MELICHARKOVA TO PLAY WITH GERMAN SQUAD OFFENBURG
8-2-10

Former Virginia Commonwealth University volleyball standout Lenka Melicharkova will continue her playing career after recently signing with Offenburg of Germany’s second division.

“Being here is a great compromise,” Melicharkova said via e-mail. “I get to continue playing volleyball and use the education I got at VCU. I can say I am more than happy right now and it is just a beginning. The team and the club are like a family, Offenburg is very, very nice and the volleyball is on a good level.”

Melicharkova, a native of Zlin, Czech Republic, spent two seasons in a Ram uniform after transferring from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. In 2009, Melicharkova enjoyed her finest collegiate season to lead VCU to 27 wins and a Colonial Athletic Association regular season title.

The 5-10 setter averaged 9.55 assists, 0.99 kills, 2.77 digs and 0.30 blocks per set and earned Third Team All-CAA recognition. Behind her direction, the Rams’ offense hit .211 and produced a league-high 11.67 kills per set. Her 1,308 assists last year are the third most by a Ram in a single season. Additionally, Melicharkova ranks sixth on the school’s career assist ladder.

The 24-year-old Melicharkova received her bachelor’s degree in business from VCU in May and decided to forgo her final season of collegiate eligibility.

Offenburg, which was 16-32 a year ago, begins its 2010 season in September.