Lobos Add Rasmussen to 2021 Roster

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— University of New Mexico head volleyball coach Jon Newman-Gonchar and staff have signed Alia Rasmussen in advance of the 2021 season.

A setter from Highland, Utah, Rasmussen played the last two seasons at Yavapai College.

The newest Lobo appeared in 24 matches her freshman season with the Roughriders, tallying 111 digs, 90 assists, 13 service aces, and 19.5 points in 61 sets. She recorded 10-plus assists in three matches, with a season-high 22 against Ottawa University Arizona.

Her sophomore season, Rasmussen increased her production, starting in 17 matches with 507 assists (9.39 per set), 187 digs (3.46 per set), 32 total blocks, 18 service aces and 54.5 points. She recorded double-digit assists in all but one match, reaching 30-plus assists in eight matches, 40-plus assists in four matches and posted a career-high 51 assists in her final match against Northeastern.

Intending to major in psychology, Rasmussen chose UNM because, “I felt like the coaches were providing the best opportunity for me to improve as an athlete, as well as push me academically.”

Rasmussen is the fourth Lobo to join the program this offseason, joining Mmachi Nwoke, Melissa Walden and Kassie McGill.