Volleyball Adds Four Student-Athletes
Head Coach Linda Sagnelli has added Nicole Celarek, Maddie Smith, Lindsey Massicotte and Emma Schissel for the CCSU Class of 2018.
The Central Connecticut volleyball program has announced the addition of four student-athletes for the Fall of 2014. Nicole Celarek, Maddie Smith, Lindsey Massicotte and Emma Schissel have committed to the Blue Devils and will join the CCSU Class of 2018.
"Our program has a high standard for athletic and academic success and we are proud of the academic and athletic performance of this incoming class," Sagnelli said. "Our team has received the AVCA Academic Award for the past eight years and our newcomers aspire to achieve that same high standard in the classroom, while pursuing our goal of a championship on the court."
CCSU finished the 2013 season with a 21-9 overall record and an 11-3 mark in Northeast Conference play that earned the Blue Devils the #2 seed in the NEC Tournament. CCSU advanced to the NEC Championship match for the second straight season, but fell to #1 seed LIU Brooklyn. CCSU's season also finished an impressive 10-match winning streak that spanned the entire month of October.
Below is a closer look at CCSU's incoming student-athletes.
Nicole Celarek - 6-2 - OPP/OH - Bensenville, IL/Fenton
A four-year member of the varsity volleyball squad at Fenton High School…Earned the Varsity Letter Award in 2011, 2012 and 2013…Was named as her high school's Most Valuable Player in 2012…Earned All-Academic Team honors in 2011 and 2012…Earned the 2012-13 Top Athlete Award…Also named to the 2013 All-Conference Team…Won a silver medal at the AAU National Championships while playing for the Sports Performance Volleyball Club.
Sagnelli on Celarek: "Nicole brings a great work ethic and strong physical presence to our front court. With her size and power Nicole can develop into one of the top right side players in the conference."
Celarek on CCSU: "I choose CCSU because of the second family like environment; on my visits everything clicked that fulfilled my needs of an exceptional college life for the next years to come. Not only was the environment and people what made me choose CCSU but the love, depth, and burning desire for success the volleyball team holds together. I cannot wait for next year to roll in, time for a conference championship and the beginning of a new chapter in my life!"
Emma Schissel - 5-7 - DS/S - Colchester, CT/Bacon Academy
Played high school volleyball for Bacon Academy in Colchester, CT…In 2012, earned the Sportsmanship Award in the ECC Large Division…In 2013, was selected to the ECC Medium Division All-Star Team…Also played club volleyball for the CT Velocity.
Sagnelli on Schissel: "We are pleased that Emma has decided to join our team. She will provide great depth to our team and will train with our setters."
Schissel on CCSU: "I chose CCSU for many reasons. Central is one of the few schools with my major and it's close to home. Their volleyball program is amazing and I'm so glad to be able to be a part of it. While touring Central I immediately felt at ease and knew it was a school that I could see myself at."
Maddie Smith - 5-11 - MB - Pleasanton, CA/Foothill
Played volleyball at Foothill High School where she was a three-time team captain…Earned First Team All-League honors in 2013…Was Athlete of the Month in September 2013…Led her team in kills and blocks during the 2013 season…Earned the Falcon Award in 2011 and 2012…Was a two-time captain for the Red Rock Volleyball Club.
Sagnelli on Smith: "Maddie brings a solid set of skills and enthusiasm to our program. She possesses strong skills in the middle and will help provide depth and strength to that position."
Smith on CCSU: "CCSU has the most amazing coaches and the girls are so kind and inviting. I knew from my first visit that everyone on the team was close, they all had the same competitive, determined mind-set, and that it was a type of team that I would love to be a part of and excel with. I can't wait to get to Connecticut in late June and get started on my college career!"
Lindsey Massicotte – 5-5 – DS/L – Meriden, CT/Maloney
Played volleyball at Maloney High School in nearby Meriden, CT…Earned All-Conference honors in 2011, 2012, 2013…Was a CHSCA Senior All-Star in 2013…A CHSCA Class L Second Team All-State selection in 2013…Served as a team captain during the 2013 season…Earned 10 total varsity letters spanning volleyball, basketball and softball…Helped the softball team to a pair of state tournament runs…Also played for the Husky Juniors club team.
Sagnelli on Massicotte: "Lindsey will join our backcourt crew and will help bolster our serve reception and defense. She brings a high level of athleticism and we are looking forward to helping her develop as a player."
Massicotte on CCSU: "I chose CCSU because I love the great atmosphere it holds; with the players and coaches, and also throughout the CCSU campus. I feel that I fit in well the team and the program as a whole."