Meet the Volleyball Newcomers: Caroline Dragani

Setter Caroline Dragani joins Marquette as a transfer from Portland State.

In her lone season with the Vikings, Dragani was the top-ranked freshman setter in the Big Sky Conference, but she was searching for something different.

"I really just wanted to challenge myself athletically and in the classroom," Dragani said. "The more and more I thought about it, I really just realized I wanted to be part of a more intense athletic program and academic experience."

Theis said testimonials from Dragani's former club coach and head coach at Portland State gave him plenty of reasons to want her on the roster.

"When Caroline popped up on the transfer portal, her club coach reached out and said she really wants to learn and is a hard-working kid," Theis said. "She likes learning, she's a sponge. She comes in for extra work at any opportunity, she's just a great kid."

Both of Dragani's parents attended MU, her mother Stephanie (Krumrei) playing basketball from 1991-93, and she grew up in Brookfield.

"I grew up a Marquette fan all my life, so that's really special," Dragani said.

For Dragani, time for practicing was inconsistent throughout COVID, so she is looking forward to simply getting back into the swing of things.

"I'm really excited to start the season," Dragani said. "Personally, I didn't really get to go to the gym during the fall, so I'm just really excited to be practicing."

Favorite professional team: Green Bay Packers or Chicago Cubs
Favorite sports memory: State volleyball playoffs in high school
Biggest motivation: Her Dad
Ideal job: "I want to own a little bakery, coffee shop or brunch place."
Favorite place in Milwaukee: Third Ward or Lakefront
Favorite food: Chocolate chip cookies
Favorite candy: Hershey bar
Favorite holiday: Christmas