Volleyball Annouces Roster Additions for 2010

June 15, 2010

(San Francisco) - USF volleyball announces a group of eight incoming student-athletes for the 2010 season as released Friday by head coach Gilad Doron. Four talented newcomers have signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) - 5-11 setter Joan Caloiaro (Saratoga, Calif./Archbishop Mitty), 5-8 outside hitter Rebecca Kopilovitch (Israel), 5-10 outside hitter Malina Terrell (Richmond, Calif./Salesian), and 6-1 middle blocker Caiti Wenger (Plano, Texas/Plano Senior).

In addition, the Dons welcome four additional newcomers to the roster - 5-5 libero Kaitlyn Connolly (San Jose, Calif./Archbishop Mitty), 5-4 libero Naleen Nguyen (Ventura, Calif./Villanova Preparatory), 5-8 libero Whitney Swain (Elk Grove, Calif./Christian Brothers), and 6-0 setter Mackenzie Murtagh (San Francisco, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral).

Joan Caloiaro, 5-11, Fr., S (Saratoga, Calif./Archbishop Mitty)
A decorated local product, Caloiaro joins her brothers - Angelo (men's basketball) and Vinny (men's soccer) - on the Hilltop. The AVCA High School All-American helped to lead the Monarchs to back-to-back State Championships. Her senior year, Archbishop Mitty went undefeated, garnering a top national rank. In addition, Caloiaro earned a bronze medal at the 17 opens, playing club for Vision.

Doron on Caloiaro -  "Joan provides our program with a lot of flexibility, but her biggest asset to us will be her team-first attitude and willingness to win at all costs. She is excited to be at USF with her two brothers, but I think she will be remembered most for her determination to achieve her goals and win."

Kaitlyn Connolly, 5-5, Fr., LIB (San Jose, Calif./Archbishop Mitty)
Connolly played at Archbishop Mitty with fellow incoming Don, Joan Caloiaro. In addition to playing for the Monarchs in the West Catholic Athletic League, the Bay Area product also played nine years of club volleyball for City Beach and coach Jason Trip.

Doron on Connolly -  "I expect Kaitlyn to compete for the starting libero position this fall. She has great instincts and I count on her to be ready to play, and make a difference, when she is called upon."

Rebecca Kopilovitch, 5-8, Fr., OH (Israel/Academic Sport Organization)
A member of the Israeli National Team, Kopilovitch travels to the Hilltop after respesenting her native country all across Europe and in Azerbadjan. With the national team, Kopilovitch trained with renowned international head coach Dr. Aire Selinger. Kopilovitch also competed for the Academic Sport Organization Team in Beer Sheva in the Israeli Upper League.

Doron on Kopilovitch - "I am excited for Becky to join us. With her experience, she will add a ton of on court experience to our program, as well as the skills and determination we need in order to be contenders in our conference."

Mackenzie Murtagh, 6-0, Fr., S (San Francisco, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral)
A native of The City, Murtagh comes to the Hilltop from Sacred Heart, where she helped led the Fighting Irish to back-to-back Division III State Runner-up finishes. Murtagh also played for the Slainte Volleyball Club, posting runner-up finishes at the Junior Olympics in 2008 and 2009.

Doron on Murtagh - "Mackenzie brings great personality and excitement to our program. She is a great team player and will be an asset in for our program, by doing whatever task we ask of her."

Naleen Nguyen, 5-4, So., LIB (Ventura, Calif./Villanova Preparatory)
Nguyen joins the Dons as a sophomore, after training with the team in the spring season. In high school, the native of Ventura was a three-time All-Frontier League first team pick from Villanova Preparatory. Nguyen also played with years of club volleyball with Channel Islands Volleyball Club.

Doron on Nguyen - "Naleen is a hard worker and a good teammate. She will be challenged but her contributions will allow us to grow as a team and a program."

Whitney Swain, 5-8, Fr., LIB (Elk Grove, Calif./Christian Brothers HS)
A quick and vocal player, Swain was a Sierra Valley Conference honorable mention pick and a top defensive player in 2008-09. Under the guidance of head coach Jeff Deter, she led the Falcons to a league championship, five section championships, two NorCal championships and two second place finishes in the State Tournament.

Doron on Swain - "Whitney is excited to be part of our program. I believe she will bring a great energy to our program. She loves to play and compete, and she understands her role in our program."

Malina Terrell, 5-10, Fr., OH (Richmond, Calif./Salesian HS)
An all-around athletic player, the Salesian High standout comes to the Hilltop as the Bay Shore Athletic League MVP and one of the top athletes in the East Bay. Under the guidance of Mark Apodaca, she helped to lead the Pride to a League Championship and a NCS Championship. Terrell also led Golden Bear Volleyball to nationals in club volleyball action.

Doron on Terrell - "Malina is a very athletic player, who I expect to compete at all three net positions this fall. I expect her to compete with our best players and develop into a top player in the West Coast Conference. In addition to her athleticism, Malina has a great personality and competitive spirit.

Caitlin Wenger, 6-1, Fr., MB (Plano, Texas/Plano Senior HS)
Wenger joins USF from Plano, Texas, where she was a two-time All-TAPPS District 5A First Team selection at Plano Senior High. A second-team honoree in 2009, Wenger led the Wildcats to their second straight Bi-District Championship in 2010. She also played for the Texas Advantage Volleyball Club for four years, winning numerous National Qualifiers and competing at Junior Olympics.

Doron on Wenger - "Caitlin will add depth to our middle blocker position and will compete with Hadley and Jordan right away for playing time. Her good arm and scoring ability will be a strong asset to our program."