Two-time All-Patriot League First Team volleyball selection Sara Rishell has transferred to the University of Alabama at Birmingham after a year-and-a-half stint at AU.
The sophomore outside hitter/middle blocker made the move to the Blazers before this semester started.
“My time at AU was a blast,” Rishell said via text message. “The girls were awesome and I definitely learned a lot. Barry [Goldberg] is a good coach and very personable. The athletic department is super supportive and I definitely miss the girls.”
Rishell, who was just the second player in Patriot League history to win both Patriot League Player and Rookie of the Year in the same season, led the Eagles in kills this year. She was also named the 2011 Patriot League Tournament MVP and set a conference tournament record with 19 blocks in the same tournament.
After making the decision to leave AU with a short timeframe to pick her destination, Rishell chose the Blazers because of their location and opportunities they offer.
Rishell cited academics and the departure of assistant coaches Mike Rupp and Ajola Berisha as factors in her decision to transfer.
“I wanted to go to a southern school,” she said. “I chose UAB because they have a sand [beach volleyball] program and they are in a lot better conference. Sand was a huge draw.”
Despite her choice to leave the Eagles, Rishell said she still enjoyed her time at AU and benefited from the experience. Among the highlights of her tenure at AU, she said she liked who she was surrounded by, whether it was teammates, coaches or staff.
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