Former Trojans continue at universities
Kirkpatrick, Roicka, and Trujillo on to the next level
Former Trojans volleyball players McKenna Kirkpatrick, Marta Roicka, and MJ Trujillo have committed to play at the next level.
Kirkpatrick will go north to Bismarck, N.D., and join the NCAA Division II University of Mary. A two-time all-conference honorable mention selection, the 5-11 middle blocker from Chapman led the Jayhawk West her sophomore season with 12 solo blocks. She also ranked second with 57 block assists and 69 total blocks. Aside from volleyball, she competed for the Trojans basketball and track teams.
The Mauraders belong to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
"I am excited to have McKenna join our Marauders Family," said Head Coach Abby Pollart. "She brings a great deal of talent and energy to our program. I look forward to watching her grow both as an athlete and a person in the next three years."
Roicka will be at Gannon University in Erie, Pa. As a sophomore, the 6-foot-0 Warsaw, Poland, native was the Jayhawk Conference setter of the week to open the season. She finished third in the conference with 8.78 assists per set and 2.5 digs per set.
Gannon Head Coach Matthew Darling said the team has already met Roicka and believes she is a good fit.
"We are very excited to have Marta join us at Gannon for the upcoming school year and volleyball season," he said. "She has proven herself in the classroom, and we think she can make an impact on our program. I look forward to coaching her."
The Golden Knights are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in NCAA Division II.
Trujillo's new home will be in Harrogate, Tenn., at Division II Lincoln Memorial University, participating in the South Atlantic Conference. From Albuquerque, N.M., the 5-3 libero and defensive specialist had 170 digs on the season, including a season-high 15 against the College of Southern Idaho.
LMU Railsplitters Head Coach Chris Phillips praised Trujillo's leadership skills.
"We are excited to add MJ to our program," Phillips said. "She brings a high level of competition to the court and makes players around her better. With her energy and enthusiasm, she will be one to watch in the upcoming year."