Houghton College:Larissa Strappello

HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Larissa Strappello (Saxton, P.A. / Grace College) has signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball at Houghton College, Highlander coach Nancy Cole announced today.

As an outside hitter, Strappello will add versatility and experience to the Highlanders line up. In 2005 she help lead Grace College to a 17-16 record earning them 4^thplace in the NAIA - Mid Central Conference.

“Larissa brings with her two years of college experience at a strong NAIA school,” said Coach Cole. “Her maturity will bring much needed leadership to a team that is half seniors and half freshmen. She will add depth to our back row after the graduation of two defensive specialists. Larissa is a great fit for us and for Houghton College. We can’t wait to have her here.”

Strappello is the daughter of Rick and Connie Strappello. She anticipates majoring in outdoor recreation with an equestrian emphasis.

Houghton College has deep and solid roots in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, where our teams use their commitment to excellence, both on the field-of-play and in the classroom, as a platform for their strong and unique emphasis on Sports Ministry. Their goal is to make a difference for the Kingdom on campus, in Allegany County, in the Northeast and around the world. Houghton is one of only 13 institutions who have been hand-selected by the NAIA to serve as "Champions of Character" Program Centers, opening the door for Houghton to be a leader, both in the Northeast and nationally, in character education. Through hands-on, innovative community outreach initiatives, Houghton coaches and student-athletes are working together to change the culture of sport and to change our culture through sport.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- July 11, 2006 CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- July 11, 2006
CONTACT: Glyn Turner 585,567,9648