Rackham Announces Additions to Volleyball Team

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee volleyball head coach Eve Rackham announced the addition of two newcomers to the program next season.

The Lady Vols will welcome freshman libero and defensive specialist Giana Pellizzon from California and middle blocker Addisyn Rowe, a transfer from Marshall.

"Giana is a player who I have known a long-time, and someone who I believe will add greatly to our core of defensive specialists," said Rackham.

"We are excited to welcome Addisyn back to her home state of Tennessee. She is an unbelievable athlete with a world of potential in the middle blocker position."

Giana Pellizzon • 5-5 • Libero/DS • Santa Margarita Catholic HS • San Clemente, Calif.
Pellizzon comes from Santa Margarita Catholic High School out of San Clemente, Calif. Pellizzon is a libero and defensive specialist who played for club volleyball for the Tstreet Volleyball Club on the 18-Troy team under head coach Troy Tanner who also coached the likes of Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Treanor. Pellizzon won a Junior Olympics National Championship and was a Bronze Medalist 16-1's Open (July 2016). She was also a Junior National Qualifier in Los Angeles, Gold Medalist 16-1's Open (April); Triple Crown, Bronze Medalist 17-1's Open (February 2017); Windy City Qualifier, Bronze Medalist 17-1's Open (April 2017); JVA West Coast Cup, Bronze Medalist 17-1's Open (May 2017); Player of the Month (February 2017); Junior National Qualifier Anaheim 18-1's Open Libero that shined (by Prepvolleyball - March 2018). Not only did she shine on the court but Pellizzon also excelled in the classroom. Her high school team won the State Championship in 2017. She is a National Honor Society California Scholarship Federation Life Member, IB Certificate Candidate, Four Year Scholar Athlete, Bronze Medal Presidential Volunteer Service Award Recipient. She volunteers at the Pink Ribbon Club, Boys and Girls Club, Cielo Vista Elementary School and works part-time as a caretaker for Alzheimer's patients on the weekend. She chose Tennessee because she is looking forward to contributing to the Lady Vols under Coach Rackham's leadership. She plans to study Business in the Haslam College of Business.

Rackham on Pellizzon…
"Giana has been trained at a very high level through her high school and club programs. Defensively she has great quickness and anticipation. I am excited she has chosen to join our Tennessee Volleyball family and look forward to what she will bring not only next season but in her career as a Lady Vol."

Addisyn Rowe • 6-3 • MB • David Crockett HS/Marshall • Limestone, Tenn.
Rowe will return to her home state of Tennessee and join the Lady Vols after spending her freshman year at Marshall University. While at Marshall, Rowe played in 30 matches for the Herd recording 140 kills, 33 digs and 97 blocks. She was also a member of the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. Rowe was a two-sport athlete in high school, lettering in volleyball and track & field. She was named Player of the Week three times and earned Player of the Year honors in her conference. She also received her conference's Athlete of the Year award for track in 2016. She was a two-time All-Conference and All-Academic selection while in high school. Rowe is also a member of the Delta Epsilon Chi Association (DECA). Rowe played club volleyball for Tri-Cities Extreme. She chose Tennessee because it has always been a dream of hers to attend the University of Tennessee.

Rackham on Rowe…
"Addisyn is long, quick and has a great motor. With a year of college volleyball under her belt, she will not only bring experience to our program but great determination and work ethic. Addisyn has the ability to be a strong contributor and will undoubtedly be a great teammate. Our staff is looking forward to developing her game and will enjoy her passion in the gym every day."

University of Tennessee Athletics

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