MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's Beach Volleyball is excited to announce the addition of two local athletes, Laura Studebaker and Allie Cataldo. After losing four seniors following the 2021 spring season, Studebaker and Cataldo will without a doubt strengthen the beach roster this spring. 

Studebaker knows Saint Mary's well, as the Campolindo graduate already calls Moraga home. Studebaker played for both the indoor and beach team at Campolindo, leading the Cougars from the setting position to three league championships. Studebaker and the Cougars also accumulated many other accolades, including winning the NorCal Division, Cal High Tournament and competing in the Division I State Finals. The Moraga native has played both indoor and beach club volleyball throughout her career, most recently representing Kleos Beach Volleyball. 
 
When asked about her choice to attend SMC, Studebaker said, "I couldn't be happier with my choice, I love the community and atmosphere here and especially the coaching staff and players. I love Moraga and I am super excited for the next 4 years."

"Laura is a baller. Not sure how to better describe her as a player," explains head coach Rob Browning. "She is skilled, well-rounded, and has the mojo to make everyone around her better. Laura choosing to stay close to home and become a Gael is huge for us."

Allie Cataldo is also no stranger to the Bay Area, as she joins the Gaels from Clayton. The 5'9" outside hitter was a three year varsity starter at Clayton Valley Charter High School, while also earning two letters in track. During her shortened senior season (COVID-19 pandemic), Cataldo played a crucial role for the Eagles, leading the team to a 2021 Diablo Valley League championship.

Cataldo plans to major in Allied Health Science and would like to continue her education and become a physician's assistant, with a specialization in geriatrics/neurology. She chose Saint Mary's because, "of the great education offered and the opportunity to continue my volleyball career at the D1 level."

"Allie is pretty phenomenal," Browning said. "One of the cornerstones of our core values is Be Proactive and Allie is all that and more. Nothing will keep her from successfully pursuing greatness. She will find a way. Her athleticism and skill, combined with all the intangibles she brings, makes our team better from day one.

"Laura and Allie are golden. We feel so fortunate to add them to our beach squad. They both personify so many of the values and character traits that make SMCVB special. We love getting local talent on our team and we could not have found two better additions than Allie and Laura. I feel like we hit the jackpot adding them to our beach roster so late in the recruiting process."

The Saint Mary's beach team has not wasted any time getting back to work, continuing to practice as the fall semester rolls on. Beach season will not begin until the spring semester, with competitions starting in February. The indoor team will wrap up its season in three weeks.

#GaelsRise