From left to right: Clarissa Klein, Genevieve Bane, Megan Chandler, Kristen Erland
VB | Saint Mary's Inks Four For 2021
11/20/2020 10:45:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
MORAGA, Calif. — The Saint Mary's volleyball team will bring in four Gaels for the 2021 season, as Genevieve Bane, Megan Chandler, Kristen Erland and Clarissa Klein each signed their letters of intent on November 11th.
"We couldn't be happier about the incoming 2021 class. We are confident that they will contribute to the strength of our program in every way--on the court, in the classroom, and to the character of our team," said head coach Rob Browning. "We work hard to create a team culture that can withstand anything and create opportunities for long-lasting success, and we feel good about the future of our team with Genevieve, Megan, Kristen and Clarissa on board."
Genevieve Bane is no stranger to Saint Mary's, growing up in Danville and playing for NorCal Volleyball Club. Earning four varsity letters at California High School, the six-foot middle blocker led her team and the East Bay League in hitting percentage as a sophomore. Bane was also dominant on defense, finishing third in the league with 68 total blocks. In 2019, she was named to the league honorable mention team and looks to continue her success as she awaits her senior season.
"Genevieve is coming into the program with a strong concept of our system and style of play. Her quickness and length will bring additional firepower to the middle and right side, we are excited to see how she will continue to develop as a Gael."
Megan Chandler will join the Gaels from Syracuse, Utah, graduating from Syracuse High School this coming spring. Chandler, a 5'10" outside hitter, has led her high school team throughout her four years and recently just finished a solid run into the state playoffs. She has garnered multiple awards throughout her career, including being named to the All-Region as a freshman, sophomore and junior. During her four years she has accumulated 935 kills, 959 digs, 181 aces and 59 blocks (and still counting). In addition, Chandler will also bring experience to the beach team, as she took home the championship this summer in the 7th Annual Utah Beach State Championships.
"Megan is an all-around volleyball player who will help us on the indoor court and on the sand. Her grit and determination will be great assets to our team culture and we look forward to watching her compete at the pin."
Kristen Erland will bring additional size and strength into the middle for the Gaels. The Southern California native calls El Segundo home, and has accumulated five varsity letters (three in indoor and two in beach volleyball) at Notre Dame Academy. Erland is preparing for her senior season, with a winter start date, after being named First Team All-League as a sophomore and junior. During those two seasons Erland tabbed impressive .364 and .386 hitting percentages, respectively. Named to the AVCA All-American watchlist, Erland and the Regal Gryphons look to repeat as Sunshine League Champions in their upcoming season.
"We were immediately impressed with Kristen's desire to learn and grow. She can hit a heavy ball at both the middle and right side, bringing another powerful offensive option to our lineup."
Clarissa Klein rounds out the 2021 class, bringing more depth into the outside hitter position. Kelin, a soon-to-be graduate of Wilsonville High School is from Sherwood, Ore. and plays for the same club team as current Gael, Selbie Christensen. In 2019, Klein led her high school team with .379 hitting percentage and was second in the state with a .332 clip. For her junior year efforts she was named the Co-MVP of the OSAA 5A Championship. Klein is now gearing up for her senior season, with matches being postponed until the spring semester.
"Clarissa is a dynamic player that has continued to improve throughout her club career. Her work ethic on the court and in the classroom is something that we value greatly, and we are thrilled to welcome her into the SMCVB family."
"We couldn't be happier about the incoming 2021 class. We are confident that they will contribute to the strength of our program in every way--on the court, in the classroom, and to the character of our team," said head coach Rob Browning. "We work hard to create a team culture that can withstand anything and create opportunities for long-lasting success, and we feel good about the future of our team with Genevieve, Megan, Kristen and Clarissa on board."
Genevieve Bane is no stranger to Saint Mary's, growing up in Danville and playing for NorCal Volleyball Club. Earning four varsity letters at California High School, the six-foot middle blocker led her team and the East Bay League in hitting percentage as a sophomore. Bane was also dominant on defense, finishing third in the league with 68 total blocks. In 2019, she was named to the league honorable mention team and looks to continue her success as she awaits her senior season.
"Genevieve is coming into the program with a strong concept of our system and style of play. Her quickness and length will bring additional firepower to the middle and right side, we are excited to see how she will continue to develop as a Gael."
Megan Chandler will join the Gaels from Syracuse, Utah, graduating from Syracuse High School this coming spring. Chandler, a 5'10" outside hitter, has led her high school team throughout her four years and recently just finished a solid run into the state playoffs. She has garnered multiple awards throughout her career, including being named to the All-Region as a freshman, sophomore and junior. During her four years she has accumulated 935 kills, 959 digs, 181 aces and 59 blocks (and still counting). In addition, Chandler will also bring experience to the beach team, as she took home the championship this summer in the 7th Annual Utah Beach State Championships.
"Megan is an all-around volleyball player who will help us on the indoor court and on the sand. Her grit and determination will be great assets to our team culture and we look forward to watching her compete at the pin."
Kristen Erland will bring additional size and strength into the middle for the Gaels. The Southern California native calls El Segundo home, and has accumulated five varsity letters (three in indoor and two in beach volleyball) at Notre Dame Academy. Erland is preparing for her senior season, with a winter start date, after being named First Team All-League as a sophomore and junior. During those two seasons Erland tabbed impressive .364 and .386 hitting percentages, respectively. Named to the AVCA All-American watchlist, Erland and the Regal Gryphons look to repeat as Sunshine League Champions in their upcoming season.
"We were immediately impressed with Kristen's desire to learn and grow. She can hit a heavy ball at both the middle and right side, bringing another powerful offensive option to our lineup."
Clarissa Klein rounds out the 2021 class, bringing more depth into the outside hitter position. Kelin, a soon-to-be graduate of Wilsonville High School is from Sherwood, Ore. and plays for the same club team as current Gael, Selbie Christensen. In 2019, Klein led her high school team with .379 hitting percentage and was second in the state with a .332 clip. For her junior year efforts she was named the Co-MVP of the OSAA 5A Championship. Klein is now gearing up for her senior season, with matches being postponed until the spring semester.
"Clarissa is a dynamic player that has continued to improve throughout her club career. Her work ethic on the court and in the classroom is something that we value greatly, and we are thrilled to welcome her into the SMCVB family."
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