WASHINGTON - Three talented newcomers including two transfers have joined American University volleyball as the Eagles get set to begin the 2022 season on Friday, Aug. 26. Freshman Adelina Berisha, sophomore Lilou Stegeman and junior Maya Mrus will be looking to contribute to an already strong AU squad.

"We are excited to add three great players and people to our team," said head coach Barry Goldberg, entering his 34th season. "The recruiting process with each- Adelina, Maya, and Lilou- was special because they each impressed us with their passion and all-around skill for the game. They come from good backgrounds and in time, all three will be major contributors for our program." 


ADELINA BERISHA
Scotch Plains, N.J. (Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS) | Club: Forza1
Outside Hitter | 6-2

• Parents are Isa and Fatmire Berisha... Plans to major in communications at American... Played with the Albanian National Team when she was 14 years old... Cousin, Ajola Berisha, played volleyball at American from 1998-2000 and was a two-time CAA Player of the Year who ranks 11th all-time with 1,094 kills... Loves traveling to explore new places and try new things

While at Scotch Plains-Fanwood...

• Two-time first team all-state selection
• Also a three-time first team all-conference selection
• Amassed 500 kills in high school
• Played for the Forza1 club team in California for a year after graduating high school in 2021

Why she chose American: "American University is a place where I know I can thrive on and off the court. The team culture and the amazing coaching staff made me feel safe and respected. Getting an education from such an outstanding academic university makes me feel more than ready and comfortable to take on the outside world."


MAYA MRUS
Cary, N.C. (Furman/Cardinal Gibbons) | Club: Triangle Volleyball Club
Outside Hitter | 5-11

• Parents are Joseph and Kecia Mrus… Has two brothers, Mitch and Max Mrus… Biology major... Enjoys hiking and cooking

While at Furman...

• Played in all 29 matches as a sophomore, starting in 18 of those
• Was third on the team in total kills (147) and fourth in kills per set (1.52)
• Ranked second on the team with 2.85 digs per set and 276 total digs
• Posted five double-doubles including a career-high 19 kills and 19 digs vs. LIU and totaled a career-high 24 digs vs. Wofford
• Appeared in all 16 matches and registered eight starts as a freshman
• Was fourth on the team with 97 kills, second on the team with 156 digs and tied for third with nine service aces
• Compiled three double-doubles to tie for first on the team

While at Cardinal Gibbons...

• Four-year starter and letterwinner
• Compiled over 1,000 career points
• Named team captain as a junior and senior
• Selected First Team CAP-7 All-Conference during junior and senior seasons
• Ranked in the top five in the conference in kills as a sophomore, junior and senior
• Won a conference championship in each of her four seasons
• AAU Academic All-American as a freshman and sophomore

Why she chose American: "I chose AU because of its stellar academic reputation, how welcoming and supportive the volleyball program was, and the fact that it's located in such a diverse city. AU is not only a place that will push me academically, but it provides ample opportunities for internships and research, which is very important for my major. In addition, when I came on my visit and met everyone, I immediately felt so welcomed and a part of the team, which definitely made me fall in love with the school and volleyball program."


LILOU STEGEMAN
Lutz, Fla. (UAlbany/George Steinbrenner) | Club: OTVA
Middle Blocker | 6-1

• Parents are Willem Stegeman and Helene Zwijenberg... Has one sister, Kiki... Majoring in international studies.

While at UAlbany...

• Played and started in 23 matches as a freshman at the UAlbany
• Led the Great Danes and ranked third in the America East with 1.09 blocks per set, adding five solo blocks to 90 block assists
• Posted a season-high 10 blocks to go with a season-high 14 kills in a 3-2 win at Sacred Heart on Oct. 26

While at George Steinbrenner HS...

• Was captain of her volleyball team during her senior season
• Received 2020 First Team All-Tampa Bay and 2020 First Team Western Conference
• Named to 2019 First Team All-Tampa Bay
• Ended her junior season ranked first in the district with 91 blocks
• Participated on the track and field team
• Member of National Honors Society and PTSA Ambassadors.

Why she chose American: "I chose AU because from the moment I stepped on campus, the team, coaches, and all other supporting staff made me feel extremely welcome and wanted. From the moment that I committed the program became my family, and were always so supportive with anything that I was going through. I also chose AU because of the amazing international studies program, the smaller class sizes that allow more personalized learning, as well as the location of AU in a city with so many opportunities."

For the latest on American University Volleyball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_Volleyball), Facebook (/AU.Volleyball) and Instagram (@au_volleyball).