EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Purple Aces volleyball coach Manolo Concepcion has announced the signing of Joselyn Coronel and Rocio Fortuny to National Letters of Intent to begin play at the University of Evansville in the fall of 2015.
Coronel comes to UE from Farjardo, Puerto Rico where she attended Albergue Olimpico. A versatile hitter, Coronel played outside, middle and right for the Puerto Rico National Program. She served as the captain of the U18 Puerto Rico National Team and has been awarded Best Blocker in numerous NORCECA Tournaments in the FIVB.
"One of the most mentally and emotionally mature 18-year-olds that you would ever meet. Her ability to play all offensive positions was something that picked my interest since the first moment that we started recruiting her," Concepcion explained.
"She adapts well to different types of systems, and will be able to contribute immediately. She is a proven blocker with good peripheral view. It will add defensive presence in the net, as well as a high level of work ethic that will impact our locker room and gym culture."
The 6-2 hitter is planning in majoring in Neuroscience at the University of Evansville.
Fortuny is a native of La Plata, Argentina where the played middle and right hitter. She plays for what is the best club in all of South America – the Boca Juniors. Standing at 6-1, Fortuny finished as one of the top 20 players in the 2013 Girls U18 World Championship in Thailand. She also spent 2011-2014 as the captain of the La Plata Regional Team.
"She comes from a club with a lot of national and international exposure. It has helped her grow into becoming a student of the game," Concepcion said. "Her mother played for her country's National Team, and now she is looking into establishing her own legacy in the court."
"This is an Ivy League type of student who dreams of playing in the best collegiate league in the world; a combination that represents the perfect formula for us. She will be a Freshman with a growth-mindset, which is one of the aspects that I am more excited about."
Fortuny will major in Journalism at UE.
