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Meet the Friars
SARAH As a Senior: Did not appear in any matches due to injury... As a Junior: Played 23 matches and 88 sets for the Friars... Tallied 92 kills and 26 digs on the season... Recorded 47 blocks, which was DANELIAK #16 fourth most on the team... At University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC): Red-shirted her freshman season… In 2017, played in 30 matches, starting 29 of them… Re-
GRADUATE STUDENT • MB • 6-0 corded a season-high 12 kills at Northern Kentucky on Oct. 6… Tal-
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NAPERVILLE, ILL. • UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO - ILLINOIS lied 11 total blocks against Milwaukee on Oct. 29…
SPORTS PERFORMANCE At Nequa Valley High School: Earned two varsity letters in volleyball… Was an honorable mention for the Illinois All-State volleyball team in 2015… Helped lead Naqua Valley to the most wins in school history in back-to-back seasons in 2014 and 2015… Was named the 2015 Illinois State Scholar and Indian Prairie Scholar. Personal: Born August 4, 1998… Daughter of Sue and Dave Daneliak… Has one brother, Kevin... Marketing major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Daneliak: “Sarah is a driving force on the team. Her motivating personality simply helps our team tick. She never gives less than everything she has both physically and mentally."
DANELIAK’S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Sarah Daneliak?
Simply put, Friartown is special because of the people. From teammates and peers, to coaches and professors, the people at Providence College are what makes it feel like home. Upon visiting PC, I immediately felt like I found my place from all of the warm and welcoming interactions I had across campus. Providence brings out the best in everyone, as you are surrounded by genuine, loving, and inspirational individuals both on the court and in the classroom. Coaches, staff, and professors alike are authentic and do not only care about your performance on the court or in the classroom, but your development as a person. Transferring to PC has been the best decision of my life as I have made lifelong friends, played the sport I love, and grown tremendously as an individual and as a teammate.
CAREER HIGHS
KILLS: 12 (10-6-2017 AT NORTHERN KENTUCKY) BLOCKS: 11 (10-29-2017 VS. MILWAUKEE)
ALLISON As a Junior: Started in all 31 matches… Played in a team-high 113 sets…Led the team in assists (902), assists per set (7.98), service aces (32) and digs (321)… Set career-highs in kills (13) and total points BARBER #3 (14) against Seton Hall on Oct. 4… Recorded 21 double-doubles… Had a triple-double against Seton Hall on Oct. 4… Passed 3,000 career assists on Nov. 9 versus Villanova… Was named to the More-
SENIOR • S • 5-11 head State Eagle Challenge All-Tournament Team...
WOODBURY, MINN. • EAST RIDGE As a Sophomore: Started 28 of the 29 matches for the Friars...
NORTHERN LIGHTS Played in 94 sets... Led the Friars in assists (1,032) and was second on the team in digs (250)... Recorded eight double-doubles on the season... Set a career high in assists (56) against Seton Hall on Oct. 7... Was named the MVP for the 14th Annual Friar Classic on Sept.1... Was named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll (Sept. 4)... As a Freshman: Started all 33 of Providence’s matches and played in all 116 sets… Led the team with 1,162 assists on the season… Recorded a season-high 54 assists against UAB (Aug. 25)… Was named to the Hatter Classic All-Tournament team… Was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week (Sept. 26.)… At East Ridge High School: Named 2016 Mizuno SPVB National Junior Classic 17 Club Most Valuable Player... Was the 2016 Feature Player in Minnesota High School Volleyball Breakdown Sports Guide Book... Was named to the 2014-15 AVCA Phenom List... Named to the All-American Teams in both the 2014 and 2015 AAU National Championships. Personal: Born November 1, 1998... Daughter of Steve and Nancy Barber... Has one sister, Stephanie Barber... Marketing major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Barber: “Allie is our most experienced setter. She runs a fast tempo offense and loves to fool blockers with her variety of sets. She has a great serve and can score for us from the serving line. "
BARBER’S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Allison Barber?
Friartown is a unique atmosphere where student-athletes blossom off the court. It is an intimate setting for a large athletic program that makes students feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves. In Friartown, all athletes choose to take pride in maintaining the integrity and reputation of the school they represent. I have the opportunity to be more than a number on a roster, whether that be in the classroom or on the court and it shows in the character of graduating Friars. Essentially, Friartown is special because it has given me something to take pride in for the rest of my life.
CAREER HIGHS
ASSISTS: 56 (10-7-2018 VS. SETON HALL) DIGS: 21 (9-2-2017 VS. BUCKNELL)
CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLES: 46 CAREER TRIPLE-DOUBLES: 1 (10-4-2019 VS. SETON HALL)
NATALIE As a Sophomore: Appeared in 24 matches… Played in 78 sets… Recorded 165 digs…Had double-digit digs in seven matches… Was named to the Friar Volleyball Classic All-Tournament Team… BENSON #8 Was a member of the Dog Pound Challenge All-Tournament Team... As a Freshman (University of Memphis): Played in 16 matches...
JUNIOR • DS • 5-5 Averaged 0.94 digs per set...Tallied 29 digs on the year... Recorded
BRADLEY, ILL.. • UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS season-high six digs versus Stephen F. Austin in her collegiate de-
ULTIMATE VOLLEYBALL CLUB OF CHICAGO but. At Bradley-Bourbonnais High School: As a senior, received Kankakee Daily Journal All-Area honors for the second-straight season... Recorded 273 digs along with 39 assists and 21 aces... Led the Boilermakers to a 28-7 overall record and a 6-3 conference record...Helped her team reach the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A Marist Regional... As a junior, recorded 283 digs and added 205 points off serves... Earned All-Southwest Suburban Conference honors...Named to Kankakee Daily Journal All-Area team... Helped the Boilermakers to a 2310 record and reached the IHSA Class 4A regional championship match... Played for Ultimate Volleyball Club of Chicago Personal: Born on May 22, 2000... Daughter of Christopher and Rosemarie Benson...Has two sisters, Lindsey and Sophie... Biology major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Benson: "Nat is a quiet, steady defensive player. She rarely lets the ball touch the floor but somehow doesn’t draw attention to herself on the court. She is essential to our success. "
BENSON'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Natalie Benson?
Friartown is special for many reasons, but what stands out is the family aspect. Immediately when I walked on campus I felt welcomed by everyone. The people here, in Friartown, make you feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s true that “You’re never alone in Friartown.” Whether that be with coaches, teammates, classmates, or professors, everybody wants you to be successful. It’s the perfect environment to grow and become the best version of yourself. The people I have met here will forever impact me in life!
CAREER HIGHS
DIGS: 20 (9-21-2019 VS. UCONN) ASSISTS: 6 (9-21-2019 VS. HOLY CROSS)
MACKENZIE As a Sophomore: Appeared in 28 matches… Played in 101 sets… Ranked second in digs (290) and digs per set (2.87)… Recorded double-digit digs in 15 matches... TAYLOR #11 As a Freshman: Started all 29 of Providence’s matches… Played in 105 sets… Led the Friars in digs (444) and was second on the team in assists (70)... Tallied 15 aces on the season... Set a career high in
JUNIOR • DS • 5-5 digs (36) against Southeast Missouri on Sept. 8... Was named to
HOLBROOK, N.Y. • CONNETQUOT the UMKC Kangaroo Classic All-Tournament Team... Was named
LONG ISLAND VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY the BIG EAST Freshman of the Week on Sept. 4... At Connetquot High School: Collected four varsity letters in volleyball… Was a two-year captain of the volleyball team… Helped lead the team to Class AA NYSPHSAA volleyball championships in 2015 and 2017… Personal: Born March 27, 2000… Daughter of Nadine and John Taylor… Has one brother, Jake… Management major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Taylor: “Mac has become one of our team leaders over the past year. She is that gym rat every coach wants in a player. She has a great work ethic. We expect a lot from her defense this season."
TAYLOR'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Mackenzie Taylor?
When I was presented with the opportunity to play at Providence College, I did not hesitate. I knew that I was going to be a part of a tight knit community that will always support and recognize its athletes. More importantly, Providence College has brought me a group of teammates and coaches that I can call my second family. A family who will always be in my life as we look back on all of the memories we have experienced together. It shows that long after we leave Providence College, the feeling that this place has, as you walk on campus, and connections we have made here, will last a lifetime. There is a sense of belonging to an organization that is much bigger than yourself and I have been so honored to be a part of it. What makes Providence College so special and different from any other school is the sense of togetherness that you feel at PC and you can only truly experience this if you attend PC as a student or student-athlete. The best decision I have made in my life, so far, was choosing Providence College to play under the amazing volleyball staff and finding forever friends with those around me. This is what makes Friartown so special. Go Friars!
CAREER HIGHS
DIGS: 36 (9-8-2018 VS. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI) ASSISTS: 6 (9-28-2018 VS. XAVIER)
EMMA As a Sophomore: Appeared in 29 matches… Played in 74 sets… Recorded 85 kills… Had a career-high 14 kills against East Carolina on Sept. 1... FINK #15 As a Freshman: Played in 17 matches for the Friars... Tallied 17 kills and 12 digs on the season... At Lyons Township High School: Collected three varsity letters in
JUNIOR • OPP • 6-1 volleyball during her time at Lyons Township… Over the course of
WESTERN SPRINGS, ILL. • LYONS TOWNSHIP her high school career tallied 541 kills, 86 blocks and 90 aces… Dur-
MICHIO ing her senior season, earned All-Conference, All-Regional Second Team, and to the Illinois State All-Star Team… Personal: Born November 4, 1999… Daughter of Michelle and Al Fink… Has two brothers, Will and Henry, and one sister, Alese… Bio-chemistry major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Fink: “Emma has one of the heaviest arms on the team. When she shuts everything else out of her mind and just plays volleyball, her attack is unstoppable."
FINK'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Emma Fink?
I knew Friartown was different from other schools when I first visited. I was amazed by how close the volleyball team was and I knew I wanted to be part of a team like that. I didn’t know that this feeling of family would extend to the rest of the school. Whether it is fellow athletes, friends from class, or past professors I know on my walk around campus I will pass several friendly faces. I know at Providence I will make connections that last a lifetime!
CAREER HIGHS
KILLS:
14 (9-1-2019 VS. EAST CAROLINA) DIGS: 7 (9-1-2019 VS. EAST CAROLINA) TOTAL BLOCKS: 8 (9-6-2019 VS. GEORGIA STATE)
SASHA As a Freshman: Appeared in 26 matches… Played in a total of 73 sets… Recorded 77 kills… Recorded nine blocks against Seton Hall (11/1)... RUDICH #1 At Lake Travis High School: Was the captain of the varsity team at Lake Travis High School her senior year... Collected 105 total blocks... Was ranked second in hitting percentage (.306) in her
SOPHOMORE • MB • 6-1 district...Received Academic All-District and First-Team All-District
AUSTIN, TEXAS. • LAKE TRAVIS honors...Received All-Tournament player nominations at the Frau-
AUSTIN JUNIORS lein Volleyball Tournament and Volleyfest in 2018. Personal: Born on March 11, 2001... Daughter of Daniel and Angela Rudich...Has one brother, Lucas... Biology major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Rudich: "Sasha picked up significant experience as a freshman that will serve her well this year. She has improved on several different attacks and her quick lateral movement make her a strong blocker as well."
RUDICH'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Sasha Rudich?
Friartown is home. What makes Friartown so special is the people and the environment that create an amazing atmosphere for people to flourish and become their own in. The people in Friartown are like a second family. I have my team and coaches, alongside amazing friends and professors that make everyday on campus so comforting and easy. Friartown is a happy place for me. It allows me to dive into the studies that I am interested in while preparing me for my future dream career path. I have the opportunity to play the sport that I live and breathe with the most amazing girls and coaches for the next three years. Friartown has given me the leeway to become anything I want, surrounded by incredible people, as well as memories and a forever family to be grateful for and look back on. Friartown is forever going to be a major part of who I am.
CAREER HIGHS
KILLS: 9 (11-9-2019 VS. VILLANOVA) TOTAL BLOCKS: 9 (11-1-2019 VS. SETON HALL)
JENNIFER LEITMAN #4
SOPHOMORE • OH • 6-1 IRVINE, CALIF. • WOODBRIDGE MOMENTOUS
As a Freshman: Appeared in 24 matches… Played in 86 sets… Led the team in kills per set (2.78) and points per set (3.33)… Was second on the team in service aces per set (0.31)… Recorded doubledigit kills in 12 matches… Tallied double-digit digs four times… Recorded a double-double in her collegiate debut against East Carolina (9/1)…Was named to the All-BIG EAST Freshman Team... At Woodbridge High School: Earned three varsity letters in 20152019... Named to the First Team All-League in 2016, 2017 and 2018...Was a member of the Momentum Travel team alongside fellow freshman, Brielle Mullally. Personal: Born on August 2, 2001... Daughter of Jeff and Mia Leit-
man... Has one sister, Madelaine... Marketing major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Leitman: "Jenny is a fundamentally sound hitter with great overhead ball control. She has improved her passing and been a stronger voice over the past spring. We are excited to see what she will do with us this season!"
LEITMAN'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Jennifer Leitman?
What makes Friartown so special is the people within the school's community. When coming into Providence as a freshman, it quickly felt like my home away from home. My teammates, classmates, coaches, athletic trainers and professors all contributed to building Friartown's amazing culture. A motto that we Friars live by is “You are never alone in Friartown,” which every person encourages and participates in. The opportunity I have to compete at PC as an athlete is truly something special; I get to play the sport I love and develop a core of people who are now my best friends. Friartown means friends and the support of a community, and has brought amazing people into my life. While I have only been at Providence College for a little more than a year, the bonds created will last a lifetime. I feel I am surrounded by opportunity and the support of all Friars.
CAREER HIGHS
KILLS: 21 (9-1-2019 VS. EAST CAROLINA) TOTAL POINTS: 23 (9-1-2019 VS. EAST CAROLINA) DIGS: 16 (9-27-2019 VS. GEORGETOWN)
BRIELLE As a Freshman: Appeared in 18 matches… Played in 62 sets… Ranked second on the team in assists (123)… Tallied double-digit assists in four matches… Recorded double-digit digs six times… MULLALLY #7 Had a double-double against Creighton with 13 kills and 10 digs on Oct. 25... At Mater Dei High School: Earned four varsity letters... Collected
SOPHOMORE • S • 6-0 1,554 assists, 556 digs, 351 kills and 80 aces... Was named 2018
GARDEN GROVE, CALIF. • MATER DEI Silver Medal Far Western Qualifier (17 Open), Durango All-Tourna-
MOMENTOUS ment Team and the Mater Dei MVP... Was a member of the Mater Dei High School team that won the CIFSS Division I Championship, Queen’s Court Championship and Dave Mohs Championship... Was a member of the Momentum Travel team alongside fellow Friar, Jenny Leitman. Personal: Born on October 3, 2000... Daughter of Brian and Betty Mullally... Has two sisters, Brenna and Belinda... Economics major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Mullally: “Bri fought her way into a starting role for us last fall and proved to the coaching staff that she can make a big impact on our success both as a setter and a hitter."
MULLALLY'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Brielle Mullally?
The thing that makes Friartown so special is the family you join when you go there. Whenever I wear a Providence shirt as I’m just wandering around, I often come across alumni that are still excited to talk about the school and learn about what’s new on campus. The family isn’t just your closest friends at the school, but the entire community that has gone before you as well. It’s your second home with your second family and a place that you will feel welcome and important for the rest of your life. Friartown has given me the opportunity to grow and become whoever I want to become which is something truly special.
CAREER HIGHS
KILLS
13 (10-25-2019 VS. CREIGHTON DIGS: 17 (10-20-2019 VS. BUTLER) ASSISTS: 24 (10-4-2019 VS. SETON HALL)
ADDISON WITTE #9
SOPHOMORE • OH • 6-0 TROY, MO. • ST. DOMINIC HPSTL
As a Freshman: Appeared in 20 matches… Played in 41 sets… Recorded 44 kills... At St. Dominic High School/HPSTL: Earned a varsity letter in 2015... Named to the All-Conference Second Team her sophomore year...Was a member of the HPSTL Club that won national bids in her U15s, U16s, and U17s years. Personal: Born on March 10, 2001... Daughter of Brent and Elaine Witte... Has two brothers, Harrison and Jameson... Biology major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Witte: “Addison puts up a solid block as an opposite. She has committed to improving all parts of her game and we expect to see her making a difference for us this fall."
WITTE'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Addison Witte?
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Friartown is community. After just spending my first month as a freshman at Providence College, I felt the love and support of every single person I met on campus, which truly is what makes Friartown so special. The people. PC has created a platform where everyone aims for a common goal: developing great people. In which it truly has. The motto “You are never alone in Friartown” authentically describes the feeling and reality of any person that has been part of the Providence College community. I can say that this motto encompasses my entire experience here as I have felt welcomed, supported and genuinely cared for since the moment I stepped on campus. Friartown has brought me my forever friends, lifelong relationships, amazing experiences and a second place to call home. Once a Friar, always a Friar.
CAREER HIGHS
11 (9-21-2019 VS. UCONN) 7 (9-21-2019 VS. HOLY CROSS)
EMMA NELSON #10
SOPHOMORE • OH • 6-1 WEST CHESTER, PA. • BAYARD RUSTIN EAST COAST POWER
As a Freshman: Appeared in 11 matches… Played in 33 sets… Recorded 84 kills… Ranked first in service aces per set (0.36), second on the team in kills per set (2.55) and points per set (3.12)… Registered double-digit kills in four matches. At Bayard Rustin High School: Was a two-year captain... Collected 1,330 kills in her career... Holds the record for number of kills in a match (32) at Bayard Rustin High School... Led her high school team to two state playoff runs and two Ches-mont American Division Championships... Received First-Team All-District, First-Team All-Conference and First-Team All-State honors. Personal: Born on January 15, 2001... Daughter of Jim and Kellie
Nelson... Has one brother, Ryan and one sister, Janie... Undecided major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Nelson: “Nellie struggled through injuries last fall but showed the coaching staff what she could do during the spring. Her attack is deadly due to her quick arm spring. With more match experience, she will be an offensive force for the program."
NELSON'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to Emma Nelson?
Friartown wouldn’t be Friartown without the administrators, professors, coaches and mentors. It is a community in which all students are comfortable and willing to push themselves, both academically and athletically. The motto “You Are Never Alone in Friartown” is the epitome of what a college should strive for: a feeling, especially for student athletes, that reminds you that no challenge is impossible with a support system like PC. The shared value in faith and community service throughout athletics reminds me that we are all a part of one team. After only experiencing one year in Friartown, I know that PC will leave me with friendships and relationships that have built my character and given me opportunities from a community like no other. I will always be proud to be a Friar and grateful for a place where I always feel comfortable to be myself on and off the court.
CAREER HIGHS
KILLS: 18 (9-14-2019 VS. BROWN) POINTS: 22.5 (9-14-2019 VS. BROWN) DIGS: 9 (9-21-2019 VS. UCONN)
CAROLINE As a Freshman: Appeared in 13 matches… Played in 48 sets… Led the team in digs per set (2.92)… Recorded 140 digs… Tallied double-digit digs in seven matches... LAMACCHIA #13 At South Side High School: Earned three varsity letters...Tallied 346 digs, 64 assists and 33 aces during the 2018 season... Named to the 2018 All-County, All-State and All-Long Island First Team...
SOPHOMORE • DS • 5-4 Was a member of the South Side High School team that won the
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. • SOUTH SIDE 2018 Varsity Volleyball Conference Championships.
ACADEMY Personal: Born on July 17, 2001... Daughter of Frank and Kathleen LaMacchia... Has two sisters, Juliet and Faith... Marketing major. Coach Royer-Johnson on LaMacchia: “Caroline is one of our most exciting defensive players. Her reflexes are super fast. She has grown into the speed of the college game and will thrive in it. She also has one of the strongest serves on the team."
LAMACCHIA'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special is the people. It is a second home, where I have my teammates, friends, coaches and professors. It creates a home away from home where I feel safe and it brings out my happiest self. It’s a place where I can play the sport that I love, be with friends that I love and study what I love. Creating a family within our team is also a huge part of why Friartown is special. It creates a judgement free and trusting atmosphere like no other. During practices, games and even blasting music in the locker room I have the most fun because we can always be ourselves with each other. There are so many different personalities on the team that make the perfect mix, yet being so similar in that we all have a passion for one thing - volleyball. That is what makes Friartown special.
CAREER HIGHS
17 (9-13-2019 VS. FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON)
ELENA As a Freshman: Appeared in six matches… Played in eight sets… Recorded three kills... At PAOK/Greek Junior National Team: Was a member of the LEONTARIDOU #18 PAOK club team from 2016-2019... Led her team to a first-place finish in the U19 Pre League... Was a member of the Greek Junior National Team during her U17, U18 and U19 season.
SOPHOMORE• MB • 6-1 Personal: Born on March 16, 2001... Daughter of Leontadidis
THESSALONIKI, GREECE. • HELLENIC Georgios and Lyta Ioanna... Has one brother, Fotios-Georgios Le-
PAOK ontaridis... Health policy and management major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Leontadidou: "Elena gets “most improved offensive player” over the spring. She mentally and physically committed herself to the direction the coaching staff is taking the program and has flourished in it. We hope to see her keep that intense commitment up as it will make her a major offensive threat."
LEONTARIDOU'S CAREER STATS
What makes Friartown special to me is simply the people. The school has created a community that cares and supports everyone, creating the most welcoming atmosphere. As students, we feel like we are part of a special and important community larger than ourselves, surrounded by a small family-like campus. As a student-athlete I feel like I am part of a smaller family too. Although I have only been at PC for a year, the school has already created so many special memories for me. I have been blessed to find a family within our team. I am grateful for the connections, relationships and forever friendships. PC has been my second home from the moment I stepped on campus and I am forever thankful for having the opportunity to play the sport I love the most surrounded with the people I love the most.
CAREER HIGHS
3 (9-29-2019 VS. VILLANOVA)
MIMI BOYLE #2
FRESHMAN • MB • 5-11 COLUMBUS, OHIO • ST. FRANCIS DESALES MINTONETTE
What makes Friartown special to Mimi Boyle?
At St. Francis DeSales High School: Guided her team to the 2019 Division I State Championship... Recorded 16 kills in the State Championship match... Was named 2019 Pettysburg Most Valuable Player... Personal: Born on May 20, 2002... Daughter of Dein and Maggie Boyle... Has one brother, Chris, who plays football at Brown University... Marketing major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Boyle: "Mimi brings great high level club experience to our team. Her athleticism fits perfectly with our fast moving offense. She can hit numerous attacks from various approaches. We are excited to see her make a difference for us."
Providence is special because it feels like family. In Friartown you will meet amazing people and make great connections. You truly feel the family environment whether it’s walking around campus, going to sporting events, or even talking to students and alumni. Friartown is where I feel loved. It is so important to go to a school where you feel welcomed and loved! The moment I stepped on campus I knew it in my heart that Providence would be my home.
SAMMIE RUGGLES #17
FRESHMAN • S • 6-0 NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO • LAKE RIDGE ACADEMT ACADEMY VOLLEYBALL CLEVELAND
What makes Friartown special to Sammie Ruggles?
Friartown is special to me because it’s a mix of rigorous academics and strong athletics tied together with a close knit community of students, faculty and staff. Each day I look forward to unique experiences that expose me to new thoughts and ideas reaching beyond the classroom. To me, Friartown extends past the campus boundaries and into the city of Providence with many diverse offerings from Thayer Street to Federal Hill. I knew when I stepped on campus that I wanted to be in Friartown for the next 4 years! GO FRIARS!!
At The Lake Ridge Academy: Named Lorain County Division IV Player of the Year twice (2017, 2019)... Tallied 1,335 assists, 1,067 digs, 758 kills, 233 aces and 113 blocks over her career... Was a three-time sectional champion (2017. 2018. 2019)... Personal: Born on October 1, 2002... Daughter of Paul and Jennifer Ruggles... Has one sister, Alyssa... Marketing major. Coach Royer-Johnson on Ruggles: "Sammie brings us depth in the setter position, as well as a fast set release that fits perfectly with the direction of our program. Her height will be an asset for us in the setter position as well."