By Chloe Adam
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Ashburn (December 2, 2016) – Stone Bridge High School senior Gabbie Scudder has decided to continue her athletic career at Johnson & Wales University in Providence starting in the 2017-2018 academic year.
“It’s so relieving to say I am finally committed!” the 6-foot right side hitter said. “I’m so excited to start playing there and officially call myself a Wildcat.”
Johnson & Wales University has four campuses: Providence, Rhode Island; North Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Students at Providence can choose from 60 majors to start their academic career as a Wildcat.
“I choose JWU because it offers exactly what I want to study: culinary nutrition,” Scudder said. “Another big factor in my decision to go to JWU was the coach, who I absolutely love.”
The Division III Lady Wildcats are led by head coach Nancy Somera and assisted by Andrew-Wagner Cass. The volleyball team ended their 2016 season 33-1, losing for the first time this year to the University of Massachusetts Boston in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Going into the match, the Wildcats were the last undefeated volleyball team in the country; 33 victories are the most victories in school and conference history.
“The volleyball team at JWU currently does not have a right side, which is my position, so I will hopefully be able to add a lot to the team,” Scudder said. “I also love playing back row and serving may be my favorite part of the game because it’s the one part of the game I can control on my own.”
Scudder has been playing club volleyball since she was twelve. She now plays for Dulles Volleyball, but in the past played for other clubs.
“Both my 17s coaches at NVVA, Kris Wojieck, and my high school coach for three years, Jill Raschiatore, have influenced me the most as a player,” Scudder said. “Coach Kris motivated me to work hard during my 17s year when I was being recruited, and coach Raschiatore has given me confidence as a player throughout every high school season.”
Scudder has been awarded the coach’s award the past two years at Stone Bridge High School. She has also made second team all-conference as a junior and then improved by making first team in 2016.
“I am so proud to have been a part of such an amazing program in high school,” Scudder said. “I’m going to miss these girls next year!”
Scudder mentioned that her mom has been her biggest supporter.
“I want to thank my mom for always keeping me motivated and helping me with the recruiting process,” said Scudder. “I am motivated by the future I want to have for myself! Go Wildcats!”
