Sagnelli Signs Two for 2009 Season

Central Connecticut head volleyball coach Linda Sagnelli announced two National Letter of Intent signings for the 2009 season. Jamie Rademacher, a middle hitter from New Lenox, IL, and Emily Cochran, an outside hitter from Adel, IA, both committed to CCSU during the early signing period.

Rademacher, a 6'1" MH, was an Illinois Second Team All-State selection as a senior at Lincoln-Way Central. She also All-Area, All-Conference and Team MVP honors during the 2008 season. As a sophomore Rademacher helped lead Lincoln-Way Central to a Regional Championship. During her junior campaign the team won the Conference Championship behind Rademacher's school record 195 blocks. She also holds the record for most blocks in a career at Lincoln-Way Central with 427.

"Jamie is a very vocal and aggressive middle hitter," Sagnelli said. "We will look for her to have an immediate impact and contribute to our success during her freshman year,"

Cochran, a 5'10" OH and defensive specialist, received Iowa All-State Third Team accolades during her senior season at Adel-DeSoto-Minburn. She led her team in kill and service aces, while being named MVP and Best Offensive player by her teammates. During her junior year Cochran led Adel-DeSoto-Minburn in kills and digs, and was named to All-Conference and All-District First Teams.

"Emily will bring a high level of ball control and athleticism to the program," Sagnelli said. "We will look for her to strengthen our team at the outside hitter position next fall."

Sagnelli went on to talk about how these two incoming CCSU freshman were a great fit for the Blue Devil volleyball program. "Both will bring a high level of commitment, academically as well as athletically, to our program," Sagnelli said.

The Central Connecticut volleyball team has garnered a high level of excellence on and off the court over the past few years. The Blue Devils received America Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic honors the past two seasons. The award honors teams that displayed excellence in the classroom during the school year by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average.

"We look forward to both Jamie and Emily joining our Blue Devil family next fall," Sagnelli said in closing.

CCSU finished the 2008 season with a record of 11-14 and fell to Sacred Heart in the Northeast Conference quarterfinal. The Blue Devils competed in the NEC Tournament for the sixth straight year.