VUVB All-American Isadora Dias signs with NAIA Park University

VINCENNES, Ind. – 2024 NJCAA All-American Isadora Dias (Rio Grande de Norte, Brazil) signed her letter of intent earlier this week to join NAIA Park University in Parkville, Mo. next season.

"I was looking for a program that would challenge me both athletically and academically while also feeling like a place where I could continue to grow," Dias said. "Park University really stood out to me because of its competitive volleyball program and its overall environment felt like the perfect fit for me. The opportunity to play at a high level while also receiving a strong education was exactly what I wanted and after talking with the coaches, some players and learning more about the team's culture, I knew it was the best decision for my future."

"Isadora is just 'all in'," VUVB Head Coach Gary Sien said. "She will do everything and anything to help the team win. I see her beyond her skills as a player as someone who was one of our leaders both by her play and by what she says. Isadora s a great teammate and was consistently striving to not only better her own game but to help others. A standout player does that, they not only do well themselves but can help take others with them to succeed. Isadora was one who left her mark on this program. She is a very selfless person."

Dias is coming off an outstanding two year career with the Trailblazers, where she finished with 716 kills, 454 digs, 129 blocks, 41 set assists and 34 aces.

Dias capped off her VU career with a fantastic 2024 season where she finished with 465 kills, 341 digs, 53 blocks, 35 set assists and 25 aces.

Dias finished the season seventh in all NJCAA Division I in kills, with her best hitting match coming against Kaskaskia College in the opening round of the 2024 Region 24 tournament.

Dias finished the game with 13 kills and 14 digs, with a hitting percentage of .520 and ending her season with 13 double-doubles for the Trailblazers.

Dias would go on to earn NJCAA Division I Third Team All-American honors, after being named the 2024 Region 24 Player of the Year, becoming the sixth Trailblazer to earn All-American honors and just the second at the NJCAA Division I level.

Dias has also excelled in the classroom at VU, earning Third Team Academic All-American honors in 2023 and was also named to the 2024 Blazer Classic All-Tournament team.

Dias helped guide the Trailblazers to a 30-13 record last season, securing VU's fourth straight NJCAA Division I Region 24 Championship and having a two-year combined record of 62-20, with a 32-3 record against Region 24 opponents.

"My favorite moment as a Trailblazer was winning the 2024 Region Championship because it represented how connected and determined our team was," Dias added. "Beyond volleyball, that victory symbolized all the hard work, resilience and dedication we put in throughout the season. More than just a Championship, it was a reflection of the bonds we built and the challenges we overcame together."

"Vincennes became a place that shaped me, not just as a player but as a person," Dias said. "The experiences I had and the support I received played a huge role in my growth and I will always be grateful for the incredible people I met and the lifelong friendships I made."

"Location wise, Isadora is at the most westward school we have had someone go to, so that's new for us," Sien said. "It gives us another location in the country to place our students. It is also a strong area for NAIA programs so the competition will be keen. We are proud of Isadora, that she has come here from Brazil, far from her family and that she has done so well in the classroom and on the court."

Dias is joining a Pirates squad coming off of a 23-10 season last year, which saw Park University reach the Semifinals of the Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament.

Dias will be coached at the next level by Park University Head Coach Michael Talamantes, who has a tremendous resume coaching both Men's and Women's Volleyball at Park University.

Talamantes has guided the Pirates Volleyball programs to five NAIA National Championships, including two with the Women's Volleyball team in 2014 and 2018.

"I was aware of Park University from when I used to coach against their men's team from when I used to coach at the NAIA level," Sien said. "It is a National power both on the men's and women's side. It is a great opportunity for Isadora as the team has consistently made the National tournament. More importantly, it is a great fit for her academically and socially.

"There are a number of players on the roster from Brazil, Portugal and other South American countries," Sien added. "The coaching staff has someone from Brazil. Isadora had some other opportunities but Park University fits the bill for her needs. It is exciting to see one of our own go to a good University and onto a program with such a rich tradition."

"Vincennes University has given me so many opportunities to grow and I'm so thankful for everything I have learned," Dias added. "As an athlete, competing at a high level and challenging myself every day in practice has pushed me to be better. I have learned how to stay mentally tough, adjust to new situations and handle pressure in ways I didn't know I could."

"Academically, balancing volleyball and school has taught me how to manage my time and stay focused," Dias said. "It's been a great experience and I'm excited to bring all of this to Park and take on whatever challenges come next."

The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Isadora Dias on her signing with Park University and wishes her good luck as she continues her playing career next season.