Volleyball Welcomes Rola Next Fall

CORAL GABLES, Fla. –  The University of Miami volleyball team announced Wednesday the signing of Poland National Team member Michalina Rola who will join the Hurricanes for the start of the 2020 fall season. 
 
“For so many reasons, we couldn’t be more excited to add Michalina to our 2020 recruiting class,” head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said. “She is tremendously talented. She’s played at an extremely high level, both in Poland and internationally with great success.” 
 
Rola, a six foot tall outside hitter, has competed on Poland’s U18 and U19 National Team with much success and currently plays on her club team Karpaty Krosno. 
 
“She plays all six rotations as an outside hitter, which is always a challenge to find here in the US,” Gandara said. “She does it all. She receives serves exceptionally well for an attacker, she has great range and vision as a hitter, and she makes a block move that will be among the best in our conference next season.” 
 
Rola has always dreamed of not only playing in the states, but also furthering her education. 
 
“I decided to continue my career in America because while developing on the volleyball court, at my age I also wanted to earn an education. I really believe that the U.S. has the perfect environment for a young athlete to develop both professionally and personally. 
 
Rola joins the likes of previous international players under Gandara’s side including ACC Player of the Year Olga Strantzali and two-time All-ACC Second Team honoree Elizaveta Lukianova. 
 
“We as a school and city, are uniquely equipped to provide a world-class experience for an international student-athlete. Those two benefitted as much from their opportunity here as our program has benefited from them- which is quite a bit,” Gandara said. 
 
Rola will join outside hitter Noelle Piatas from Plano, Texas, and middle blocker, Lauren Tarnoff from Huntington Beach. Calif., next season.