WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue volleyball alumna Azariah Stahl is taking her game to the next level as she has signed a contract with Geneve Volley to compete professionally in Switzerland. The six-rotation outside hitter's first professional season begins in August.
"I'm overwhelmed with excitement about signing with Geneve Volley," said Stahl. "Playing professionally has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and I can't believe it's finally coming true."
"There are so many people to thank for this amazing opportunity, but I can't thank Purdue enough for preparing me for this role. All of my teammates, coaches, and the Purdue Volleyball community made this possible for me. I am beyond blessed and beyond grateful."
Stahl was a four-year starter for the Boilermakers and assisted Purdue's high-powered offense in 2018 to an all-time best hitting percentage of .301, surpassing its previous record mark of .285 in 1982. After registering 2.33 kills per set, a .249 hitting percentage, 25 service aces, 2.38 digs per set and .50 blocks per set, the versatile Elkhart, Indiana, native was selected as an AVCA All-Northeast Region Honorable Mention.
"I'm very excited for Azariah to secure an opportunity to compete at the professional level," said head coach Dave Shondell. "Z has plenty left in her tank and real desire to continue her growth as a volleyball athlete. She had a fabulous career at Purdue and will represent our program very well at the next level."
The 2018 graduate finished with 956 kills, 641 digs, 131 blocks and 42 service aces in her career. Stahl set career-best totals in hitting percentage, service aces and blocks per set her senior season while killing 40% of the balls she was set. She becomes Purdue third active alumna playing professionally as Val Nichol will continue her career in Poland and Annie Drews continues to enjoy success with Team USA.
