MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's volleyball continues to add to their 2023 roster, announcing the addition of three new student-athletes for the upcoming season. Natalie Peete, Olivia Wright, and Serena Aarniokoski are all set to join the Gaels in the fall, adding a great mix of attacking and defense to the Gaels.
 
"We are excited about the addition of Natalie, Olivia, and Serena to our 2023 roster," said head coach Rob Browning. "These are three distinct athletes, each bringing unique skill sets and strengths to our team."
 
Natalie Peete stays in the Bay Area, hailing from San Ramon and actively attending California High School, where she will graduate this year. She's been a four-year starter on the varsity squad, and has twice been named to the All-EBAL team, including as a freshman. Playing primarily as a libero and defensive specialist, but also dabbling as an outside hitter, the 5'6" Peete accumulated nearly 1,100 digs and over 130 aces across three seasons (sophomore year wiped out due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Peete is also great in the classroom, where she was a four-year scholar-athlete.

From Coach Browning: "Natalie can play the whole game. She's been a setter, libero, and attacker, and she is an accomplished beach player. Natalie understands the game and has the skills to execute at a very high level."
 
Olivia Wright has been dominating in Paso Robles for some time, spending her days playing for Paso Robles High School where she will graduate this year. Like Peete, she's been a four-year varsity starter, and got the attention of the league at a very young age, being named Second Team All-League in 2019 as a freshman. She's followed that up with First Team honors in the years since, all while continuing her studies. She plans on being a double-major at Saint Mary's, and also received looks from Cal Poly before choosing to come north to Saint Mary's.

From Coach Browning: "Oliva is a uniquely explosive athlete. She's got serious hops and a fast arm which makes her a threat at the net, and the competitor in her creates an advantage for her and her team."
 
Serena Aarniokoski rounds out this crop of recruits, a versatile player who stands at 6'0" and comes from Pacific Palisades in Southern California. She'll be graduating Brentwood School later this year and rounds out her high school career with a stellar season. She did just about everything across 18 matches, racking up over 200 kills, 133 digs, and 27 aces. Aarniokoski also has club experience in both indoor and beach, and staying on the West Coast played a role in her decision to head to Saint Mary's.

From Coach Browning: "Serena is also an all-around skilled player, having played multiple positions for her various teams. Her enthusiasm and the high standard she sets with her work ethic raises the level of all around her."

"While their positions and skills are unique to each athlete, one thing all three of them share in common is the quality of people they are," coach Browning continued. "We are proud to count Natalie, Olivia, and Serena among our SMCVB family. They each possess the traits, values, and integrity that SMCVB is known for and we are thrilled to call them Gaels."