LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University Volleyball Head Coach Chris Feliciano has announced the written commitments of six incoming student-athletes for the 2017 season. Meredith Pellegrino (Norwalk, CT/Brien McMahon), Lauren Hayes (West Chester, PA/Bayard Rustin), Ali Ward (West Chester, PA/West Chester East), Brynn Sherbert (Temecula, CA/Great Oak), AudreyRose Hutchinson (San Diego, CA/East Lake) and Danielle Blanco (El Paso, TX/Franklin) will all join the Broncs in the fall.
“I am really excited to have this talented group of student-athletes join our program next season,” Feliciano said of the incoming freshmen. “Each athlete brings a unique skill set that will assist with maintaining a competitive culture and environment in our gym. As we turn the page to the 2017 season and beyond, these six athletes will play major roles in our continued pursuit of high standards and relevancy within the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.”
Meredith Pellegrino
Pellegrino, a 6-2 outside hitter, was a four-year starter of the volleyball team at Brien McMahon High School. She spent her final two seasons with the team serving as captain. As a senior, she was named All-American, All-Area MVP, First Team All-State and she also picked up First Team All-FCIAC honors. At the 2016 Prep Volleyball/Las Vegas Showcase, she ranked in top 6 Outside Hitters in Country. In the classroom, she earned the FCIAC Award for Scholar Athlete.
“Meredith is a unique athlete that I believe can have a major impact on program,” Feliciano noted. “At 6-2 not only will she create match-up issues for other teams defensively, but her long reach will allow us to defend right-side attackers differently in all 6 rotations.”
Lauren Hayes
Hayes, a 5-5 libero/defensive specialist, was a four-year member of the volleyball team at Bayard Rustin High School. As a senior, she was named a team captain, picked up Second Team All-Chestmont distinction and saw her team advance to the second round of the District Playoffs. For her club team, she was awarded the Best Defensive Player at the 2015 Capitol Hill Classic. In the classroom, Hayes is also an honor student.
“Both Lauren and Brynn will provide welcomed depth at the Libero/Defensive specialist position,” Feliciano added. “Each has a good first touch and in time they will adjust to the speed of the game at the Division I level.”
Ali Ward
Ward, a 6-1 middle blocker, was a four-year member of the volleyball team at West Chester East High School. This past fall, she earned First Team All-Chestmont honors after being a Second Team All-Chestmont performer as a junior.
“I think that Ali has the potential to be a special player,” Feliciano said. “With some time and development she will increase her volleyball IQ and grow within her 6-1 frame.”
Brynn Sherbert
Sherbert, a 5-9 libero / outside hitter, was a four-year starter on the volleyball team at Great Oak High School. For her hard work in the classroom, she received All-Academic honors. On the court, Sherbert was an All-Southwest Conference performer and she also picked up Second Team All-League recognition. Her team qualified for the CIF three straight years and qualified for the State Tournament during her senior campaign.
“Both Lauren and Brynn will provide welcomed depth at the Libero/Defensive specialist position,” Feliciano added. “Each has a good first touch and in time they will adjust to the speed of the game at the Division I level.”
AudreyRose Hutchinson
Hutchinson, a 6-0 middle blocker, was a four-year member of the volleyball team at East Lake High School. She also played for the Coast Volleyball Club.
“Audrey is a very explosive athlete who with time and training I believe can become a major contributor both offensively and defensively,” Feliciano said. “She has a great feel defensively at the net with a long reach.”
Danielle Blanco
Blanco, a 5-7 setter, was a three-year member of the volleyball team at Franklin High School. She played club volleyball for Texas Performance. She ended her high school career with over 1,700 assists, 110 aces, 800 digs and 90 kills. As a senior, she was an Academic All-District performer. She was also named First-Team All-City, First Team All-District and was the 2016 Setter of the Year.
“Danielle is a setter that I believe can carry the torch along with Devyn after Veronica graduates this upcoming season,” Feliciano noted. “When I recruited Danielle you could see her control of the offense and the respect she commanded.”
