while also being named to the academic honor roll.
“Dominique is a natural athlete who has a great all-around game,” Collier said. “She can play on both pins and she will add depth to our roster right away. She has a calm and yet fighting presence on the court, she is hungry for this experience and I am looking forward to what she will be able to do for our program on and off the court.”
Alessia Del Romano | Outside Hitter | 6’0” | Bologna, Italy / Istituto Paradisi, Vignola (Modena)
Alessia Del Romano, an outside hitter, attends Istituto Paradisi, Vignola (Modena) in Italy. Del Romano helped her team to a second place finish in the national high school championships in her final season and was selected as one of Italy’s top volleyball players. On the club circuit, Del Romano competed in the U18 National Volleyball Championships with a pair of top-10 finishes. She also led her team to two fifth-place finishes at the U19 National Beach Volleyball Championships. Before focusing solely on volleyball, Del Romano was also an accomplished swimmer, competing in Italy’s national championships.
“She is a very experienced player that has played at a high level in Italy and we are looking forward to her bringing her all-around game to our gym,” Collier said. “Besides being a great volleyball player, Alessia is a wonderful young woman who is driven and strong enough to leave her country in order to come chase her dreams. We are always looking for players that are self-driven, confident and who understand and appreciate this opportunity. She will help us keep moving in the right direction.”
Samantha Knapp | Defensive Specialist | 5’6” | Orlando, Fla. / Bishop Moore Catholic
Sam Knapp concluded a four-year career at Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando, Fla. Knapp earned three varsity letters while leading her team to three district titles, two regional crowns and a state championship in her senior season. The four-time honor roll student earned all-area honors as a senior from the Orlando Sentinel.
“Sam will make an immediate impact on our defense and serve receive,” Collier said. “She is a consistent player with great fundamentals. On top of her volleyball skills, she is a wonderful young lady who is very focused on her academics and the community. She will be a great representative of our program and the Institute.”
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