MARQUETTE, Mich. —Northern Michigan University freshman soccer player Arianna Alioto, 18, of Columbia, Mo., has been identified as the person who drowned Friday evening (Nov. 30) in the Physical Education Instructional Facility Pool of the NMU Sports Complex.

The cause of the drowning is still under investigation. The incident appears to have happened as the soccer team was concluding a workout in the pool.

“Arianna was not only a good soccer player, but a wonderful young woman. We felt honored that she chose to play at Northern Michigan University,” said Coach Matt Granstrand. “Our team and our extended team family are in extreme pain. It’s hard to grasp that Arianna was with us one moment and gone the next. It just doesn’t seem real. Her death is devastating.”

Alioto redshirted the 2012 season, but was expected to challenge for a forward or midfield position for the Wildcat offense next year.

“Arianna will be remembered for her kindness and sincerity, as well as her quick smile and upbeat attitude, which were contagious and motivating. We will be grieving for her loss for a long time,” said Granstrand.

NMU President David Haynes added, “It’s difficult to express the emotions that take place when a university family suffers the loss of a student. Not only is the soccer team and athletic department in shock, but so too are Arianna’s fellow students, professors and the staff she regularly interacted with. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Alioto family at this time.”

-30-