Lorena Maia begins her first season as a Lander graduate assistant coach after a successful playing career at nearby Newberry College. While at Lander she will be pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing.

A native of Brazil, Lorena earned a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in chemistry earlier this spring at Newberry.

A four-year starter as an outside hitter/middle blocker for Newberry, Maia received her team's Freshman of the Year Award and finished her career as Newberry's all-time leader in kills and aces.