SHARON, Pa. – Penn State Shenango Women's Volleyball has announced the first three signings of the 2023 recruiting class, Lydia Grove of Kennedy Catholic, and Kylee Loreno and Kiara Varion of Greenville High School, who will wear numbers 12, 2, and 23, respectively.
Grove, an outside hitter, amassed 22 aces, 24 kills, and 71 digs in her senior season for the Eagles. "Lydia plays big and is capable of playing all six rotations. She has great command of her attack, both technically and tactically, and plays an intelligent game at the net," said Head Volleyball Coach John Senchak. However, she brings more than just her volleyball game to the Shenango Valley. Grove also was on the all-district teams in tennis and softball, and participated in the school's dance line, all while maintaining high honors in the classroom.
Loreno, also an outside hitter, will join Shenango following her high school career in Greenville, PA. She tallied an impressive 197 kills and 262 digs over her final three seasons at Greenville High School. With the addition of Loreno, coach Senchak sees an improvement for the team from the jump. "Kylee is a versatile volleyball player with appreciable experience in the game. Her ability to play several positions will make us more competitive on opening night." Off the volleyball court, Loreno was a 4.0 student in high school and participated on Greenville's Track and Field team that competed in the state championships in Shippensburg.
Senchak did not stop there, also adding outside hitter/middle back Kiara Varion, Loreno's high school teammate at Greenville. Varion totaled 148 kills and 57 digs during her junior and senior seasons for the Trojans. Senchak said of Varion, "She brings the promise of big game minutes with the adaptability and team-first attitude of a multi-position athlete. We look forward to substantial contributions in her inaugural season." Varion also adds a unique element to the team, as she was an assistant coach for Greenville's junior-varsity team during her varsity playing career.
With the additions of Grove, Loreno, and Varion, the Lions' 2023 roster is beginning to take shape. "The additions of this year's recruits, all with appreciable volleyball knowledge and experience, will give PSU Shenango Volleyball a new look, a new attitude, and renewed competitive promise," proclaimed Senchak. Shenango is in the midst of building its schedule for the upcoming fall 2023 season, which will be announced early this summer.