Volleyball Announces the Addition of Six Student-Athletes

June 9, 2009

Chelsea Boyle (Cumberland, R.I./Rhode Island Juniors), Candice Kolkka (Clovis, Calif./Central Cal), Zoe Lowe (Branford, Conn./Connecticut Juniors) Ashleyann Tennant (Long Beach, Calif./Golden West), Lauren Wong (Great Falls, Va./Virginia Elite) and Rachel Zarazan (Southlake, Texas/Dallas Juniors) will join early signees Sydney Danner (Prairie Village, Kan.) and Annie Nelson (Rockford, Ill.) this fall.

"The coaching staff is excited about collecting a talented group of new players to help invigorate the program for this fall," Schneck said. "We are looking forward to their positive impact."

Boyle, comes to URI after spending two seasons at the University of New England where she played in 189 games and recorded 498 digs. Prior to attending New England, the 5-foot, 5-inch libero was a two-time All-State honoree at Mount Saint Charles Academy where she served as the team captain during her senior year. In the classroom, Boyle was a four-year honor roll student.

Kolkka, transfers to Rhode Island after spending one season at Hawai'i Pacific University. Prior to her arrival at Hawai'i Pacific, the 5-10, setter helped Buchanan High School to four Valley League championships. In addition to her team accomplishments, Kolkka also was a two-time All-Conference and All-City recipient.

Lowe, will begin her collegiate career at URI after she spent three years on the Branford High School varsity volleyball team where she helped the squad to a pair of league championships (2007 and 2008). As a senior, the 5-9 outside hitter was named All-League and team Most Valuable Player.

Tennant arrives in Kingston, following four successful seasons at Valley Christian High School where she earned All-League honors as a junior and senior. As a senior, the 5-10 opposite was voted as the team's Most Valuable Player. Prior to her senior year, Tennant was on the winning USA Beach Junior Open Championships squad in the 18-and-under division. In the classroom, Tennant was selected as a three-time League Honorable Mention Academic honoree.

Wong joins the Rams after serving as a two-year captain at Dominion High School. While at Dominion High, the 6-1, middle blocker received the Coaches' Award in 2008 and the Most Valuable Player Award in 2009. She was also selected the All-Dulles District Second Team in 2009. In addition to her high school career, Wong was a member of the USA Volleyball Regional Championship squad from 2006-2009. Off the court, Wong was a three-year member of the National Honor Society and held a 3.85 grade point average.

Zarazan will suit up for URI next fall following three years on the varsity volleyball squad a t Carroll High School. During her three varsity seasons, the 5-11 outside hitter helped Carroll to three straight district championships (2006, 2007 and 2008). Individually, Zarazan was named Honorable Mention All-District 4-5A in 2007 and 2008. In the classroom, she was a three-time Academic All-District honoree.

The Rhode Island women's volleyball team opens the 2009 season on Aug. 28 at the Hofstra University Tournament in Hempstead, N.Y.