CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel volleyball standout Sharlissa de Jesus has signed her first professional contract, signing with AO Markopoulou out of Greece. She becomes the first player in program history to sign a professional contract.
 
de Jesus, who graduated last May, ended her career in the top five in program history in seven different categories, including being an all-time leader in four categories. 
 
She closed out her career as The Citadel's all-time leader with 1,843 kills, kills per set (4.03), attempts (5,071) and sets played (486).
 
Overall, de Jesus is also tied for second with 182 service aces, third in digs (1,439) and fourth in digs per set (3.085). She is just the second player in program history to reach 30 kills in a single match. 
 
For her career, de Jesus recorded 69 double-doubles, including 17 as a senior. With 131 matches played, she successfully put away double-doubles for over half of her career matches. 
 
This season, de Jesus recorded 434 kills, the second-highest single-season total in program history. Her 4.43 kills per set average in 2021 give her each of the top three spots on the single-season list.
 
de Jesus is the first volleyball player in program history to be a five-time all-conference selection. The honors include the All-Freshman Team in 2017, All-SoCon Second Team in 2018 and 2019, and the program's first All-SoCon First Team in both 2020 and 2021. 
 
A three-time Preseason All-SoCon selection, de Jesus was tabbed as Player of the Week four times throughout her career, and Player of the Month twice. After tournament action this season, the conference also tagged her as Most Outstanding Player, making her the first Bulldog to bring home that honor. 
 
"I've had a number of players over the years go overseas to play professionally, but this is my first as a head coach," said head coach Dave Zelenock. "I am really proud of what Sharlissa has accomplished in her career here, and we are all excited to see what she can do in Greece. It will be a big adjustment for her to join a team already in season but she's a tough kid and The Citadel has prepared her to handle adversity."
 
de Jesus ended her final collegiate season by being named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) East Coast All-Region Honorable Mention team. She became the first player in program history to earn all-region recognition from the AVCA.