MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - Head volleyball coach
Leonid Yelin and the Buccaneer staff announced the addition of nine newcomers for the upcoming season. Joining the Bucs are Petra Brkičić,
Kennedy Conrad, Veronika Eremeeva, Jade Galligo, Alondra Lebron, Isabella Marquez, Layla Pelly, Gaia Reidmueller and McKayla Theleus.
A 5-9 setter from Sibenik, Croatia, Brkičić makes the journey to America after guiding the Croatia U19 team to a fifth-place finish at the 2023 U19 World Championship with her U20 squad qualifying for the 2024 European Championship. Her team finished fifth in the Croatian Cup the past three seasons.
"I chose Barry because I believe it is the place where I will progress academically and in volleyball with the help of excellent coaches." Brkičić said.
"We needed a setter and Brkicic stood out because of her international experience," Yelin said."She is an unconventional freshman with her level of experience playing for her national team. She is tall, quick and overall a very positive person who is the type of player you want to have on your side."
A 2023 NJCAA DII All-American, Conrad joins the Bucs after leading the nation in digs with 966 at Heartland Community College while her 6.66 per-set average placed second. Over her two seasons with the Hawks, the 5-3 libero accumulated 1470 digs and 93 service aces.
"I chose Barry because I immediately fell in love with the campus." Conrad said. "The coaches also made me feel welcome and right away I looked forward to learning from them."
"Her numbers and film really impressed us," Yelin said. "She is highly competitive and determined to win."
A 6-3 right side hitter from Moscow, Russia, Eremeeva was a member of the 2021 U16 European Championship squad while helping Lokomotiv Kaliningrad-2 to a third-place finish in the 2022-23 Russian Vischaya Liga A.
"For me, studying at Barry is a huge step in the development of my career," Eremeeva said. "I am incredibly glad to be part of this team."
"Eremeeva is the first student in a while that we've brought in who has come in playing the right side position," Yelin said. "She brings experience and skills at a position we had a void in."
A 5-8 graduate transfer from Grasse, France, Galligo joins Barry after spending the previous three seasons at Park University. She began her collegiate career at Ellsworth Community College where she earned Third-Team NJCAA All-Academic distinction. Prior to college, she was a member of the 2019 French National Championship team.
"I chose Barry for the Division II experience," Galligo said. "I am fortunate to be able to pursue my sports management master's in an amazing environment."
"Galligo comes to us with collegiate experience which is always valuable to have," Yelin said. "Her experience in college and internationally will help us be better."
A 5-7 defensive specialist from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Lebron was named the MVP of her high school varsity team and the outstanding player in HSVC last season.
"I chose Barry because it gives me the opportunity to keep being competitive in the sport I love," Lebron said. "Being a Buccaneer also allows me to be close to home which was a big factor for me."
"When she came for a visit we saw how well she fit in with our team," Yelin said. "She comes to us with raw potential so we will work with her and see how far she can go."
No stranger to South Florida, Marquez joins the Buccaneers after graduating from Ferguson High. While with the Falcons, the 5-6 defensive specialist helped Ferguson win three-straight FHSAA 7A District 16 Tournament Championships with two trips to the 7A State Tournament Round of 16.
"I chose Barry as it is close to home," Marquez said. "During my recruiting process I fell in love with Barry's exercise science program. I cannot wait to get started."
"Both of her parents are volleyball coaches so she comes with a high IQ of the game," Yelin said. "She is a local player who has played for some of our coaches before."
Listed as a Player to Watch in the Midwest by Prepdigs, Pelly graduated from Belleville East HIgh where she earned First-Team All-Conference distinction during her senior season. She joins the collegiate ranks with the second-most career blocks in Belleville East history.
"I chose to commit to Barry because of the coaching staff," Pelly said. "I believe that I will be developed and pushed to be the best version of myself as a player."
"We don't have too many like her athletically," Yelin explained. "She is primarily a middle but can play outside as well. One of my former assistant coaches called me about her and I'm excited to work with her . I think she will make a quick contribution to the team."
A 5-8 junior, Riedmuller, originally from Italy, joined Barry in the spring after spending the last two seasons at Eastern Florida State. While with the Titans, she was a two-time All-Citrus Conference First-Team member while ranking in the top-five of the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 8 Division I for digs and digs per set. She ended her two-year tenure at Eastern Florida State with 706 digs on a 4.08 per-set rate while adding 54 service aces.
"The profound depth of coaching expertise at Barry University caught my attention," Riedmueller said. "Offering a robust framework that aligns with my ambitions and aspirations on the court. The unity within the team struck a chord with me, emphasizing the importance of collective synergy and shared goals. Barry University embodies the perfect blend of elite coaching and team dynamics that align with my vision."
"Riedmuller brings a lot to our team," Yelin said. "She played at a top junior college so she has domestic experience along with international. She's a very sound player with a winning mentality. We had a chance to work with her in the spring and I think she will be a great addition to the team.
Theleus joins the collegiate ranks after establishing herself as one of the top outside hitters in the state last year at Suncoast High, leading FHSAA 5A with 520 kills while ranking 17th in the state in hitting percentage behind a .409 clip. Recognized as an All-County honoree by the Palm Beach Post, the 5-9 outside hitter ended her high school career with 1109 kills on a .353 hitting percentage with 696 digs and 207 service aces.
"I chose Barry because I loved the atmosphere of the team," Theleus said. "The coaches are so invested in creating the best environment for the team on and off the court. They treat the team like it's part of their family."
"Theleus is a local product who is very athletic and has a good touch," Yelin said. "She is very polite and a phenomenal student. I like her spirit and think she can surprise a lot of people."
