Two Lady Raiders volleyball players set to play college ball

The Rice Lady Raiders had two of their players commit to continuing playing volleyball at the college level.

Those two players were seniors who played major roles on the Lady Raiders roster, and they were Abigail Hoelscher and Alejandra Palacios.

Both of these players took on leadership roles this season for the Lady Raiders and were leaned on heavily throughout the season. They both played a part in the Lady Raiders volleyball team making some noise and winning some big games this past season.

Hoelscher and Palacios both brought a good blend of size, speed, power and athleticism to the table for the Lady Raiders and their presences will be missed.

Hoelscher has committed to play volleyball at Millsaps College in Sheridan, TX. According to a Facebook post by Milsaps College, Hoelscher knew this was the college for her.

“From the moment I stepped foot on campus I knew that Millsaps was the college for me,” Hoelscher said. “It is such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. When I met the students and facility it felt like home. I am very thankful and excited to be a part of the Milsaps family.”

Lady Raiders head coach David Leist said that Milsaps is getting a very dedicated and passionate player.

“Abby is a dedicated young lady that has a passion for volleyball. I am honored to have coached her I am extremely proud of her,” Leist said. “Myself and the entire staff at Rice wish her nothing but the best.”

As for Palacios she has commited to play volleyball at Our Lady of the Lake University which has been a dream of hers for a while now. According to Leist Palacios has said that she wants to earn a scholarship so the financial burden of going to college is lessened significantly.

“She has dreamed about playing volleyball after high school to help her pay for her college,” Leist said. “She told me one day, ‘I don’t want my parents to worry about my tuition,’ She has worked hard and accomplished that goal. My staff and I wish her the best of luck at the college level.”

Congratulations to both of these athletes for continuing their athletic careers at the college level.