WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Danielle Cuttino has signed her first professional contract and it is a big one as she will join Pomi Casalmaggiore Volleyball Club in Italy. The club has the reputation of being one of the top teams in perhaps the toughest league in the world.
"I'm so excited to announce that I've signed with Pomi Casalmaggiore Volleyball Club," said Cuttino. "Italy has always been a location that I've wanted to play in and I love the culture there! I want to say thanks to all of my coaches, my parents, teammates and all of the Purdue community who have helped me get to where I am today! It is truly a blessing to be a Boilermaker and have everyone supporting me! Boiler Up!"
Cuttino finished her senior season as the Big Ten's statistical champion in kills (300) and kills per set (4.17) against conference opponents. She also led Purdue's offense to an all-time best .301 hitting percentage during the 2017 season.
She earned a total of four All-America awards in her final season as a Boilermaker, giving her seven in her career. The seven All-America honors are the most awarded to any student-athlete in Purdue volleyball history. She also became the fourth First Team All-American in program history. She also earned her third AVCA All-Northeast Region honor of her career and her second unanimous All-Big Ten selection of her career. She was named espnW National Player of the Week following Purdue's victories over Minnesota and Wisconsin.
"I am a huge believer in Danielle Cuttino and very excited about her first professional contract," said head coach Dave Shondell. "This opportunity in Italy will allow her to grow as a player and person. Danielle is a special athlete who absolutely controls her destiny in our sport. It will be fun watching her pursue her goals."
The Indianapolis, Ind., native is eighth in program history in career hitting percentage (.308), 10th in total blocks (411), eighth in block assists (339), and 10th in block solos (72) after splitting her career between middle blocker and outside hitter. Cuttino became one of 26 Boilermakers to earn 1,000 kills in their career and one of six Boilermakers to register 1,000 kills and 400 blocks. She surpassed current Team USA standout and Purdue alumna Annie Drews all-time on the career kills list with 1,389 total kills. Drews also competed for Pomi Casalmaggiore Volleyball Club during the 2017-18 season.
Cuttino signing gives Purdue five active alumni competing professionally in 2018-19. Ashley Evans and Azariah Stahl have signed their first pro contracts in Spain and Switzerland respectively while Val Nichol has signed her fourth professional contract to play in Poland next season.
