Aug. 24, 2010

Corvallis, Ore. – Former Oregon State volleyball All-American Rachel Rourke has signed a professional contract with Cedat 85 Volley San Vito in Italy, announced Friday.

"With the addition of Rachel, we can make a significant leap in the process of finalizing and challenging the strongest teams that seek to jump to A1,” General Manager Enzo Ardon said.

“I was drawn to San Vitus immediately when I heard about its expressed interest because of their competition level, and the prestige that comes with playing for an Italian team,” Rourke said. “The area is very beautiful, and I’m currently working on learning Italian in preparation for the upcoming season.”

Rourke was a two-time All-American for the Beavers, earning Under Armour/Volleyball Magazine honorable mention honors in 2008 before nabbing AVCA Second Team accolades in her senior season. She finished her career as the best offensive player in school history with a school record 1,920 kills, also setting the single-match record with 37 against Oregon in her final Civil War.

Rourke also received offers from teams in Austria and Puerto Rico. She was honored this summer as the Senior Female Player of the Year at the Queensland Volleyball Awards Night. She has played internationally before, most recently playing in the United Arab Emirates with the Australian National Team in 2008.

She joins former Beavers Heather Lowe, Desma Stovall, Gina Schmidt, Shelly Smith and Magan Prieto, who also have played or currently play professionally.

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