OMAHA, Neb. - In addition to the seven newcomers signed back in November, the Omaha Volleyball team has now added one more player for the 2023 season in Erica Fava.

"I chose UNO because I loved the atmosphere as soon as I got there. I loved the team and coaches and I can't wait to be part of this amazing program! Go Mavs!!"

Originally from Piacenza, Italy, Fava attended Maize South High School in Wichita, Kansas for her senior year of and was a member of the volleyball team. Helping guide her team (coincidentally also called the Mavericks) to a 38-4 record, she earned several accolades, including 2019 AVCA High School All-Region (Region 8), 2019 AVCTL D2 First Team, and 2019 KVA All-State Honorable Mention.

After high school, Fava attended Western Nebraska CC and was a two-year member of the volleyball team. She had an incredibly successful rookie season, leading the team to a 24-15 record and being named 2021/22 NJCAA First Team All-American, AVCA First Team All-American, NJCAA D1 Region IX Player of the Year, NJCAA D1 Region IX Freshman of the Year, and NJCAA D1 Region IX First Team All-Region. The next year, Fava continued to excel as she guided the team to a 34-5 record, culminating in a Region IX Tournament title and a sixth -place finish at Nationals. For her efforts, Fava was named 2022/23 NJCAA First Team All-American, NJCAA D1 Region IX Player of the Year, NJCAA D1 Region IX First Team All-Region, AVCA Second Team All-American, All-Nebraska JUCO MVP, and All-Nebraska JUCO First Team.

In addition to high school and junior college, Fava has also played for her club team, Fight Club VB, and also played back home in Italy in the Series B2 for Pallavolo San Giorgio.

"Erica is a great ball-control player and competitor with a rich volleyball background," noted Head Coach Matt Buttermore. "She will help us in serve receive and defense and will make our gym better."