Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
MT Volleyball Adds Five to the 2022 Roster
2/14/2022 11:48:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Blue Raider volleyball team announced the signing of five new additions to the 2022 roster. The additions include three transfers and two freshmen.
Middle Tennessee's volleyball team reloaded, adding four freshmen and three transfers since the November 10th signing day. The newest additions put the Blue Raiders roster at fifteen student-athletes in preparation for the much-anticipated 2022 season.
Chen Abramovich
GT | 5-6 | Defensive Specialist | Kfar Saba, Israel | California Polytechnic State University
Chen's father Gerry playing professional volleyball in Israel and taking her along to watch her older sister Yammit's practices led to Abramovich wanting to play the sport early on. In high school Chen went on to start every match of her career with Galili High School, taking home Israel's high school championship each year. Her club career was almost as dominant as her high school career, taking home the ISR National Championship in 2017 as well as a first-place finish in the U17 Israeli League in 2013 and 2014.
After racking up numerous accolades in high school, Chen decided to fulfill her requirement of serving for Israel's national army after reaching the age of 18. After two years of serving with the Israel Defense Forces, Abramovich moved to the United States and joined the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team. Chen made her college debut for the Huskers on August 31, 2018, and went on to redshirt her second season in 2019.
Abramovich transferred to Cal Poly in 2020 as a redshirt sophomore, looking for a fresh start in a city that could remind her of her hometown. After relocating, Covid-19 struck the country leading to the Big West Conference canceling their 2020 season. Adversity continued to strike as Chen sat out her second season with the Mustangs due to injury in 2021.
Now, in 2022, Chen looks to bring a lot of experience from two different programs to the Blue Raider court with two years of eligibility left. The Blue Raiders already having the Conference USA Libero of the Year in Marley Banton, solidify the defense furthermore with a National Champion type of talent on the court as well as an honor roll student that has earned a spot on the Nebraska Tom Osborne Citizenship Team off the court.
"I have a great deal respect for anyone that serves in the military," head coach Chuck Crawford said. "Having the opportunity to coach Chen will be an incredible blessing not only for who she is as a person but for the respect I have for her as a military veteran of the Israeli Defense Force. Chen is a leader on and off the court and will bring a leadership style that our program will benefit from. As a player, Chen comes to MTSU with a wealth of experience at the international and Big-10 levels. I look forward to the immediate impact she will have on our program."
Julia Carter
GT | 6-5 | Outside Hitter | Buffalo, New York | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Julia Carter brings a winning pedigree that can help the Blue Raiders reach new heights in Conference USA. In high school, Carter helped turn Maryvale High School from a 3-14 team to three-straight 17-win campaigns. Julia was a two-time First Team All-WNY, two-time All-ECIC, and was named to Third Team All-State in 2017. Off the court, class came easy as she was also named President of her National Honor Society chapter.
In four seasons with the Corpus Christi Islanders from 2018 to 2021, Carter racked up 589.5 points, 513 kills, and 100 blocks in 287 sets. Julia had 38 starts throughout her career in Texas and played in a total of 93 matches that included multiple trips to the NCAA Tournament. Carter capped off her Islanders career by repeating as Southland Conference Champions during the 2021 Spring season and the 2021 Fall season.
"With an imposing 6'5" frame as an outside hitter and multiple NCAA Tournament bids under her belt, Julia will bring some impressive qualities to our program," said Coach Crawford. "However, Julia is much more than a great player. She has a gentle quality about her that is so important in building team chemistry. She is selfless, hardworking and the first to do the job that no one wants to do. Having Julia as a part of our program is a true blessing."
Marie Lowell
Fr | 5-4 | Defensive Specialist | West Chicago, Illinois | West Chicago Community HS
The West Chicago Wildcat's team captain, Marie Lowell, will add to the grit that this Blue Raider squad fought with during the 2021 season. Lowell played two seasons on West Chicago's varsity squad and racked up an astounding 859 digs at a 6.5 digs per set rate. Lowell also amounted 60 service aces and 74 assists during her high school career.
In 2021, Marie was named Team MVP and was named to the All-Conference Team. The Dupage-All-Area honorable mention was also a two-time Academic All-Conference nominee. Her travel ball team took first place at the JVA World Challenge, Midwest Crossroads, and St. Louis Presidents' Day Classic.
Marie lettered three times for volleyball and her mother, Angela Lowell, is a former collegiate athlete herself, swimming for Illinois State from 1994-1998. Lowell was also a member of the National Honor Society.
"Marie comes to us from West Chicago and is in a word: tough," said Coach Crawford. "When Marie committed to us, it was one of the most heartfelt and emotional commitments of my career. Her genuine appreciation for having the opportunity to play DI volleyball at MTSU was felt by everyone in the room when she committed. As a player, Marie is tough as nails and truly is a gritty player who is perfect for our culture. As a person, Marie is super funny and will be the perfect addition to our volleyball family both on and off the court.
Caroline Macander
Fr | 5-11 | Setter | Chicago, Illinois | Mother McAuley HS
Caroline Macander helped set up the number two ranked team in Illinois, Mother McAuley, for success with her All-State caliber of play. Macander was on the Mighty Macs' varsity team for three years and hit another level of play in her final season. The 5'11" setter racked up 1,375 assists including 977 in her final year at a 10.9 assists per set clip. She also accumulated 391 digs, 92 blocks, 72 kills, and 52 aces with Mother McAuley High School.
In 2020 Macander was named GCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention, IVCA All-State Third Team, and Daily Southtown Area Honorable Mention. In her senior year, she was voted team captain and was named to the Metea Valley Invite All-Tournament Team, IVCA All-State First Team, GCAC All-Conference, and Daily Southtown Area First Team.
Caroline played travel ball for Michio Chicago Volleyball Academy, most recently finishing in second at GJNC in the National Division and being named to the GJNC All-Tournament Team. In 2020, Macander was named one of five setters on the Prep Dig Volleyball's Class of 2022 Setters to watch list and was able to take second in the Windy City Power League Tournament.
"With a true competitor's attitude and swagger, Caroline will make an immediate impact on our overall team offense. She is a very cerebral player which is vital as a setter," said Coach Crawford. "Additionally, she is very quick to laugh and share a smile. However, it is her character as a person that stands out among her many fine qualities. I am super excited to watch her develop and push our program into the future."
Kaylee Oscarson
Sr | 6-5 | Middle Blocker | Jensen Beach, Florida | Stetson University
The second 6'5" commit from the 2022 class is the senior transfer, Kaylee Oscarson. The Florida native was a three-sport athlete at Jensen Beach High School. In high school, Kaylee racked up 254 kills and 165 blocks in two seasons with the Falcons. The two-time All-State and All-Area performer helped lead the team to two district championships and the state's final four. During her team's final four season in 2018, Oscarson was named Most Valuable Player. In 2015 her team accumulated a 31-2 record, leading to the Falcons winning the Class 7-A State Championship. Off the court, Kaylee was on the Principal's Honor Roll all four years of high school.
Oscarson made her way to Stetson University, starting 63 of her 67 matches played in. Kaylee had quite the career in DeLand, Florida, hitting home 480 kills on a .297 attack percentage to go along with 196 total blocks. In her final season with the Hatters, Kaylee had career highs in kills, solo blocks, block assists, total blocks, and points. Averaging an excellent 0.90 blocks per set, Kaylee set Stetson's single-season rally scoring era with 33 blocks. Against fellow Conference USA foe, Florida Atlantic, Oscarson racked up a single-match record eight solo blocks. Kaylee was a regular on the ASUN Honor Roll and was also named to the ASUN All-Freshman Team during the 2019 season.
"With an upbeat and positive mindset regardless of the situation, Kaylee will be a vital team member with regards to building team chemistry," said Coach Crawford. "Like Julia Carter and Michaela Wright, Kaylee is the third player on our 2022 roster that checks in a 6'5". The unique and exciting thing about Kaylee is how well she runs the slide attack. Furthermore, Kaylee is a natural blocker that will frustrate opposing offenses. I am beyond excited to get Kaylee on campus and have the opportunity of investing in her life each day."
Keep Up with the Blue Raider Volleyball Team
Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter (@MT_Volleyball), Instagram (@mt_volleyball), and Facebook (Middle Tennessee Blue Raider Volleyball).
Middle Tennessee's volleyball team reloaded, adding four freshmen and three transfers since the November 10th signing day. The newest additions put the Blue Raiders roster at fifteen student-athletes in preparation for the much-anticipated 2022 season.
Chen Abramovich
GT | 5-6 | Defensive Specialist | Kfar Saba, Israel | California Polytechnic State University
Chen's father Gerry playing professional volleyball in Israel and taking her along to watch her older sister Yammit's practices led to Abramovich wanting to play the sport early on. In high school Chen went on to start every match of her career with Galili High School, taking home Israel's high school championship each year. Her club career was almost as dominant as her high school career, taking home the ISR National Championship in 2017 as well as a first-place finish in the U17 Israeli League in 2013 and 2014.
After racking up numerous accolades in high school, Chen decided to fulfill her requirement of serving for Israel's national army after reaching the age of 18. After two years of serving with the Israel Defense Forces, Abramovich moved to the United States and joined the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team. Chen made her college debut for the Huskers on August 31, 2018, and went on to redshirt her second season in 2019.
Abramovich transferred to Cal Poly in 2020 as a redshirt sophomore, looking for a fresh start in a city that could remind her of her hometown. After relocating, Covid-19 struck the country leading to the Big West Conference canceling their 2020 season. Adversity continued to strike as Chen sat out her second season with the Mustangs due to injury in 2021.
Now, in 2022, Chen looks to bring a lot of experience from two different programs to the Blue Raider court with two years of eligibility left. The Blue Raiders already having the Conference USA Libero of the Year in Marley Banton, solidify the defense furthermore with a National Champion type of talent on the court as well as an honor roll student that has earned a spot on the Nebraska Tom Osborne Citizenship Team off the court.
"I have a great deal respect for anyone that serves in the military," head coach Chuck Crawford said. "Having the opportunity to coach Chen will be an incredible blessing not only for who she is as a person but for the respect I have for her as a military veteran of the Israeli Defense Force. Chen is a leader on and off the court and will bring a leadership style that our program will benefit from. As a player, Chen comes to MTSU with a wealth of experience at the international and Big-10 levels. I look forward to the immediate impact she will have on our program."
Julia Carter
GT | 6-5 | Outside Hitter | Buffalo, New York | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Julia Carter brings a winning pedigree that can help the Blue Raiders reach new heights in Conference USA. In high school, Carter helped turn Maryvale High School from a 3-14 team to three-straight 17-win campaigns. Julia was a two-time First Team All-WNY, two-time All-ECIC, and was named to Third Team All-State in 2017. Off the court, class came easy as she was also named President of her National Honor Society chapter.
In four seasons with the Corpus Christi Islanders from 2018 to 2021, Carter racked up 589.5 points, 513 kills, and 100 blocks in 287 sets. Julia had 38 starts throughout her career in Texas and played in a total of 93 matches that included multiple trips to the NCAA Tournament. Carter capped off her Islanders career by repeating as Southland Conference Champions during the 2021 Spring season and the 2021 Fall season.
"With an imposing 6'5" frame as an outside hitter and multiple NCAA Tournament bids under her belt, Julia will bring some impressive qualities to our program," said Coach Crawford. "However, Julia is much more than a great player. She has a gentle quality about her that is so important in building team chemistry. She is selfless, hardworking and the first to do the job that no one wants to do. Having Julia as a part of our program is a true blessing."
Marie Lowell
Fr | 5-4 | Defensive Specialist | West Chicago, Illinois | West Chicago Community HS
The West Chicago Wildcat's team captain, Marie Lowell, will add to the grit that this Blue Raider squad fought with during the 2021 season. Lowell played two seasons on West Chicago's varsity squad and racked up an astounding 859 digs at a 6.5 digs per set rate. Lowell also amounted 60 service aces and 74 assists during her high school career.
In 2021, Marie was named Team MVP and was named to the All-Conference Team. The Dupage-All-Area honorable mention was also a two-time Academic All-Conference nominee. Her travel ball team took first place at the JVA World Challenge, Midwest Crossroads, and St. Louis Presidents' Day Classic.
Marie lettered three times for volleyball and her mother, Angela Lowell, is a former collegiate athlete herself, swimming for Illinois State from 1994-1998. Lowell was also a member of the National Honor Society.
"Marie comes to us from West Chicago and is in a word: tough," said Coach Crawford. "When Marie committed to us, it was one of the most heartfelt and emotional commitments of my career. Her genuine appreciation for having the opportunity to play DI volleyball at MTSU was felt by everyone in the room when she committed. As a player, Marie is tough as nails and truly is a gritty player who is perfect for our culture. As a person, Marie is super funny and will be the perfect addition to our volleyball family both on and off the court.
Caroline Macander
Fr | 5-11 | Setter | Chicago, Illinois | Mother McAuley HS
Caroline Macander helped set up the number two ranked team in Illinois, Mother McAuley, for success with her All-State caliber of play. Macander was on the Mighty Macs' varsity team for three years and hit another level of play in her final season. The 5'11" setter racked up 1,375 assists including 977 in her final year at a 10.9 assists per set clip. She also accumulated 391 digs, 92 blocks, 72 kills, and 52 aces with Mother McAuley High School.
In 2020 Macander was named GCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention, IVCA All-State Third Team, and Daily Southtown Area Honorable Mention. In her senior year, she was voted team captain and was named to the Metea Valley Invite All-Tournament Team, IVCA All-State First Team, GCAC All-Conference, and Daily Southtown Area First Team.
Caroline played travel ball for Michio Chicago Volleyball Academy, most recently finishing in second at GJNC in the National Division and being named to the GJNC All-Tournament Team. In 2020, Macander was named one of five setters on the Prep Dig Volleyball's Class of 2022 Setters to watch list and was able to take second in the Windy City Power League Tournament.
"With a true competitor's attitude and swagger, Caroline will make an immediate impact on our overall team offense. She is a very cerebral player which is vital as a setter," said Coach Crawford. "Additionally, she is very quick to laugh and share a smile. However, it is her character as a person that stands out among her many fine qualities. I am super excited to watch her develop and push our program into the future."
Kaylee Oscarson
Sr | 6-5 | Middle Blocker | Jensen Beach, Florida | Stetson University
The second 6'5" commit from the 2022 class is the senior transfer, Kaylee Oscarson. The Florida native was a three-sport athlete at Jensen Beach High School. In high school, Kaylee racked up 254 kills and 165 blocks in two seasons with the Falcons. The two-time All-State and All-Area performer helped lead the team to two district championships and the state's final four. During her team's final four season in 2018, Oscarson was named Most Valuable Player. In 2015 her team accumulated a 31-2 record, leading to the Falcons winning the Class 7-A State Championship. Off the court, Kaylee was on the Principal's Honor Roll all four years of high school.
Oscarson made her way to Stetson University, starting 63 of her 67 matches played in. Kaylee had quite the career in DeLand, Florida, hitting home 480 kills on a .297 attack percentage to go along with 196 total blocks. In her final season with the Hatters, Kaylee had career highs in kills, solo blocks, block assists, total blocks, and points. Averaging an excellent 0.90 blocks per set, Kaylee set Stetson's single-season rally scoring era with 33 blocks. Against fellow Conference USA foe, Florida Atlantic, Oscarson racked up a single-match record eight solo blocks. Kaylee was a regular on the ASUN Honor Roll and was also named to the ASUN All-Freshman Team during the 2019 season.
"With an upbeat and positive mindset regardless of the situation, Kaylee will be a vital team member with regards to building team chemistry," said Coach Crawford. "Like Julia Carter and Michaela Wright, Kaylee is the third player on our 2022 roster that checks in a 6'5". The unique and exciting thing about Kaylee is how well she runs the slide attack. Furthermore, Kaylee is a natural blocker that will frustrate opposing offenses. I am beyond excited to get Kaylee on campus and have the opportunity of investing in her life each day."
Keep Up with the Blue Raider Volleyball Team
Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter (@MT_Volleyball), Instagram (@mt_volleyball), and Facebook (Middle Tennessee Blue Raider Volleyball).
Players Mentioned
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