UPJ-bound Boland set standard at BG for libero position

Kira Boland established the standards of the libero position in girls’ volleyball at Bishop Guilfoyle.

A libero is a defensive specialist who can sub for any player in the back zone without a charged substitution. The libero wears a different colored uniform shirt and is a relatively new position in high school volleyball.

“We will be comparing future liberos at BG to Kira for a long time,” said Guilfoyle head coach Bob Kasun. “Kira’s passing and defense set us apart from other teams.”

Boland, who is only 5-foot-3, will graduate as Guilfoyle’s career leader in digs with 1,121.

She recently signed a national letter of intent to play Division II volleyball at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where she will major in respiratory therapy for two years then health professions.

“I liked the atmosphere at UPJ and felt at home there,” said Boland, who was a two-time District 6 class A all-star and Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference all-star.

Boland shared team MVP honors with fellow senior Brittany Shank, who will be playing volleyball next year for Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Boland played USA Volleyball club for Swashbucklers Volleyball Club and was a participant in the first-ever Cherrie Snyder Memorial All-Star match sponsored by the Keystone Chapter of Volleyball Officials.

“Kira made a great choice in UPJ,” Kasun said. “She found the academic program she wanted along with a volleyball program where she can have an impact for the next four years. She’s battle tested and ready to contribute.”