RICHMOND, Va. – Seven standout student-athletes are primed to join the VCU Volleyball program in time for the Fall 2022 season, Head Coach Jody Rogers announced Monday. The seven-player class includes players from all over the globe, including the United States, Brazil, New Zealand and The Netherlands.
 
"This 2022 class will complement our current roster. We want to continue to push ourselves out of our comfort zone, and each of these players is highly competitive and wants to win championships," said Rogers. "Their intangibles will enhance our program both on and off the court."
 
Here's a look at VCU's 2022 signees:  
 
Katie Heidenrich | 5'10 | OH | Milwaukee, Wis./Nicolet
Heidenrich racked up a slew of awards with Nicolet, including three All-Conference honors, as well as a pair of All-State Honorable Mention citations. A four-year starter for Nicolet, Heidenrich also starred for the Milwaukee Sting club program.
 
Coach Rogers on Heidenrich: "Katie is an extremely hard worker and a great competitor who is eager to continue to develop as a player and individual. Her ability to play six rotations for us will enhance our level of offense and at the same time open up opportunities for others to excel."
 
Sarah Stratton | 6'1 | MB | Tauranga, New Zealand/Daytona State
Stratton joins the Rams following two outstanding seasons at Daytona State College, where she served as a two-time team captain. In 37 career matches, Stratton hit .319 and averaged 1.93 kills and 1.09 blocks per set for the Falcons. She was named All-Conference in 2020-21 for her efforts. Stratton has also competed for New Zealand's U17 and U19 squads, and captained her team to a second-place finish at the 2019 Interprovincial Championship Tournament.
 
Coach Rogers on Stratton: "Sarah epitomizes the word unselfish. Her ambitious attitude and strong motor will enable her to compete immediately. Her versatility across the front row will make her a threat both offensively and defensively."
 
Ana Brangioni | 6'1 | OH | Belo Horizonte, Brazil/Seward County
Brangioni has been a fixture in the Seward County Junior College lineup the past two seasons, where she helped lead the Saints to a 45-15 mark. She hit .241 and averaged 2.26 kills per set last season on the way to a Region VI Championship Match berth. She also helped guide the Saints to a conference championship as a freshman in the spring of 2021. Brangioni was a three-time All-State Team selection in her native Brazil, as well as a Copa Minas Champion and Most Valuable Player in 2018.
 
Coach Rogers on Brangioni: "Ana is a very physical player that has already played at a very high level. Her volleyball IQ and strong leadership skills will impact our gym immediately. Her motor is contagious and will push others to elevate their ability both on and off the court."
 
Livvi Harting | 5'6 | L/DS | St. Petersburg, Fla./St. Petersburg
Harting captured Florida 5A District Player of the Year honors in 2021 and was also selected St. Petersburg team MVP. The 5-6 Harting racked up more than 1,000 career digs on the back row for St. Petersburg and helped lift the Green Devils to their first-ever State Tournament appearance.
 
Coach Rogers on Harting: "Livvi is another strong competitor that hates to lose. Her high volleyball IQ and drive will help us immensely in the pass and serve game. Livvi's ability to communicate and direct traffic in the back row will only complement our current backcourt."
 
Sydney Harrington | 5'10 | S | Albany, Ore./West Albany
Harrington joins the Rams following a senior season in which she was named First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference and All-State Tournament and led the undefeated Bulldogs to a 5A State Championship, the school's first since 2013. She racked up nine aces combined in the semifinals and finals of that tournament. Harrington was also nominated for the Oregon Sports Volleyball Player of the Year Award for her efforts
 
Coach Rogers on Harrington: "Sydney is a proven winner and will add value to our program immediately. Syd's ability to set a fast-paced offense and deliver a killable ball will only enhance our ability to end plays. Her athleticism and positive attitude in the gym will complement and push others to be better."
 
Taylor Aguano | 5'8 | S | Gilbert, Ariz./Chaminade
A four-year varsity starter at Chandler (Ariz.) High School, Aguano joins the Rams following one season at Division II powerhouse Chaminade. Aguano collected All-Region and All-District honors in both 2019 and 2020, and the 5-8 setter was a four-time All-Academic Team selection.

Coach Rogers on Aguano: "Taylor has all the qualities needed to be successful at VCU: hard working, competitiveness, intelligence, and maturity. She has the ability to make great decisions, set great tempo and location, and be a commander of the floor. Her enthusiasm and work ethic will bring out the best in her teammates."
 
Juul Knapen | 6'2 | OPP/OH | Helmond, Netherlands/Carolus Borromeus College
Knapen captured Most Valuable Player honors at the Drechtsteden Tournament in both 2018 and 2019, the 6-2 opposite led her youth club to three straight league championships (2016-18). She also reached the semifinals of the U16 Dutch National Open in 2017.
 
Coach Rogers on Knapen: "Juul is a very competitive and versatile athlete. She can score, block, serve at a very high level. Her physicality and volleyball IQ will immediately make an impact in our gym."