CEDAR CITY, Utah - As the Southern Utah Thunderbirds gear up for another exciting volleyball season, the spotlight shines brightly on their standout defensive specialists, seniors Arianna Rossi and Calli Johnson. Both players bring a ton of experience and exceptional skills to the court, making them pivotal to the team's defense for the upcoming campaign.
Head Coach Kacey Nady Said
"Calli and Ari bring so much experience and stability to our team on and off the court. I feel blessed and excited to have two incredible seniors in a crucial role that will provide success for our team. The libero position is one of the most important jobs on a volleyball court, and having two returning seniors is an advantage. I rely on Ari and Calli to also build our team culture; they do an incredible job. They bring voices to the gym that are effective and assertive and help guide our team on an upward trajectory."
Arianna Rossi: Defensive Dynamo from Italy
Coming to Southern Utah all the way from Bergamo, Italy, Arianna Rossi has been a formidable presence on the court since joining the Thunderbirds. In her junior season, Rossi appeared in 25 matches, ranking second on the team in total digs with an impressive 276. Her standout performance included a season-high 26 digs against Utah Tech, showcasing her defensive skill when it was needed most.
Before her tenure at Southern Utah, Rossi made history at Florida SouthWestern, becoming the first Italian to play volleyball for the college. Her time there was marked by remarkable achievements, including recording a career-high seven assists in a match twice, scoring three aces in a single match against Eastern Florida State, and posting an astounding 26 digs in a match against #15 Salt Lake Community College. Rossi's experience and tenacity make her a critical asset for the Thunderbirds.
Calli Johnson: Consistent Performer from Arizona
Calli Johnson, from Litchfield Park, Arizona, has been a consistent performer for Southern Utah throughout her collegiate career. In 2023, Johnson appeared in all 26 matches, finishing fourth on the team in total digs with 174 and fifth in service aces with 13. She recorded 22 digs in a road match against Tarleton State, helping the Thunderbirds to a critical 3-1 victory.
Johnson's sophomore season in 2022 saw her participating in six matches and 19 sets, accumulating 69 total digs and 17 assists. As a freshman in 2021, she led the team in digs with 212 and finished third in assists with 41, along with 13 aces for the year. Her career-high 26 digs and three aces in a match against Boise State remain a highlight of her early career.
Johnson's volleyball journey began at Millennium High School, where she was a two-time 5A Arizona State Champion and an AVCA Under Armour All-American nominee. She also played club volleyball for Revolution Volleyball Academy, further honing her skills.
Senior Season
As the new season approaches, both Arianna Rossi and Calli Johnson are poised to provide crucial on-court leadership for Southern Utah. Their combined experience and skill sets will be instrumental to the success of this year's team. Fans can look forward to watching these two liberos anchor the team with their exceptional play this year.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now! The home opener is set for the second week of the season when the T-Birds host the University of Idaho and UC Riverside in a tournament. All weekday home games will be played at 6:30 p.m. MT, while most Saturday games will begin at 1:00 p.m. MT. The exceptions to this are the Saturday of the home tournament (11 a.m. MT start) and Saturday, October 12, which is Homecoming weekend (7:00 p.m. start). Get your tickets today by visiting tbirdtickets.com!
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