Volleyball Adds Three Student-Athletes

The Central Connecticut volleyball program and head coach Linda Sagnelli have announced the addition of three student-athletes for the Fall of 2015. Kaitlyn Kushman, Raquel Quirarte and Cassidy Wygonik have committed to the Blue Devils and will join the CCSU Class of 2019.

"We are very excited about this incoming class," "They meet the standards and qualities set at Central by our returnees as we work to be the best team we can be. We can't wait for them to join us and begin working to help us compete for our goal of a Northeast Conference championship."

CCSU earned the #4 seed in the 2014 Northeast Conference tournament with a 7-7 league record and finished with a 11-16 mark overall. CCSU advanced to the NEC Tournament for the 12th straight season, before falling to top-seeded LIU Brooklyn in the semifinals.

Below is a closer look at CCSU's incoming student-athletes.

Kaitlyn Kushman - 5-8 - S - Chalfont, PA/Lansdale Catholic HS
Played three-years of varsity volleyball at Lansdale Catholic High School... Two-time All-Intelligencer Player of the Year… Led Lansdale Catholic to three PCL titles and three District 12 titles, along with three trips to the PIAA Class AA playoffs… Two-Time PCL Most Valuable Player and two-time Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association All-State selection… Played for East Coast Power club.

Sagnelli on Kushman: "Kaitlyn is a heads-up setter, who likes to control the game. She is very intelligent and has great court vision.  As a setter, she has a great feel for the rhythm of the game and sets a good tempo offense. Her competitive drive and desire to score will help her contribute immediately."

Raquel Quirarte - 5-10 - OH - Auburn, CA/Placer HS
Played high school volleyball for Placer High School… Was a PVL All-League selection twice... Named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2012 Junior Nationals… Named Most Athletic at Placer HS as a freshman and sophomore... Played for the Synergy Force club team.

Sagnelli on Quirarte: "Raquel comes from a good club team where she got great experience and was a starter. She is a physically strong athlete with a great jump. She will help contribute to our frontcourt, but we will look to her to be a six-rotation player. She is a strong blocker, powerful hitter and primary passer. Her great work ethic fits our program and will help our team be successful."

Cassidy Wygonik - 6-0 - OH - Madison, CT/Daniel Hand HS
Played volleyball and basketball at Daniel Hand High School... Earned All-SCC Shoreline Division in 2013 and 2014... Named All-Area in 2015... Earned All-SCC Shoreline Division honors in basketball in 2013-14... One of four students selected to attend 2014 Leadership Conference.

Sagnelli on Wygonik: "We are looking forward to Cassidy joining us. She has great enthusiasm and energy and we are looking forward to her growth as a middle hitter, where she can provide immediate depth while learning our system. We are very excited to have her join the program.