Nov. 20, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State men's volleyball head coach Mark Pavlik has announced the addition of three future Nittany Lions who have all signed a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period.
Joining the team at the start of the 2016 season, the Nittany Lion recruiting class features setter, Luke Braswell (Manchester, Pa.), outside hitter/opposite, Jason Donorovich (Lockport, N.Y.) and opposite, Calvin Mende (Redlands, Calif.).
"I think we have some outstanding skill and size in this class," Pavlik said. "This class includes guys from winning programs, who have worked really hard to reach the level of play that they have been displaying throughout their interscholastic and club careers."
Luke Braswell
Setter - 6'5 - Manchester, Pa. - Northeastern High School
Braswell helped his high school squad, Northeastern High School, to back-to-back PIAA state championships in the AA division. Coached by Matt Wilson, Braswell earned 2014 All-State honors. He also played with the USA junior national A2 team during summer 2014. Braswell's brother, Stephen is a sophomore outside hitter at Saint Francis University.
Coach Pavlik on Braswell: "Anytime you have an incoming setter with multiple state championships on his resume you know you're getting someone who understands what it takes to be successful at this level. Luke also comes from a solid high school coaching background."
Jason Donorovich
Opposite/Outside Hitter - 6'8 - Lockport, N.Y. - Lockport High School
A three-year starter at Lockport High School, Donorovich is a two-time All-Conference selection. Coached by former men's volleyball Nittany Lion Robert Pierce on the Eden Volleyball Club squad, Donorovich earned 2014 All-Western New York Conference Player of the Year honors. Donorovich's sister, Danielle, plays softball at Trinity International University.
Coach Pavlik on Donorovich: "Jason's strength and jumping ability has certainly prepared him with the range to be a successful outside hitter. He comes from a great coaching background and really exhibits everything you would want to see from a young, physical outside hitter."
Calvin Mende
Opposite - 6'11 - Redlands, Calif. - Redlands Senior High School
Mende is a two-sport athlete, playing both volleyball and water polo. Coached by Mark Mina, Mende plays club volleyball for Oasis VBC and serves as the goalie on the water polo squad at Redlands. Mende was recently honored as one of four recipients of the Redlands Unified School District (RUSD) Outstanding Student Athlete awards.
Coach Pavlik on Mende: "Cal gives us a blend of size, skill and intelligence. As a left handed opposite, I think he'll be able to elevate his game in order to provide what's needed at this level of play. Coming in as a multi-sport athlete will also serve him well during his career here."
Penn State men's volleyball is set to open the 2015 season on the road at the Outrigger Invitational January 8-9 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Widely regarded as one of the top early-season tournaments, the Nittany Lions will make their 20th <![endif]--> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--> <![endif]--><![endif]-->appearance in the annual event with matchups against UC Irvine and Hawaii.
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