Iosia Announces Transfer to Michigan State
5/11/2022 3:28:00 PM | Volleyball
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head volleyball coach Leah Johnson announced the addition of former Big 12 All-Rookie team selection Nalani Iosia on Wednesday. Iosia joins the Spartans from the University of Texas with three more years of eligibility.
"Nalani is going to bring elite experience into our gym right away," Johnson said. "She's been a part of deep post-season runs in those pressure situations. She comes from a family with deep volleyball roots and is just a fantastic athlete. She's fun, dynamic and will immediately add depth and skill to our serve and pass game. We could not be more excited for Nalani to be wearing the Green & White."
Iosia, a 5-8 libero, is a native of Torrance, California. The former Longhorn appeared in all 58 matches over her two-year tenure at Texas, playing in a total of 193 sets. Iosia contributed 313 digs on 3.19 digs per set as a sophomore, improving upon her mark of 2.54 d/s as a freshman. On September 1, 2021, Iosia set a new career-high in digs with 24 in Texas' four-set win over Minnesota. In addition to her work on the back row, Iosia tallied 111 of her 191 career assists in 2021.
Her play helped Texas to a pair of 27-2 seasons, with Iosia gaining valuable NCAA tournament experience. The Longhorns were defeated in the 2021 NCAA Championship match on April 24, 2021, where Iosia collected nine digs and had two service aces.
"I chose Michigan State because of the way they value people and building connections within their program and staff," Iosia said. "It's a competitive and welcoming environment that I am blessed to now be a part of."
A highly touted recruit coming out of Redondo Union High School, Iosia was a AVCA Under Armour First Team All-American in 2019 in addition to being named to the All-USA Today Preseason Volleyball team and a MaxPreps Preseason All-American. Iosia will bring leadership qualities to the Spartans as a four-time captain for Redondo Union.
Iosia joins transfers Zoe Nunez and Aliyah Moore, and incoming freshmen Maradith O'Gorman, Evie Doezema, Jahylin Swain, and Lauren Schutter in their commitment to Michigan State next season.