Ashland University head volleyball coach Kevin Foeman announced Thursday (Aug. 23) the addition of two transfer student-athletes to the program.
Middle hitter Lexi Lombardo (Olmsted Falls, Ohio/Olmsted Falls) and outside hitter Brooke Peiffer (Lansing, Mich./Holt) – both juniors – will have two years of eligibility remaining. While they are currently members of the AU volleyball program, both will begin competing with the Eagles beginning in the 2019 season.
"I couldn't be happier bringing Brooke and Bardo with me to Ashland," Foeman said. "They have been with me since the beginning, having committed to play for me before I even had my first head coaching victory.
The pair helped the Storm win 45 matches over two seasons, including a GMAC East Division title in 2017. Lombardo and Peiffer were freshmen on the 2016 team that advanced to the GLIAC Tournament semifinal, falling to Ashland in five sets.
"Not only will they bring tons of experience, but they will help to cultivate the culture we want here. They bring instant credibility and additional athleticism, and they still have so much more room for growth. I am truly blessed to be able to coach them for a few more years."
Lombardo Profile
- Started both seasons at Lake Erie College
- Named All-GMAC second team
- Has 494 kills in her career, averaging 1.89 per set
- Hit at a .290 clip in two seasons, including a .303 mark as a sophomore
- Ranked fifth in the league in hitting percentage last season
- Added 181 blocks (0.69 per set) in her career
Said Foeman: "Bardo is an incredibly well-rounded athlete who hit over .300 in her sophomore year. She is a gifted athlete who can see the court as well as anyone I have ever coached. She also brings the ability to hit in all three front row positions, can serve receive and plays hard and disciplined on defense."
Said Lombardo: "Words cannot explain how grateful and honored I am to be continuing my academic and athletic career at Ashland University. I am so thankful to be coming to an institution with the mission and values that Ashland has as their foundation for higher learning. The campus was so welcoming, I felt at home right away. I am also excited for the opportunity to continue playing volleyball under the awesome leadership of Coach Foeman. He and Remy have helped shape me into the person and player I am today, allowing me to realize the importance of teamwork, and pushing me to work harder than I ever thought I could. I can't wait to see where Coach takes this already amazing volleyball program and I am so excited to be a part of something great."
Peiffer Profile
- Two-year starter at Lake Erie College
- Named All-GMAC second team
- Has 715 career kills (3.00 per set)
- Ranked eighth in the GMAC in kills per set last season
- Hitting .189 in her career
- Has 594 career digs (2.50 per set)
- Recorded 88 career blocks
Said Foeman: "Brooke is a true six-rotation outside. Not only can she terminate, she passed a 2.4 in 2017 as one of the primary serve receivers, and has racked up nearly 600 digs in two years. Her calm demeanor and ability to hit multiple shots makes her extremely valuable and efficient on the outside."
Said Peiffer: "I am beyond excited to be finishing my collegiate career at Ashland. It is a top-tier institution. From its incredible athletic department and facilities to the beautiful campus, I am thoroughly impressed with everything it has to offer. I also am truly blessed to get a chance to finish out my collegiate career playing for Coach and Remy Foeman. They took a chance on me a long time ago and they are the best coaches around. They have pushed me to be the best athlete and person I can be, all while being there for me in times of need. My volleyball home is where the Foemans are, and I can't wait to see what's in store for the next few years."
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