University of Houston Athletics
Noemi Despaigne Joins Houston Volleyball
1/5/2026 2:30:00 PM | Volleyball
Outside hitter arrives in H-Town with three seasons of eligibility remaining
HOUSTON – Noemi Despaigne, a sophomore outside hitter who shined in her debut season at Georgia Tech, has signed with Houston Volleyball, Head Coach David Rehr announced on Monday.
Despaigne spent her freshman season with the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta after growing up in Ivrea, Italy. She joins a loaded transfer class for Houston, arriving with five other new Cougars. Rehr has signed three outside hitters, a setter, a middle blocker and a defensive specialist during the transfer window.
"I believe with the addition of Noemi to our transfer class, we have greatly improved Houston Volleyball for the 2026 season," Rehr said. "Noemi brings another proven scorer at the P4 level with high level international experience to the Cougars."
Despaigne played in 26 matches for Georgia Tech in her freshman campaign, starting in 22. She tallied 232 kills on the year, averaging 2.70 per set with a .425 kill percentage, while also adding 111 digs and 61 blocks. Finishing third on the team in kills, she posted 20-kill matches twice during the year, including against No. 9 Louisville where she hit .326.
The Italian played several seasons with Club Italia, Enercom Fimi Crema and Azimut Giorgione before arriving in the United States. At the 2023 European Youth Olympic Festival, she finished as the third best scorer and the leader of Team Italy, averaging 4.15 points per set while leading the tournament with 17 aces.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Volleyball by providing NIL opportunities or by joining the Point Houston Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Volleyball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarVB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarVB. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarVB.
Despaigne spent her freshman season with the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta after growing up in Ivrea, Italy. She joins a loaded transfer class for Houston, arriving with five other new Cougars. Rehr has signed three outside hitters, a setter, a middle blocker and a defensive specialist during the transfer window.
"I believe with the addition of Noemi to our transfer class, we have greatly improved Houston Volleyball for the 2026 season," Rehr said. "Noemi brings another proven scorer at the P4 level with high level international experience to the Cougars."
Despaigne played in 26 matches for Georgia Tech in her freshman campaign, starting in 22. She tallied 232 kills on the year, averaging 2.70 per set with a .425 kill percentage, while also adding 111 digs and 61 blocks. Finishing third on the team in kills, she posted 20-kill matches twice during the year, including against No. 9 Louisville where she hit .326.
The Italian played several seasons with Club Italia, Enercom Fimi Crema and Azimut Giorgione before arriving in the United States. At the 2023 European Youth Olympic Festival, she finished as the third best scorer and the leader of Team Italy, averaging 4.15 points per set while leading the tournament with 17 aces.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Volleyball by providing NIL opportunities or by joining the Point Houston Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Volleyball for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarVB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarVB. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarVB.
– UHCougars.com –
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