The University of Akron Athletics
Volleyball Adds Two During Early Signing Period
November 25 | Women's Volleyball
AKRON, Ohio - Head volleyball coach Ron Arenz
recently announced that 6'0' outside hitter Alex
Cocklin and 5'4' setter Jill Paluch have
signed letters of intent to continue their careers at The
University of Akron.
Both stellar athletes set to begin their collegiate careers during
the 2010 season, Cocklin hails from Marian High School in
Rochester, Mich. while Paluch comes from Nazareth Academy in
Chicago, Ill.
Recently named a AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association)
Under Armor All-American and receiving an AVCA All-American
honorable mention nod, Cocklin is a four-time all-region and
all-state selection, a three-time all-county nominee and three-time
All-Catholic High School League including the league's 2009 Miss
Volleyball nod as a senior.
A two-time state runner-up in 2007 and 2008, Cocklin led her team to a 77-2 set record in 2009 where they were named Class A State Champions. A match in which Cocklin recorded 29 kills, the fourth highest mark ever in a state final match.
Holding school records for the most single-season kills (791) and most career kills (2,025), Cocklin played on the Legacy Volleyball Club team where they earned a ninth place finish at nationals and fifth place mark in the Junior Olympics Gold Bracket.
Paluch comes to Akron as a four-time varsity starter and ranked in the top-150 seniors by Prep Volleyball Senior Aces. Playing on the First Alliance 17 Silver Club squad, Paluch led her team to a second place finish at the 2009 JVDA national championships. Ranked ninth nationally, individually Paluch was named an AAU All-American and all-tournament selection.
A two-time All-East Suburban Catholic Conference nominee, Paluch was named team captain and most valuable player as a junior and earned Chicago Sun Time All-Area Honorable Mention as a senior. As a senior Paluch led the team to a first ever regional and sectional championship and Elite 8 mark in the state championship run.
