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Duke Volleyball Signs Four To Incoming Class
DURHAM, N.C. ? Duke University head volleyball coach Jolene Nagel announced on Tuesday the signing of four student-athletes who will join the Blue Devil program beginning in the 2006-07 academic year. Christina Falcone, Rachael Moss, Brittany Staffeil and Juliana Traut have committed to play for the Blue Devils next season.
Christina Falcone
Setter
Durham, N.C./Cardinal Gibbons High School
Christina Falcone led Cardinal Gibbons High School to three NCHSAA 3A state championships in 2002, 2003 and 2005. As a junior in 2004, she led the Crusaders to a state runner-up finish. A 5-10 setter, Falcone was named a 2005 PrepVolleyball.com All-American after becoming the school’s career leader in assists (2,310) and aces (214). She was one of 21 finalists for PrepVolleyball.com’s 2005 Andi Collins Award, which is given to the nation’s top senior setter. Falcone was named the 2005 NCHSAA state finals Most Valuable Player along with being named as an all-state and all-conference selection as a senior. During her senior campaign, she recorded a career-high 963 assists, 146 digs, 106 aces and 21 kills. She is the daughter of Sonny and Grace Falcone. Her father, who earned three letters as a defensive tackle on the Blue Devil football team, is the head strength and conditioning coach at Duke University. Her grandfather, Carmen Falcone, is a member of the Duke Sports Hall of Fame after serving as head wrestling coach from 1949-66 and as an assistant football coach from 1943-72.
“Christina is an excellent setter with a quick release and steadiness being two of her biggest qualities,” Nagel said. “She is one of the best team players I’ve ever seen and I look forward to the opportunity of being her coach.”
Rachael Moss
Outside Hitter
Cypress, Calif./Los Alamitos High School
Rachael Moss, a 5-10 outside hitter, led Los Alamitos High School to four Sunset League Championships, the CIF Championships in 2002 and 2004 and State Division 1-AA titles in 2003 and 2005. During her senior season, Moss garnered Volleyball Magazine First Team All-America honors, Prep Volleyball All-America honors, USA Volleyball Junior Olympics All-America honors and the Sunset League Female Athlete of the Year award. She was also a Prep Volleyball National Player of the Year finalist, the MVP of the California Division I-AA Tournament and a first team all-state selection. As a senior, Moss earned Athlete of the Week honors from the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register and the Long Beach Press Telegram. As a junior, she was named the Sunset League Most Valuable Player as well as being named to the CIF First Team, the Orange County Register all-county team and to the Los Angeles Times All-Star Second Team. Moss was a captain and MVP for the USA Volleyball A2 Youth National team. She received the Pursuing Victory with Honor Award from her high school, which is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies top athletic performance and sportsmanship. She is the daughter of Greg and Phyllis Moss.
“Rachael has received just about every accolade a player can receive and still maintains modesty and team attitude,” stated Nagel. “She is a savvy, experienced player with the ability to raise the level of play of everyone around her.”
Brittany Staffeil
Outside Hitter
DeForest, Wis./DeForest High School
Brittany Staffeil, a 6-1 outside hitter, was a four-time all-conference selection in the Northern Badger Conference after leading DeForest High School to three conference titles and a second-place finish during her prep career. Staffeil also led her team to regional titles during her sophomore and senior seasons. She was a second team all-state selection as a senior after earning third team honors following her junior campaign. Staffeil, who is DeForest High’s Class of 2006 Valedictorian, was a Wendy’s High School Heisman Award state finalist after recording a career-high 504 kills as a senior. Staffeil was named a 2006 WIAA Scholar Athlete during her senior season. She was also a three-time letterwinner in basketball, earning first team all-conference honors as a freshman and senior. During her high school career, she was a member of the Wisconsin PoWer Volleyball Club, earning USA Volleyball All-Tournament Team honors as a freshman and sophomore and the USA Volleyball 16 American Division Most Valuable Player award as a sophomore. She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Lisa Staffeil.
“Brittany is a hard working, passionate, multisport athlete who we’re excited to have joining our program,” Nagel said. “Her all around skills and size along with her desire to be the best are some of her qualities which our team will greatly benefit from.”
Juliana Traut
Outside Hitter
Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt. Lebanon High School
Juliana Traut, a 5-11 outside hitter, was a first team all-state selection as a junior and senior after earning honorable mention honors during her sophomore campaign. A three-time all-conference selection, Traut played for the Renaissance Volleyball Club during her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Prepvolleyball.com named Traut as a Top-100 Senior Aces selection in 2005. Traut was inducted into the Mt. Lebanon Chapter of the Cum Laude Society as a senior. She is the daughter of James and Cathy Traut.
“Juliana is a talented volleyball player with the desire and ability to succeed at the highest levels,” stated Nagel. “Her intensity and focus along with athletic ability help make her a winner.”
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