MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's volleyball recently held a special press conference, welcoming a new member to their program. Brynne Knudsen, a Moraga-native, has joined the program on honorary basis.
 
The Gaels held a full "signing day" ceremony for Knudsen, with the team, coaching staff, and others from around campus in attendance. During the press conference, head coach Rob Browning gave his opening remarks before the formal announcement was made, introducing Knudsen to the team.
 
Knudsen is a local girl who lives in Moraga and has been close to the Gaels program for years. The connection runs deep, as she is related to former Gael, Sarah Chase. The two are cousins, which means that she's been coming to games at University Credit Union Pavilion for a while.
 
"Saint Mary's volleyball stands for a lot of things, and some of those important things, we recognize in you," coach Browning mentioned to Knudsen. "You will be such a wonderful addition to the team."
 
The grin on Knudsen's face was ear-to-ear as she received Saint Mary's volleyball gear, signed the contract, and posed for pictures with the team. Part of that smile came from the realization that, like coach Browning, Knudsen also writes left-handed.
 
She was asked by one media member in attendance what she was most excited for when it came to joining the team. Her answer did not disappoint.
 
"Cheering and pumping up the fans," Knudsen said. "Giving a good 'Let's go, Gaels!' and being part of the team culture." Knudsen said all of this while grinning and clapping her hands, demonstrating first-hand how she is going to inject great energy onto the team.
 
Following pictures and the presentation of her No. 9 jersey, Knudsen led her first chant as an honorary Gael. The team huddled around Knudsen, with their arms up, and she let out a strong "one, two, three, GO GAELS!"
 
"Brynne brings so many wonderful traits to our team. Her positive attitude, infectious energy and overall sunny disposition make our team better," said coach Browning after the press conference. "A personal trait that Brynne embodies, and that we value tremendously, is her growth mindset. She is naturally curious and inquisitive, and that's something we strive to emulate."

Her impact is felt by everyone on the team, including senior setter Ella Sandt, who sees the impact that she has on the team.
 
"Brynne has been an amazing Gael volleyball fan for so long, and now we are lucky enough to officially have her on our team," Sandt mentioned. "Brynne brings so much positivity and joy to our team and we are so excited for this season with her!"
 
Saint Mary's Volleyball has been making an impact in the community in major ways, specifically in the last few years. They've done work with Starlings Volleyball in Oakland, helping teach volleyball to at-risk, disadvantaged youth. SMCVB has shed light on human trafficking through their LIGHT: Gaels Against Human Trafficking club, which helped them win the #WCCRepresentAward in 2021.
 
The 2023 season begins on August 25-26 as the Gaels open the year at Weber State for the Wildcat Invitational. Saint Mary's will face Manhattan College, Utah Tech, and Weber State over the opening weekend. The home opener is scheduled for when team returns, as they face Southern Utah on September 1 at 7:00 pm inside University Credit Union.