Lasell Mourns the Loss of Alysha Rentas

NEWTON, Mass. – The Lasell University athletic department and community is mourning the passing of student-athlete Alysha Rentas, a member of the women's volleyball team. Alysha passed away in an automobile accident on Tuesday, August 3, near her family home in Athol, Massachusetts.

Alysha, a transfer student from Mount Ida College, was a three-year member of the women's volleyball team who competed in 44 matches. A libero/defensive specialist, she recorded 173 digs along with 22 assists.

"The news of Alysha's passing has been devastating, but the outpouring of support for her teammates and coaches shows how much she was loved in the community," said Kristy Walter, director of athletics. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Alysha's family and friends."

Lasell President Michael B. Alexander notified the community with the following email on Friday, August 6.

Dear Lasell community,

I am writing to share sad news about a much-loved member of the Lasell community. Alysha Rentas, class of 2022, died this past Tuesday following a tragic car accident near her family home in Athol, Massachusetts.

Alysha was a rising senior who came to Lasell to study Applied Forensic Science. A graduate of Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School in Orange, Alysha was a member of Lasell's varsity women's volleyball team. Alysha took pride in mentoring high school students from districts with limited access to Advanced Placement course work, and she helped guide these promising students in college-level studies and career exploration.

Coach Jeff Vautrin described Alysha as special: "She was a hard-working athlete, a motivated professional, a loyal friend, and overall a pleasure to have known. We will miss her positive attitude, fun loving personality, and contagious smile every day."

I know you join me in offering heartfelt condolences to Alysha's family, her friends, classmates, and teammates, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

A celebration of Alysha's life will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 2:00 pm at the Murphy J. Edward Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, in Orange. Calling hours begin at 1:00pm.

I want to stress that any students struggling to process this tremendous loss can reach out directly to Sharon Harrington-Hope, Director of Lasell's Counseling Center, at sharrington-hope@lasell.edu.

Sincerely,

Michael B. Alexander

President