JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - University of Missouri graduate transfer Dariana Hollingsworth-Santana signed with UNF volleyball and beach volleyball, fortifying both squads as they come off of record years this past spring.

Hollingsworth-Santana is a 6'2" outside hitter and right side from San Juan, P.R., touting considerable experience playing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) at Mizzou.

"I believe one of the best all-round players from the SEC joined our family," said Director of Volleyball Kristen Wright. "From the first day I talked to Dariana I knew she would thrive in our culture as she possessed what we need to propel our program to a historical level."

The graduate student didn't just letter at Missouri, but she garnered significant time and numbers. In her first collegiate season she appeared in 33 matches, tallying 30 starts en route to over 200 kills. She turned in an 11-kill and 19-dig double-double in Missouri's NCAA first round win against No. 19 Kansas.

She carried that success into her sophomore season, earning All-SEC honors thanks to 297 kills, a .251 hitting percentage, 264 digs and 91 blocks. The Puerto Rico, native, Hollingsworth-Santana made the most of her homecoming during that season, earning 2018 Puerto Rico Invitational All-Tournament Team recognition.

Hollingsworth-Santana rose to the occasion again as a junior, starting 29 of 30 matches while posting .347 hitting, 165 kills and 111 digs in SEC play.

As a senior she helped the Tigers go 16-8 during the fall to spring season, aiding Mizzou's NCAA Tournament run which included a first round win against South Dakota.

"Dariana is a gifted six-rotation athlete that has the capacity to be one of the best players in the ASUN," Wright said. "She and our staff already have a solid connection, and that's important with such a quick turnaround as she transitions to our program. Dariana has driven her team to an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, something her and I as a player share in common. We are elated to have such a physical and driven player joining us on the beach side as well. We're getting the right people in at the right time, and that's it takes to hit the goals we have."

Other Achievements

• Team captain for the U20 Puerto Rican National Team at the 2017 NORCECA U20 Pan-American Cup
• Helped Puerto Rico to a fourth-place finish at the Pan-Am Cup
• Earned 2016 NORCECA Championship "Best Scorer" honors
• Competed with the U18 Puerto Rican National Team at the 2015 NORCECA Championship
• Earned national competition experience with the U18 Puerto Rican National Team at the 2015 Pan-American Cup

Why UNF?
"I chose UNF because there was an immediate connection with the coaching staff," Hollingsworth-Santana said. "I'm blessed to have a unique opportunity with this extra year and I wanted to find a home where I would be challenged physically and mentally, while competing at a high level. I was hooked by the contagious drive of this team and staff! I can't wait to come in and make history with them."

Other Info

• Biggest Inspiration: My biggest inspiration is Jesus. To know Him and to have a relationship with Him is what makes me who I am
• Favorite Animal: My favorite animals are pandas and sharks
• Family: Mother, Deborah Hollingsworth-Santana; Father, Juan Hollingsworth; Siblings, Valerian and Denzel
• Major: Health Science, leadership and policy