Claire Riera-Gomez adds her name to the 2024-25 volleyball roster

Claire Riera-Gomez (center) with Asst. Coach Dr. John Fallabel (left) and Head Coach Noel Kaufman (right) at a signing event on campus.
Claire Riera-Gomez (center) with Asst. Coach Dr. John Fallabel (left) and Head Coach Noel Kaufman (right) at a signing event on campus.
August 21, 2024

Hazleton, Pa. - Claire Riera-Gomez is ready to take the next steps in her athletic and education careers as the newest member of the Penn State Hazleton Nittany Lion Volleyball team. Riera-Gomez hails from Miami, Fl. but now resides in Millville, Pa. where she graduated in the spring of 2024. Without a volleyball program at the high school, Claire was able to compete for four seasons at Berwick Area High School where she was a four-year starter who led the Bulldogs in scoring.

While competing as an outside hitter for the Bulldogs, Riera-Gomez helped the team to a WVC championships and a runner-up finish in district playoffs in her final season following a district championship in 2022. She was named a Wyoming Valley Conference All-Star and District II first-team player after registering a conference-best 332 kills as a senior. In addition, Claire was named the Press Enterprise girls volleyball MVP, a 2023 Citizen's Voice All-Star and was named to the All-State Team by the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association for AAA schools after finishing her final year with 132 service points (including 102 aces), six assists and 5 blocks.

"We are excited to have Claire as a part of our crew this fall and she is going to fit in perfectly into the Penn State Hazleton atmosphere both on and off the court," said Head Coach Noel Kaufman. "The coaching staff is looking forward to seeing her grow as a player in the coming season. She shows great determination and commitment, so we're thrilled to have her join the program!"

Academically, Claire was an honor roll student at Millville Area High School, earning student of the month awards and an Honor Society Scholarship. While attending Penn State Hazleton, Claire will begin her academic career undecided but no less determined to excel in the classroom and is eagerly awaiting the start of the volleyball season. Claire will look to earn her way into the starting rotation and looks to be the top rookie in the conference this season.