BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Amable Martinez has hit the ground running as the new head coach of LIU women's volleyball.

Martinez announced the signing of nine student-athletes for the 2023-24 academic year on Thursday.

They are incoming freshmen Bella Austin, Sibana González Acevedo, Krystal Salgado, Indira Benitez and Carla Santiago and transfers Camelia Melendez, Alasha Colon, Selina Koç and Cristal Paulino Rubel.

All the transfers arrive from former NEC rival St. Francis Brooklyn, which is disbanding its athletic program at the conclusion of this academic year.

Melendez, an outside hitter, was a first-team All-NEC selection this past season, while Colon, a libero, earned NEC Co-Rookie of the Year honors in 2021. Paulino Rubel, a middle and opposite side hitter, has competed with the Puerto Rican national team, including at the U20 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. And Koç, a setter, was a three-time NEC Rookie of the Week and finished third in the NEC in assists per set this past fall.

"I am excited about the incoming student-athletes," Martinez said. "The transfers bring valuable in-conference experience and proven success to add to an already talented roster of returning student-athletes. And the group of incoming freshmen is well-rounded.

"We addressed pretty much every position, giving us added depth for the upcoming season. I believe we will be well-balanced and can't wait to have them all together in August to begin working toward our goal."