DePaul University Athletics
Volleyball Adds Three for 2026
5/18/2026 10:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
CHICAGO – DePaul volleyball has announced the addition of three athletes ahead of the 2026 season, highlighted by All-CAA honoree Leonor Polezzi and a pair of incoming freshmen in Jocelyn Paige and Caroline Wright.
The trio joins two previously announced signees, Sage Meidroth and Catalina Alvizuri, to build a talented roster that features 13 returners from 2025, including BIG EAST Freshman of the Year Kendall Timme.
"We are counting on our 2026 newcomers to produce and fight for position immediately this season," said head coach Marie Zidek. "The incoming group's identity matches our program's ambition, especially as we head into a demanding non-conference schedule and BIG EAST play. Their competitive nature will accelerate their development and we expect them to elevate our team's performance immediately."
Polezzi is a 5-10 setter from Cortona, Italy, who played two seasons at North Carolina A&T where she was an all-conference honoree. Polezzi led the Colonial Athletic Association in assists per set and service aces, averaging 10.26 assists per set, which was top-35 nationally. She also led the Aggies with 2.95 digs per set and had 15 double doubles in 2025. Polezzi helped North Carolina A&T to its first-ever win in the CAA Tournament with a 3-0 win over College of Charleston. Her mom, Carmen Pimentel, was a two-time Olympian for Peru at the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games.
"We are thrilled to add Leonor's experience to our roster," said Zidek. "She is a specialist in the multi-dimensional offense we run, with a proven ability to distribute to every hitter on the floor. Leo is poised to make an instant impact, and her arrival strengthens our ability to compete at a high level from day one this fall."
A Charlotte, N.C. native, Paige arrives in Chicago after playing for Carolina Union Volleyball Club. Paige is a 6-2 middle blocker who hit .304 in 2025 as part of Carolina Union's U16 Premier team. She attends Weddington High School.
"We are excited about the physicality Jocelyn adds to our roster," said Zidek. "She is a natural disruptor on the block and plays with a transition-ready mindset offensively. While her raw tools are impressive, we expect her game to evolve rapidly as she faces high-level competition daily. She is a key piece of the competitive culture we are building here to challenge for BIG EAST titles."
Wright, a Chicago native, rounds out the Blue Demons roster for 2026 with an opportunity to make an immediate impact as a freshman. A 6-1 middle blocker, Wright attends Northside College Prep, where she was a 2024 team captain and the program's MVP for the season. She plays for Adversity Volleyball Club, helping lead the U16 team to a ninth-place finish at the 2024 USAV Nationals.
"Caroline's game is defined by a competitive attitude and an analytical approach to the offensive side of the ball," said Zidek. "She is a savvy attacker who is always aware of the open court, making her a constant threat to opposing defenses. Beyond her offensive versatility and strong blocking, having Caroline join us as a local recruit is significant. Keeping Chicago's elite players home is a priority for our program's trajectory, and she is a perfect fit for the culture we are building."
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2026 VOLLEYBALL SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets are now available for the 2026 DePaul volleyball season! Season ticket packages include all regular season matches in Lincoln Park at McGrath-Phillips Arena. Visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets to reserve your seats today.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS AT WINTRUST ARENA
Tickets are on sale now for DePaul volleyball's historic matchup this fall against five-time national champion, Nebraska. The two teams will meet for the first time in over four decades on Sept. 4 at Wintrust Arena – home to DePaul men's and women's basketball in the South Loop. Courtside seating, premium options and group packages are also available. Limited lower bowl seating remains – click here to purchase your tickets today!
