LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University Head Volleyball Coach Jeff Rotondo has announced the completion of the 2024 recruiting class with five new student-athletes joining the Broncs ahead of the fall season.
 
"The 2024 recruiting class will fit in well with our current team and culture," said Rotondo. "This group of athletes fit the athletic needs we were looking for, as well as the character and values we like to identify in players too. Through our discussions, these athletes really talked about their desire to be a part of a great culture and good environment in and out of the gym. Besides being able to compete on the floor, they are excellent students who also understand the value of strong relationships and treating teammates well. We are looking forward to getting them in campus and making them an integral part of the family immediately."
 


BROOKE SCIULLO: 5'11" Pin Hitter from Grove City, PA
From Coach Rotondo:
Brooke comes in as a super bouncy pin hitter with a good arm. She has played for North Catholic High School, as well as Revolution Volleyball Club, and Renaissance Volleyball Club.  She shows the ability to be a presence at the net as an attacker and blocker. Her athleticism comes through in many ways on the court, 1^st step speed, explosiveness, and her ability to elevate are top notch. Besides that, Brooke is an absolute champion when it comes to her character and leadership. In my time getting to know Brooke during her recruitment, she is one of those people that just seems kind to everyone and helps to uplift her teammates. We are excited to have her in the gym this fall. Brooke will be majoring in General Science at Rider University.
 
Accomplishments:
2023 Class 3A First Team All-Star
WPIAL Finalist 2022 and 2023
2022 PIAA State Runner Up
203 kills in 2023 season
Involved in community service projects such as the North Catholic Youth Volleyball Camp and St. Killians Cupboard Fellowship Dinner.
 
Why Brooke chose Rider:
I chose Rider University to continue my athletic and academic career because of the coaching staff and team. The environment they have created is competitive and full of support. After visiting the school and attending their camp, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I am very confident that Rider's program will push me to further pursue my dreams of playing at the next level. I am so grateful and beyond excited to become a bronc!
 
 

VIOLET OUGH: 5'6" Libero/Defensive Specialist from West Winfield, NY
From Coach Rotondo:
We were fortunate to have Violet join us this spring, as she graduated high school in December. In her last club season, in 2023, Violet competed for the Lakeside Volleyball Club. Violet is a lightning quick defender, who is fearless when it comes to pursuing a ball. She reads the game well, and based on what we saw this spring, is a fast learner. She is a gym rat, comes in on her own at 6am to get her own reps. That desire and dedication are great attributes as she begins her college career. In addition, Violet has won a lot of awards based on her academics and character, which are listed below. Working with her this spring, and seeing how she interacts with the team, we are excited to see her growth heading into the fall. Violet is studying Business Administration at Rider University.
 
Accomplishments:
Outstanding Student Award
Character Award for Respect
George Eastman Young Leaders Award
Business and Leadership Award
90%+ Average Academic Award
Violet is involved in her community including planting trees in Cooperstown, NY, tutoring school kids, and wrapping Christmas gifts for families in need.
 
Why Violet chose Rider:
Family and loyalty are what I've been looking for in a team and Rider is exactly that. The coaching staff and the team have been nothing but welcoming, some of the kindest hearts I have ever met. The drive and passion that the team has for each other to grow and succeed together is another reason I chose Rider. Each girl has such a unique personality but each personality blends so well together and I can't wait to be a part of that blend! At the end of four years my collegiate volleyball will end but the Rider team will be my family forever. I am very excited to be a Rider Bronc and grow the family!
 

 
DELANEY HUGHES: 5'8" Setter from San Clemente, CA
From Coach Rotondo:
Delaney joins the Rider family after completing her high school career at Jserra Catholic High School in California. She also competed for Seal Beach Volleyball. Delaney is an accomplished setter with quick feet, who locates the ball very well. She has some sneaky athleticism, as she shows a good physicality at the net. She defends well, and brings a fun energy with her to the court! During her visit she fit in perfectly with the team, and we felt like this was an easy decision, not only because of her athletic abilities, but of who she is as a person. Delaney has great values, is caring, and knows how to compete. We are excited to coach her and have her positive energy in the gym every day. Delaney plans on studying Entrepreneurship this fall at Rider University.
 
Accomplishments:
Lifetime Member of the CA Scholarship Federation
Honor Roll All 4 Years
Scholar Athlete All 4 Years
Volunteered as a counselor at Blossom Camp, a Catholic girl's summer camp
Volunteered at Mercy Warehouse, a Christian thrift store
Volunteered at the GoldRush Foundation, which supports children with life threatening illnesses
Volunteered with One Strong Family Ministry to feed the homeless in Hollywood
 
Why Delaney chose Rider:
I decided on Rider University after feeling incredibly welcomed during my visit to the campus. The members of the volleyball team left a strong impression on me with their camaraderie, hospitality, and personal interactions. Watching them in action, balancing hard work with enjoyment, sparked a desire within me to join them on the court. The coaches played a significant role in my decision too; their warmth and dedication foster a sense of family within the team. You can sense the genuine care they have for each and every player to be successful on and off the court. Additionally, the campus's beauty captivated me, especially considering my love for nature. I can't wait to witness its transformation throughout the changing seasons.
 


ABIGAIL SULLIVAN: 6' Middle Hitter from Antioch, IL
From Coach Rotondo:
Abbey joins us from Carmel Catholic High School in Illinois and played her club ball at Sky High. Abbey was a standout basketball player before committing to volleyball a few years ago. She is a 6' middle who shows great agility and lateral movement, as well as the ability to score. She is also another player who brings a great presence of joy and uplifting energy to the court. Her time with our team on campus showed her ability to get along with everyone. She fits in so well here, as her personality and leadership will blend in very well with our family. We can't wait to get started with her this fall. Abbey is going to be studying Environmental Sciences this fall at Rider University.
 
Accomplishments:
Daily Herald All Area Team
209 kills, 80 blocks in 2023
113 kills, 54 blocks in 2022
Superior/High Honors all 4 years of high school
 
Why Abbey chose Rider:
I knew as soon as I walked around campus and briefly met the team that Rider was the right choice. My sister said I would get a feeling when the school was right, and Rider gave me that indescribable feeling. A smaller school was something I was in search for because of the smaller class sizes and 1-1 interactions with professors. The coaches and team made me feel at home while allowing me to play at a higher level of competition.
 


ANJALI VISHWANATHAN: Transfer (New Mexico State University) – 6'1" Middle Hitter from Wilmington, DE
From Coach Rotondo:
Anjali is joining us after two years at New Mexico State University. She is originally from Delaware and competed for Delaware United Volleyball. We had a previous relationship with Anjali during her junior year of high school, so getting back in touch with her made sense once we saw her enter the transfer portal. Anjali is an athletic middle with a heavy arm and shows the ability to hit at the pins as well. She plays a ton of beach and outdoor, so her ball control is also good. She is academically driven and was searching for a great environment and culture to finish her college career at. We are excited to get Anjali in the gym and make her feel welcome with her new family. She will be studying Health Sciences at Rider University.
 
Accomplishments:
Second Team All-State in 2022
Saw time in 26 sets at NMSU
Hit .600 vs Alabama State on 9/15/23
Averaged .50 blocks per set in 15 sets as a sophomore
 
Why Anji chose Rider:
"Choosing Rider University and its volleyball program as my new home was a decision grounded in personal and academic aspirations. Rider stood out to me as a place where I could thrive, not only because of its reputable academic programs but also due to the vibrant and supportive community it offers. The university's commitment to providing a holistic educational experience ensures that I can pursue my major with the resources and mentorship necessary for success. Additionally, the volleyball program at Rider is known for its competitive spirit and emphasis on teamwork and personal development. The coaches and players here have created an environment where athletes are encouraged to excel on and off the court. This combination of academic excellence and athletic opportunity makes Rider University the perfect place for me to continue my journey, grow as an individual, and achieve my goals."