LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University Head Volleyball Coach Jeff Rotondo announced the signings of three student-athletes for the class of 2026. The trio will join the Broncs for the fall season.
 
"We are very excited about the current 2026 class as we continue to add one or two more over the next few months," said Rotondo. "Having opportunities to watch these players during their club seasons, as well as at our Elite Camp, they will fit in nicely with the roster next fall. We added two athletic attackers that will help solidify our offense, and a Libero/DS who gives us length at that position. Besides their on-court abilities, they fit in perfectly with our culture. Their character and core values were evident during the recruiting process, and we can't wait to see them interact daily with the Rider Volleyball family."
 
VICTORIA (TORI) BONACCI: 6'0" MIDDLE HITTER FROM DOWNINGTOWN, PA
 
From Coach Rotondo:
Tori is another middle that fits what we look for in that position. She is quick, explosive, and has great court awareness. She gets off the floor effortlessly, and shows a good offensive repertoire that can score. She gets left to right very well, and has the ability to affect a lot of shots as a blocker. She also has some versatility and has played some opposite, which has also made her ball control good. Besides her on court presence, she comes from a great family, with values that align seamlessly with our program. Tori is a high character young woman whose personality fits nicely with our volleyball family. We look forward to having her with us in the fall of 2026!
 
Tori will be studying Communications at Rider University.
 
Accomplishments:
2 x 1st Team All-League
1x 2nd Team All-League
2x 1st Team All-District
1x 2nd Team All-District
2x All-State Selection
Team Captain Senior Year

High School Stats
Kills : 722
Blocks : 186
Aces : 69
Digs : 203

Club 2025-2026:
Kills : 164
Blocks : 56
Aces : 24
Digs : 61

Academic Awards:
Second honors sophomore, junior, and senior year
Spanish National Honors society
 
Why Tori chose Rider:
"I chose Rider University because from the moment I first visited, I felt truly welcomed and part of the community. Everyone I met made me feel like I belonged and that I would be supported throughout my journey."
 
OLIVIA (LIV) DeSARO: 5'11" L/DS FROM HOLLAND, PA
From Coach Rotondo:
Liv was a player that got on our radar late, in one of those everything happens for a reason circumstances. She immediately became a player we really liked on the court and off. Liv plays libero for her club team and has great length for the position. She has a calm technique in serve receive, and communicates well on the court. Liv also puts herself in great positions to make plays defensively, and can cover a lot of real estate in the backrow being 5'11". In high school she plays outside hitter and has won MVP for her school team as well as the entire league. When needed, she has also set for both her high school and club teams. She is a well-rounded player that we can't wait to have in the gym. On top of that, she is a wonderful student and person. Her values and character fit perfectly with our culture, and we look forward to seeing her leadership qualities grow here as well.
 
Liv is currently undecided on her major.
 
Accomplishments:
Suburban One National League Player of the Year 2025
2x Suburban One League All Conference 1st Team
Suburban One League All Conference 2nd Team in 2023
2 x All District Team
2x Council Rock South Team MVP 2024
2-year team Captain
 
Overall high school stats
Kills: 722
Digs: 578
Aces: 86
Assists: 274
Blocks: 72
 
Club Volleyball Awards/Accolades
2-time Captain 2024,2025
2-time MVP 2024,2025
 
Why Liv chose Rider:
"I wanted to be a part of a high-level program that consistently challenges me. It was important for me to find a team with a strong sense of culture among the girls and coaches. I was looking for a high-energy environment where everyone is passionate about the sport. I wanted to stay competitive and constantly improve my skills. Supportive coaches who believe in fostering growth and development were also essential. Ultimately, my goal was to find a program that embodies all of these qualities and Rider University Volleyball is that program for me."
 
MAISIE NAWROCKI: 6'0" OUTSIDE HITTER FROM WILLOUGHBY, OH
From Coach Rotondo:
Maisie is a player and person we targeted pretty quickly after her initial email. She elevates effortlessly and has a full arsenal of attack options as an outside hitter. Her passing and blocking are also a strength, making her a complete player. Maisie has been a 6-rotation player at high school and club, giving her ball control and court awareness that will benefit her moving into college. In addition, Maisie is a stellar student and incredible teammate. One of the sweetest young women you will meet, she is kind to everyone, but has a competitive spirit once on the court. Her qualities as a person and teammate fit in wonderfully with our culture here.
 
Maisie will be studying Neuroscience here at Rider University.
 
Accomplishments:
OHSVCA District 2 - 2nd Team
OHSVCA District 2 All Star team
2 X Willoughby South Volleyball MVP
2 X Western Reserve All-Conference Team
Willoughby South Scholar Athlete of the Year
3rd year letter winner
Team Captain

2025 Season
4.8 Kills per Set
.337 hitting percentage
2.8 Digs per Set

2024 Season
3.9 Kills per Set
.289 hitting percentage

Career
721 total kills
.272 hitting percentage

School records
School record in season attack percentage - .337 (2025)

Academic awards
National AP Scholar
Salutatorian
Principals List at Willoughby South
Dean's list at Lakeland Community College

Community Service / Other Interests
Students Athletic Leadership Committee
Coach youth volleyball at local club
Free time: reading, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors
 
Why Maisie chose Rider:
I chose Rider because I felt like it was a place that would help me grow not only as an athlete, but as a student and person as well. I felt connected to the culture that the coaches instilled in the team, one of competitiveness, accountability, and care. I couldn't be more excited to join a program that pushes player development and intensity while still emphasizing the importance of family, as well as allowing me to pursue an academic path that I am passionate about!