Gandara Announces @CanesVB Signing Class
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami head volleyball coach Jose “Keno” Gandara is pleased to announce the Hurricanes’ 2014 signing class.
The Canes add two gifted student-athletes to a talent-rich program: outside hitter Kolby Bird and outside hitter/middle blocker Lucia Pampana. Gandara is excited about the two newest members of the Hurricane Volleyball family.
“It’s a good day for Miami volleyball,” Gandara said. “We are excited to add Lucia and Kolby to our program. They are both great kids and good students. Kolby is a good all-around player with great volleyball sense and is very passionate about volleyball. Lucia brings international experience and versatility. She has a powerful arm and a big blocking presence at the net. We expect both of them to have an immediate impact on our team next season.”
Kolby Bird, Outside Hitter, 6-foot (San Diego, Calif./Westview)
A star at Westview High School, Bird was named team captain as a senior and she has been an excellent example on the court. The talented outside hitter has earned All-Tournament honors at both the Beach Cities Invitational and the Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions. Westview High is 19-10 this season and Bird has led the Wolverines to an impressive 8-2 record in league play. As a junior, Bird missed most of the season due to an injury, but she joined the Wolverines late in the year and helped them reach the Southern Section Finals of the California state playoffs. Her sophomore campaign was an impressive one. Bird was selected First Team All-Palomar League and earned All-Tournament honors at the Beach Cities Invitational, the Southern California Invite and the Scripps Ranch Tournament. She helped the Wolverines finish 22-17 while recording 56 aces, 324 kills, 27.5 blocks and 185 digs as the starting outside hitter.
“My goal at Miami is to continue to improve as an athlete and as a student,” Bird said. “I want to reach that next level in volleyball and work hard so I can hopefully play professionally after college. Also, I want to earn a degree in Business Management and start building my business. I am so excited that I have the opportunity to continue my volleyball career and I am very happy to do it at Miami!”
Lucia Pampana, Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker, 6-foot-3 (Modena, Italy/I.T.A.S. Francesco Selmi)
Pampana signs with Miami after a distinguished career in Italy. The athletic middle blocker has helped lead her team to the state championship in 2012 and 2013, where they placed second in each year. Pampana has also earned recognition nationally for her stellar play, being selected among Italy’s top volleyball players since 2011. A versatile athlete, Pampana was also an elite swimmer, winning a regional championship and competing in the national championships before choosing to focus on volleyball. A leader on and off the court, she was elected class president by her peers.
“I can’t believe that I will be a part of the big Hurricanes Family and I am very proud of it,” Pampana said. “My goal is to get better while learning about a new culture and a new way to play volleyball. This feels like a dream because since I was a child I always wanted to travel around the world. The experience I will have in Miami is going to be something I will never forget.”
Bird and Pampana will join the Hurricanes prior to the 2015 season.
Miami will travel to Pennsylvania for a match against Pitt. First serve against the Panthers is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 14.
For all the latest information on Miami Hurricanes volleyball, follow the official Twitter feed, @CanesVB, or “Like Us” on Facebook at facebook.com/UMVolleyball. The program is also on Instagram.
