The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Volleyball Player Profiles: Middle Blockers
9/2/2020 1:13:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM — Throughout the month, UABSports.com will profile the 2020-21 UAB volleyball team. Today we start with the middle blockers featuring Kiana Mack, Mya Michaelson, Tatijana Fucka and Chloe Rodriguez.
"Middle blockers are often times the unsung heroes in the gym," said head coach Betsy Freeburg. "Their job is to always work hard and develop opportunities. What we mean by this is the job includes: leading and setting up the defense through our blocking schemes, hitting at high efficiency and creating seams for other attackers and setting the tone as far as discipline and work ethic. Having great middle blockers impacts both the offense and the defense tremendously."
Kiana Mack, So., Solon, Ohio
Mack returns to the Blazers after receiving Conference USA All-Freshman honors during the 2019 season. In her first year, Mack played in 27 matches and was seventh in C-USA with 0.32 aces per set. She was second on the team with 72 blocks and .209 attack percentage during the season.
Coach Freeburg on Mack:
Kiana loves playing volleyball and is determined to get better. She has caught on quickly to our faster attacking tempo and we are looking forward to building off her C-USA All-Freshman Team recognition into the future.
Mya Michaelson, Jr., Erie, Colo.
In her third year with the program, Michaelson started seeing more time on the floor last season. She played in eight matches and recorded six kills against Alcorn State. In high school, she led Erie High School to three straight Colorado State Regional Tournaments.
Coach Freeburg on Michaelson:
Mya has done a nice job learning the defensive systems. Her increased blocking discipline led her to lead our team in block assists in our last Green & Gold scrimmage. Mya comes to training with a curiosity to get better daily.
Tatijana Fucka, So., Bologna, Italy
Fucka comes to Birmingham from Bologna, Italy where she attended Liceo Artemisia Gentilesch school in Milan. After graduation, Fucka attended Uninettuno University before making her way to UAB.
Coach Freeburg on Fucka:
We are so happy Tatijana is here. She provides great length that is crucial to the middle blocker position. She has a great understanding of the game, and once she gets comfortable with our offensive and defensive systems. We believe she could have a great impact on this team.
Chloe Rodriguez, Fr., Portland, Texas
Rodriguez comes to UAB from Gregory Portland High School in Portland, Texas. In 2019 she was named Hitter of the Year for the 35-5A district and the Texas All-State team. In 2018, Rodriguez was also named 35-5A District Blocker of the Year.
Coach Freeburg on Rodriguez:
Chloe provides great physicality and ability to cover a lot of ground quickly. Right now she is training at both Middle Blocker and Opposite due to her ability to shut down attackers and run slides off one foot. We love the versatility this provides for both our offense and our defense.
Check UABSports.com for the latest updates to the 2020-21 schedule.
Volleyball season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card for $65 here. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB volleyball team, follow @UAB_VB on Twitter and Instagram.
"Middle blockers are often times the unsung heroes in the gym," said head coach Betsy Freeburg. "Their job is to always work hard and develop opportunities. What we mean by this is the job includes: leading and setting up the defense through our blocking schemes, hitting at high efficiency and creating seams for other attackers and setting the tone as far as discipline and work ethic. Having great middle blockers impacts both the offense and the defense tremendously."
Kiana Mack, So., Solon, Ohio
Mack returns to the Blazers after receiving Conference USA All-Freshman honors during the 2019 season. In her first year, Mack played in 27 matches and was seventh in C-USA with 0.32 aces per set. She was second on the team with 72 blocks and .209 attack percentage during the season.
Coach Freeburg on Mack:
Kiana loves playing volleyball and is determined to get better. She has caught on quickly to our faster attacking tempo and we are looking forward to building off her C-USA All-Freshman Team recognition into the future.
Mya Michaelson, Jr., Erie, Colo.
In her third year with the program, Michaelson started seeing more time on the floor last season. She played in eight matches and recorded six kills against Alcorn State. In high school, she led Erie High School to three straight Colorado State Regional Tournaments.
Coach Freeburg on Michaelson:
Mya has done a nice job learning the defensive systems. Her increased blocking discipline led her to lead our team in block assists in our last Green & Gold scrimmage. Mya comes to training with a curiosity to get better daily.
Tatijana Fucka, So., Bologna, Italy
Fucka comes to Birmingham from Bologna, Italy where she attended Liceo Artemisia Gentilesch school in Milan. After graduation, Fucka attended Uninettuno University before making her way to UAB.
Coach Freeburg on Fucka:
We are so happy Tatijana is here. She provides great length that is crucial to the middle blocker position. She has a great understanding of the game, and once she gets comfortable with our offensive and defensive systems. We believe she could have a great impact on this team.
Chloe Rodriguez, Fr., Portland, Texas
Rodriguez comes to UAB from Gregory Portland High School in Portland, Texas. In 2019 she was named Hitter of the Year for the 35-5A district and the Texas All-State team. In 2018, Rodriguez was also named 35-5A District Blocker of the Year.
Coach Freeburg on Rodriguez:
Chloe provides great physicality and ability to cover a lot of ground quickly. Right now she is training at both Middle Blocker and Opposite due to her ability to shut down attackers and run slides off one foot. We love the versatility this provides for both our offense and our defense.
Check UABSports.com for the latest updates to the 2020-21 schedule.
Volleyball season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card for $65 here. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB volleyball team, follow @UAB_VB on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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