Volleyball Welcomes Eight to 2024 Class

Coach Patricia Gandolfo announced the addition of eight freshmen to Pensacola State's 2024 roster. Gandolfo is entering her fourth season at PSC, following a year full of firsts for the program. In the 2023 season, PSC Volleyball won the Sun-Lakes Conference title and appeared at the NJCAA National Tournament, finishing fourth in the nation, for the first time in the program's history. With more than half of their roster graduating, the Pirates welcome new faces to the team.  

"I am beyond excited about this incoming class for the 2024 roster," Gandolfo said. "We searched for the best athletes that would fit our culture, our coaching style, and definitely our competitive mindset. Each player brings their own style of play that will compliment our program. Our coaching staff wasn't just looking for great players on the court, but we also value what they do off the court, we believe they will all be a great asset to the Pirate family." 

Olivia McDaniel is a 5'7" libero/defensive specialist from Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, AL, and is currently playing in her last season of club volleyball for Birmingham Volleyball Club. When she arrives at Pensacola State, McDaniel intends to major in Athletic Training. 

McDaniel says, "I chose PSC because I love the team atmosphere and the bond the girls have."  

Lauren Schuessler is a 5'10" setter from Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, AL who also plays for Birmingham Volleyball Club. Schuessler intends to earn a degree in Pensacola State's Business program. 

Schuessler says, "I chose Pensacola State because of the family-like community they have." 

Catie Woolf is a 6'1" outside/right side hitter from North Point High School in St. Louis, MO, and is finishing her last season of club volleyball for Team Momentum Volleyball Club. Woolf plans to pursue a degree in Marine Biology. 

Woolf says, "I chose Pensacola State because of the positive coaches and atmosphere and to stay close to my family while playing the sport I love!" 

Reece Varden is a 6'0" middle hitter from Spanish Fort High School in Spanish Fort, AL. She also plays for Mobile Storm Volleyball Club. Varden is joining PSC undecided about her major, but looks most forward to meeting new people and finding a career that best suits her.

Varden says, "I love how friendly everyone is at PSC. I love Pensacola and how close it is to home and I love the small class size which will give me a more personal experience at college." 

Madison Goodwin is a 5'10" outside/right side hitter from Apex Friendship High School in New Hill, NC. Goodwin plays on the 18 Teal team for Carolina Advantage Volleyball Club. She intends to earn her Associate's degree with a focus in Physical Therapy. 

Goodwin says, "I chose Pensacola State College because it is most definitely somewhere that I can call my home away from home. When coming to visit the school I felt more than welcome there. There was not a single time where I felt singled out and that shows a lot of character from the staff and student athletes." 

Marisa Beaubien is a 6'2" middle hitter from Lake Minneola High School in Clermont, FL. Beaubien is currently playing for Top Select Volleyball Academy. She plans to pursue an Associate's in Science Degree in Radiography. 

Beaubien says, "I chose PSC because when I visited, I felt very welcomed by Coach Pati and the environment there. I also love being near the beach, it makes me feel at home and happy." 

Laila Greene is a 5'10" outside/right side hitter from Nansemod River High School in Suffolk, VA. Her plans for school are to earn a major related to the field of Criminal Justice. 

Greene says, "I chose PSC because of how welcoming everybody was and it was the best place for me to grow into the best version of myself athletically and academically." 

Lastly, Sofia Ortiz is a 5'11" outside/right side hitter from Green Canyon High School in Logan, UT. Ortiz currently plays for Mountain Peak Volleyball Club. She intends to earn a degree in Business at Pensacola State.

Ortiz says she chose PSC because, "I really enjoyed the team and the program as well as the majors the school offers."