LIZ JANKOWSKI- Carnegie Mellon University 

I am in my junior year at Carnegie Mellon and my path has changed since senior year- both in academics and volleyball! I started as a Biology major, but I am now pursuing a Business Administration Degree with a Minor in Hispanic Studies and concentrations in Accounting and Finance. I recently decided I want to start my career as a Certified Public Accountant, which requires 150 credit hours and various requirements. To meet these requirements for the CPA exam, I will be graduating from Carnegie Mellon a semester early and attending the University of Pittsburgh in the spring to fulfill my remaining accounting courses. This summer I received an internship offer from PricewaterhouseCoopers in their External Audit Division. 

While I was recruited as a 6-rotation outside in high school, I am currently a libero. I always had strong ball control and my college team struggled with defense. My coaches told me on the second day of preseason they wanted me to move to defense because I was a classic Pittsburgh player: someone gritty who makes strong defensive plays and knows how to stay calm in serve receive. This transition to libero was relatively easy because I've always had the philosophy that the minute I step into the back row, I am expected to play like a libero, not just a hitter who is trying to play defense. 

I am also heavily involved within the entire athletic community. I am the sole volleyball representative for Carnegie Mellon's Student Advisory Athletic Council and was elected onto the Executive Board as the Community Outreach Chair. I helped host a fundraiser for the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh during February where we raised over $3,000. Since my sophomore year,I have also been a member of a student-athlete organization called Plaidvocates, which focuses on being peer advocates for physical, mental and emotional health within the athletic community. In my time, I created a Mental Health Committee that is dedicated to eliminating the stigma around mental health- a serious problem our student athletes face everyday. I was also elected Treasurer after my first year and will serve as the Vice President of the organization next school year. 

I also serve as the President of Vitamin Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to benefiting the welfare of children, adults and senior citizens in need by lessening the effect of malnutrition through the distribution of vitamins and supplements.  Our website is www.vitaminalliance.org

During the summers, I have remained active at Pitt Elite. I've helped coach at various programs like Train and Play and hope that I can return to coaching this summer!

KYLIE AIRESMAN- Millersville University 
 I am playing at Millersville University, DII in the PSAC. I have been named captain this 2021 spring season, so I am greatly looking forward to continuing in the fall and competing in conference again. Last season we got to play, fall 2019, we made it to the NCAA tournament which was an amazing experience even though we lost in the second round. I look forward to getting there again and trying for better this fall!

ANNA DEGRAAF- Grove City College

I am a freshman Accounting and Philosophy double major at Grove City College. I am a starting middle blocker on the volleyball team and was awarded PAC (conference) newcomer of the year award and was put on the first-team all conference. My team finished second in the conference. I am so grateful for all the training, competition, and advice I've received from the coaches at Pitt Elite and truly think they prepared me well for collegiate volleyball!

ABBY NIGON- Slippery Rock University 

I am a rising junior at Slippery Rock University. I played on 17 premier and 18 premier while in high school. Pitt Elite is the reason I am where I am today. Currently, as a freshman I placed 3^rd in total blocks for any incoming freshman in Slippery Rock history. I started in 22 of 25 matches as a freshman. I led Slippery Rock in total blocks (86), solo blocks (16), and blocks per set (1.10) during my freshman season. I was also ranked third in the PSAC for blocks per set. 

LAUREN LAMPUS and RILEY LENARD- Westminister College 

Lauren Lampus and Riley Lenard remained teammates after PEVA, as they joined the Westminister College volleyball program. This picture was taken after winning the PAC Conference Championships at Westminister. 

EMILY O'MALLEY- Radford University 

Emily redshirted due to a meniscus surgery, but she is looking forward to a strong recovery and getting back on the court!