A setter for her club teams over the years, Adriana Dorn has had to feature as a six-rotation outside hitter for Ripon High’s tradition rich program.
The experience has helped develop her into one of the top all-around players in the state and earn multiple scholarship offers from NCAA Division I schools.
Ultimately, she went with the University of the Pacific. Dorn signed her letter of intent Thursday at the North Gym foyer in front of family, friends, teammates, coaches and school administrators. The last Ripon High volleyball player to sign with UOP is Misty Swails.
“I had six or offers but narrowed it down to UOP just because I really like the idea of being close to home and my family being able to come out and support me,” she said, adding that head coach Greg Gibbons and assistants Luke Pope and Jenna Heller also played a factor in her decision.
“I’m really antsy to go and play right now. “I’m really excited that I have this opportunity to compete at a high level with great coaches and great teammates. I can’t wait for June to come around when I can go and report to UOP.”
She plans to study biology or health and exercise science.
The Tigers are rebuilding with youth after posting winning records three consecutive years. This past fall, they went 8-16 overall and 2-11 in West Coast Conference play with a roster that included three sophomores and 11 freshmen. Among the freshman are Mantecan Bella Gutierrez (St. Mary’s) and red-shirt Mila Stojakovic, daughter of former Sacramento Kings player Peja Stojakovic.
Dorn hopes to be a four-year contributor at Pacific, much like she was for Ripon. The Tigers are getting an athletic 6-foot-1 setter/right-side hitter in Dorn, who has been ranked as the 13th-best overall player in California by Prep Dig. The online publication also tabbed her as the fourth best setter.
“It definitely helps my IQ with the game, because I now have a hitter’s perspective when I’m passing to them,” Dorn said. “It’s really helpful when setting knowing where to place the ball or when to run it. It’s just really good overall to have that understanding, really.”
Dorn enjoyed both team and individual success during her four-year run with Ripon, earning MVP honors last year in the Trans Valley League and Most Outstanding Player as a sophomore. She led the Indians in kills, digs and services aces the past two seasons.
Dorn was part of two Sac-Joaquin Section championship teams (2022, 24) and spearheaded a dominant three-year stretch in the competitive TVL under coach Greg Soliz.
“Being on varsity for four years, that’s such a big achievement,” Dorn said. “I couldn’t be happier with my teammates. They’re the most supportive, loving and funny group of girls, and having the ability to play with them for two or three years has been such a fun time, and I’m so sad to leave them.”
