FORT MYERS, Fla. — Florida Gulf Coast University volleyball is preparing for the 2025 season by adding 10 new players who bring championship experience, international talent and strong collegiate and club credentials to the program.
Head coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen's latest class includes a mix of freshmen and transfers expected to make an immediate impact across all positions.
Julija Grubisic Cabo — Junior, Outside Hitter
A dynamic six-rotation player, Grubisic Cabo played at Florida SouthWestern in 2024, where she was named Citrus Conference, Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA), and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Player of the Year. She helped the Bucs win the NJCAA Division I national championship.
She appeared in 26 matches, averaging 3.43 kills and 2.54 digs per set, with 34 service aces. She tallied 20 double-digit kill performances, including a season-high 15 against Miami Dade. A native of Slovenia, she was named MVP of the 2023 Slovenian U19 nationals.
Grubisic Cabo spent her freshman year at UMBC, starting all 25 matches and earning America East All-Rookie Team honors. She averaged 2.11 kills and 2.64 digs per set, recording five double-doubles, including a career-high 17 kills and 12 digs in a win over Princeton. She helped lead the Retrievers to an America East title and started in the NCAA tournament against USC.
Erica Muhizi — Freshman, Middle Blocker
Originally from Rwanda and representing Sweden internationally, Muhizi brings size and upside to FGCU's front line. The 6-foot-2 middle blocker has competed in several high-level European events.
In the 2025 CEV Golden European League, she recorded two blocks and two aces over eight matches. She also posted a winning spike and two blocks in seven matches at the 2024 U20 European Championship. Known for her athleticism and blocking ability, Muhizi offers high potential and international pedigree.
Abby Toeniskoetter — Junior, Middle Blocker
Toeniskoetter joins FGCU after winning back-to-back NJCAA Division I national championships at FSW. She made the All-Tournament team and led the NJCAA in hitting percentage and blocks per set.
She appeared in 26 matches (72 sets), totaling 191 kills (2.65 per set) and 108 blocks, while developing as an efficient scorer and reliable defender at the net.
Katie Gielas — Freshman, Outside Hitter
A 6-foot-2 outside hitter from Cincinnati's Ursuline Academy and Elevation Volleyball Club, Gielas was one of Ohio's top prep players. She helped Ursuline Academy win a state title in 2022 and earned First-Team All-State honors.
In 2024, she totaled 379 kills, 227 digs and 67 aces while hitting .245 over 52 matches. She notched 21 kills in her final high school match. Gielas adds a physical presence and scoring potential to FGCU's rotation.
Hanna Borer — Senior, Setter
Borer brings more than 2,300 career assists from her time at Virginia Tech and Texas Tech. She appeared in 86 matches over three seasons, gaining extensive Power Five experience.
In 2024 at Texas Tech, she led the team with 693 assists (7.37 per set), recording seven double-doubles and a season-high 44 assists against Florida Atlantic. At Virginia Tech in 2023, she was named the Rocket Invitational MVP, and totaled 872 assists (8.72 per set), 25 service aces, and seven double-doubles — including a career-best 66 assists versus Florida State.
As a freshman in 2022, she played all 107 sets and led the Hokies with 763 assists and 13 double-doubles.
Anna Marzella — Junior, Libero/Defensive Specialist
Marzella played a key role in FSW's 2023 and 2024 NJCAA national title runs. In 2024, she appeared in 27 matches, tallying 343 receptions with only 18 errors, 198 digs (2.39 per set), and 26 service aces.
In 2023, she played in 22 matches, finishing second on the team with 3.30 digs per set. She started the final 10 matches of the season, including all seven postseason contests.
Catharina Scorza — Sophomore, Outside/Right Side Hitter
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Scorza transfers from the University of South Florida, where she played five sets across two matches. In her debut against UTSA, she hit .600 with six kills on 10 swings.
A product of Elite High School in Brazil, she brings international experience, athleticism and versatility to FGCU's attack.
Chandler Swanson — Sophomore, Libero/Defensive Specialist
A Fort Myers native, Swanson returns home after playing her freshman season at Boston College in 2023. She appeared in 23 matches (47 sets), recording five assists, two aces and 198 digs. Her reception rate was 90%.
At Canterbury School, she was a four-year varsity player, three-time MVP, and earned Defensive Player of the Year twice. She totaled 967 digs, 535 kills, 180 aces and 131 assists in her high school career.
Alona Clinansmith — Senior, Middle Blocker
Clinansmith transfers from USC Upstate, where she was a starting middle blocker in 2024. She started in 25 matches and played 105 sets, recording 155 kills (1.48 per set) on 423 attacks. She also tallied 64 blocks (12 solo, 52 assisted), averaging 0.61 blocks per set.
Eliska Vytiskova — Junior, Setter
Vytiskova, a 5-foot-9 setter from Ostrava, Czech Republic, brings international experience and strong NCAA production to FGCU's roster. She spent two seasons at Akron and entered the program's all-time top 10 in career assists with 1,987.
In 2024, she tallied 981 assists, 53 aces, 313 digs and 17 double-doubles, including a season-high 60 assists against Toledo. As a freshman, she earned All-MAC Freshman Team honors. She has also competed in youth European Championships with the Czech national team and played club volleyball for TJ Ostrava.
The Eagles will open the 2025 season at home on Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. taking on the University of Missouri.
Season ticket packages are available now at FGCUtickets.com or by calling 888-FGCU-TIX (866-342-8849).
