Hempstead, NY – A pair of recent Hofstra University volleyball student-athletes took the next step in their careers as 2015 graduates Nuria Lopes da Silva and Kelsie Wills signed professional contracts to continue their outstanding volleyball careers. 

Lopes da Silva signed to play with Haro Rioja Volleyball Club in Spain, while Wills will be playing for Stade Francais Paris Saint Cloud in France. 

"We are so happy for Nuria and Kelsie," commented Hofstra Head Volleyball Coach Emily Mansur. "Both are outstanding representatives of Hofstra University and we are proud and excited that they have the opportunity to continue playing volleyball."

Wills closed her Hofstra career as arguably the best in program history as she totaled a program-record 1,942 career kills and added 1,226 career digs. The 2014 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year was a member of two NCAA Tournament teams (2012 and 2014) and was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year award as well. 

Lopes da Silva played two seasons for Hofstra and compiled 605 kills and 234 blocks. A 2014 All-CAA first team selection, she ranks sixth all-time in program history with an average of 1.06 blocks per set. She was a member of the Pride's 2014 CAA Championship squad.