Daemen University Athletics

Western New York's Premier Division II Team

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Women's Volleyball 11/14/2017 2:14:00 PM Lea Sobieraski Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

Women's Volleyball Inks Two Recruiting Commitments

AMHERST, N.Y. – Daemen College head women's volleyball coach Stephanie Albano announced today the signings of two recruits during the NCAA's early signing period for the high school graduating class of 2018, welcoming a pair of out-of-staters in Isa McCaffrey (North Royalton, Ohio / Magnificat) and Allison Cousins (Eldred, Pa. / Otto-Eldred). Both signees will enroll in classes and join the volleyball program beginning in the Fall 2018 semester.

"We are very excited to welcome these two exceptional student athletes to Daemen. Both are high character people and bring a competitive fire that will complement the rest of our team," said Albano, who just finished her second year at the helm for the Wildcats. "Isa is an athletic setter that has the leadership qualities and court awareness to run a very effective offense. Ali is an athletic outside with tremendous leaping ability. She competes really hard all the time and is fun to watch. We can't wait to see what the future holds for them here!"

McCaffrey a 5-foot-8 setter comes to Daemen from The Buckeye State, where she starred for the Blue Streaks under head coach Jessica Ciborek. The two-year captain was selected to the all-district first-team in both her junior and senior campaigns. McCaffrey registered more than 1,000 assists during both the 2016 and 2017 seasons. In addition to her time on the volleyball court, the two-year letter winner dedicates her time to volunteer at Friendship in Teams, an organization that provides children on the Autism spectrum with an environment to nurture both physical and social skills. When asked why she chose Daemen, McCaffrey replied, "I knew when I visited that it was the right fit for me both athletically and academically."

Cousins a 5-foot-6 outside hitter hails from Eldred, Pennsylvania, but was born in nearby Olean, N.Y. Cousins played for the Otto-Eldred Terrors under head coach James Thomas, earning four varsity letters on the volleyball court while also lettering in varsity basketball (4 years) and track (2 years). The first-team all-district selection and the rest of the Otto-Eldred squad won both the District 9 and Northern Tier League Championships during her senior season. Off the court, Cousins is a National Honor Society Member and was presented the Presidential Education Award. "I chose to attend Daemen College because I feel I can receive a great education in the field of my choice and can also continue to play volleyball at the next level. I feel Daemen College will give me the opportunity to win and succeed at each aspect," says the future Wildcats student-athlete.

Both McCaffrey and Cousins will join a successful Daemen program that will be hungry to get back to the East Coast Conference Championship Tournament after barely missing postseason contention this season. Losing just one senior to graduation, the Wildcats are set to return 13 members in 2018.

For breaking news and continuing coverage of the Daemen women's volleyball team, follow @DaemenAthletics and @DaemenVB on Twitter.

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