CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M Corpus Christi head volleyball coach
Steve Greene has announced the addition of three student-athletes to the Islanders' 2018 roster. Liza Buzhanski (Ariel, Israel),
Kayla Valigura (Hallettsville, Texas) and Eloise van Velthooven (Blenheim, New Zealand) will all don the blue and green this fall.
Buzhanski played five seasons for the Israeli National Team, three years with the Youth National team and two seasons for the Women's National Team under coach Arie Selinger. She holds the distinction of being the first libero for the U21 National Team. Buzhanski spent the past year as a fitness combat instructor for the Israeli Defense Force in the Israeli army. She is the daughter of Ludmila and Igor Buzhanski and has one sister, Katya. Buzhanski is fluent in three languages; Hebrew, Russian and English.
"Liza brings a tremendous amount of international experience to our program," said Greene. "She's a high level athlete who will add some different dimensions to our team this fall. The level of international competitive volleyball experience will bring a higher level to our team."
Valigura arrived on the Island for the 2018 spring semester after starting her career at Blinn Junior College where she was coached by Kalie Mader. While at Blinn she earned a pair of all-conference accolades including a first team nod as a senior. The 6-1 middle blocker finished second in the nation for block assists, leading her team to a conference title. Valigura was also named an Academic All-America selection for her work in the classroom. At Hallettsville High School, she was a four-year letterwinner for the Brahmas and head coach Megan Klimitchek. She was a two-time first team all-district performer and was voted her team's offensive MVP as a junior and defensive MVP as a senior. Her team made it to the second round of state during each of her final three seasons. Valigura also lettered in basketball, track, cheer and golf. She is one of three children and is the daughter of LuAnn and Carl Valigura.
"We were extremely excited to get Kayla in at semester," Greene said. "We've already seen a good amount of growth from her in her court presence, feel and her level of comfort being a part of the team. Her athleticism is helping her transition to Division I volleyball seamlessly."
Velthooven was a third-team Academic All-America honoree at Parkland College for coach Cliff Hastings. The Cobras were the 2016 NJCAA National Champions during her freshman season and finished fourth in her sophomore year. The team won back-to-back M-WAC and region championships. Velthooven appeared in 53 matches as a sophomore, registering 447 kills, 500 digs, 100 blocks and 46 service aces. She earned second team All-Region honors and was an academic all-conference selection. A native of Blenheim, New Zealand, Velthooven was a four-year letter winner at Marlborough Girls College. She was the team's junior and senior player of the year under coach Alister McKenzie. She is the daughter of Deirdre and Luke Velthooven and is one of six children in her family.
"Elosie has been exposed to championship-level volleyball at Parkland the past two seasons and knows what it takes to make herself and her team successful," Greene said. "She also brings an extensive amount of international experience, playing on New Zealand's national teams."
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2018 Islander Volleyball Recruiting Class
Liza Buzahnski – Fr., 5-8; Ariel, Israel / Tichon Tel Aviv
Julia Carter – Fr., 6-5; Buffalo, N.Y. / Maryvale HS
Sam Dumity – Fr., 6-0; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. / Tesoro HS
Angel Felan – Fr., 5-7; Denton, Texas / Guyer HS
Kylie Filipiak – Fr., 5-9; Michigan City, Ind. / Michigan City, HS
Jenna Lyons – Fr., 5-10; Liberty Hill, Texas / Liberty Hill HS
Kaylee Payne – Fr., 5-9; Haslet, Texas / V.R. Eaton HS
Kayla Valigura – Jr., 6-1; Hallettsville, Texas / Hallettsville HS / Blinn JC
Eloise van Velthooven – Jr., 6-1; Blenheim, New Zeland / Marlborough Girls College / Parkland College
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