Cowley volleyball signs Italian standout

The top-ranked Cowley College volleyball team has signed Laura Bonomi from Ceto, Italy, to begin her college career in the fall of 2023.

Bonomi, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter/opposite hitter, prepped at Liceo Camillo Golgi in Breno, Italy. She began playing volleyball for G.S Ceto-Nadro in 2010 at the age of six. She played for the club until 201,5 when she then began to play for CBL Pallavolo for eight years. During those eight years, Bonomi excelled in the program. In 2016 she was named Best Hitter and Eastern Tournament MVP.

In 2017, Bonomi was selected as one of the best players in Bergamo's province and participated in the "Trofeo delle province" to finish first place. In 2018, she led her team to the "Trofeo delle province" second-place finish while serving as team captain. Bonomi, for her efforts, was named MVP.

In 2019, she took part in the famous and high-level "Trofeo delle Regioni" for her Lombardy team, which finished third in Italy. Also, in 2019, her team won the regional championship and the promotion in series D.

In 2022, she changed clubs to play for Iseo Volley. Bonomi, from 2020-2022, played in the national championship of the B1 level and placed third each of those years.

"Laura is an exciting player who will add a dominant presence to our offense and defense with her powerful attack and all-around abilities," Cowley head coach Steven Gream said. "She is such an impact player who can elevate a match with those abilities and confident play. When we began recruiting her, we saw a very similar style of play to our former All-American Italian Rachele Tessari. She brings an aggressive and consistent attack, 'libero-like' defensive and passing skills, an aggressive serve, and a solid block. Laura has played at a high level in the excellent volleyball programs in Italy, and we look for her to bring that experience and grow in the college game. We are excited to have her as a part of our program at Cowley."

Bonomi is the daughter of Angelo Bonomi and Cristina Valgolio of Ceto, Italy.