MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Barry University volleyball coach Steve Hendricks announced the signing of two international recruits to add to the 2012 incoming class.
Middle blockers Laine Cielena, a Ragana, Latvia, native, and Rosie Johnston, of Auckland, New Zealand, will play for the Bucs beginning this fall. Both possess the ability to play on the outside, giving Barry more versatility in all positions.
“They’ll immediately impact our level of play in the Sunshine State Conference,” Hendricks said. “They both have high volleyball IQs.”
Cielena, a 6-foot-2 product of Murjani Sports Gymnasium, a boarding school in Murjani, Latvia, graduated in June with a 3.7 grade point average. She played four years with VK MSG/Ropazi, the school’s club team. A quick hitter in the middle, Cielena possesses smarts and experience.
Johnston, who attended Manurewa High School, comes from a deep volleyball family background. Her uncle is the assistant coach of New Zealand’s men’s national team, and her cousin plays for the country’s women’s national team. She’s spent the past five years playing with New Zealand Institute of Sports women’s club team.
A hard-hitting attacker from all spots on the court, Johnston has quick feet, making her an effective blocker at the net. A six-rotation player with good ball control, she is an effective passer whose skills offer the Bucs multiple options.
“Laine and Rosie are both positive, hard-working athletes, who will bring a lot of intangibles to our program,” Hendricks said. “They show great maturity, and are driven to succeed at the highest levels.”