EUGENE, Ore. – Roberta Purashaj, the 2023 AVCA Two-Year College National Player of the Year, is the latest addition to Oregon volleyball as announced Tuesday by head coach Matt Ulmer. Purashaj spent the previous two seasons at Florida SouthWestern State, helping lead the Buccaneers to back-to-back NJCAA Division I titles.
Purashaj set an FSW single-season record with 1,035 assists in 2023 and finished third nationally with 11.01 assists per set. She guided the Bucs’ offense to a .316 hitting percentage and 13.87 kills per set, both NJCAA-leading figures. Purashaj registered a career-high and program-best 60 assists during her freshman campaign, one of 14 outings in her FSW career with 40 or more assists.
During her time at Florida SouthWestern, Purashaj was a two-time NJCAA All-America selection with first-team honors in 2023. She also earned FCSAA and Citrus Conference Player of the Year accolades this past season. Purashaj was the NJCAA Tournament MVP after a standout run capped by 46 assists and seven digs in the championship match against third-ranked Miami Dade.
The Milan, Italy, native posted 16 double-doubles over the past two seasons while averaging 2.32 digs per set. Purashaj was also a threat from the service line, totaling 72 aces at FSW including 48 this past season. She contributed 54 total blocks in 2023.
Purashaj directed FSW to a 58-2 record during her time in Fort Myers, Fla., and was recognized as the 2022 Suncoast Conference Freshman of the Year.
Oregon finished the 2023 campaign with a 29-6 record—a program high for wins under Ulmer—and its second-consecutive trip to the Elite Eight. The Ducks spent the entire season inside the AVCA top 10 and checked in a No. 7 in the final poll.
Purashaj is the team’s latest newcomer, joining fellow transfers Michelle Ohwobete (Oakland, Calif.) and Mackenzie Morris (Dallas, Texas.). The Ducks also announced the signing of soon-to-be freshman middle blockers Anaya Thrower (Vacaville, Calif.) and Mia Tvrdy (La Vista, Neb.) last November.
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