SAN FRANCISCO — University of San Francisco head volleyball coach Frank Lavrisha continues to bolster the Dons' offense for the upcoming fall and the foreseeable future. USF is pleased to announce the signing of Italian outside hitter/opposite and all-around talent Irene Abbruciati, out of Rome, to the Dons' incoming class for the 2020 season.
 
Irene Abbruciati | OH/OPP | 5-9 | Rome/Liceo Classico Francesco Vivona
 
Abbruciati has played volleyball at the club level for most of her life. When she was 14, she began playing for Volley Friends Roma. The club regularly made appearances at the Italian national tournament, including earning a fifth-place finish when she was playing with the U16 squad. Her club grabbed runner-up finishes at the regional level every year she played.
 
Abbruciati had to drive an hour every day just to get to the club, proving her dedication to the sport.
 
"I love playing volleyball," said Abbruciati. "I know I make a sacrifice for it, and I'm proud of it.
 
"I know that it can be hard sometimes to chase dreams, and I know that if you want to achieve something you have to really work hard for it, and volleyball has taught me this. Volleyball is not just a sport, it's a lot more. It's family, it's friendship, it's a way of living. It's my life. It's me."
 
Head Coach Frank Lavrisha on Irene Abbruciati
 
"Irene will compete at outside hitter and libero. She plays with a constant competitive spirit that earns her the label of 'baller.' We look for Irene to infuse her personality into the Dons' daily efforts on the court."