VB | Gaels Volleyball Welcomes Three New Faces on National Signing Day
11/14/2024 12:04:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MORAGA, Calif. — The 2024 Saint Mary's Volleyball campaign is winding down, but there fans are already being offered a glimpse into the future, as Coach Rob Browning has added three new Gaels for the 2025 season today, on National Signing Day.
"The SMCVB class of 2025 is strong." exclaimed Coach Browning, "Layne, Miley, and Candela are elite athletes with a bright future. They are joining a good team of experienced veterans and a bunch of talented young players. These three will have a positive impact right away. We have a great history of recruiting talented athletes, serious students, and outstanding people who represent Saint Mary's College exceptionally well. This class continues that tradition!"
Layne Dent, 6-2, Outside Hitter, Cascade Christian (WA) HS
Standing at 6-2, Layne Dent is an imposing outside hitter out of Eatonville, Washington, just southeast of Seattle. Dent has put up prolific numbers in her three year varsity career at Cascade Christian High School, tallying 1318 kills (and counting) and has been honored as a first-team all-area athlete. Her team has not lost a conference matchup in two years, and is just starting their playoff run later this week. About Dent, Coach Browning noted, "Layne is a gifted outside hitter who can dominate at the net. She is an all-around player who is going to work very hard to help us compete for a WCC championship."
Candela Ruano Fiuza, 5-9, Setter, Cherry Creek (CO) HS
A three year starter at setter for Colorado powerhouse Cherry Creek, Candela Ruano Fiuza will look to continue the tradition of great setters to come through the Saint Mary's program. With over 1200 assists and nearly 600 digs and nearly 160 service aces over the past three seasons at Cherry Creek, Ruano Fiuza brings all the skills top volleyball coaches look for in a setter. As a sophomore, her 78 service aces set the single season record at Cherry Creek. Originally hailing from Pontevedra, Spain, Ruano Fiuza is a two-time all-league honoree and has led her team to two league titles and three regional championships. About Ruano Fiuza, Coach Browning noted, "Candela is an elite setter with successful international experience on Spain's national teams. She is a strong leader who knows how to run a potent offense and get the most out of her teammates."
Miley Thunstrom, 6-1, OH, Murrieta Valley (CA) HS
Rounding out the group is SoCal product Miley Thunstrom out of Murrieta, east of Los Angeles. Thunstrom is coming off of an incredible 29 wins season with Murrieta Valley High School this year, winning the CIF Southern Section Division II Title. She is a three time all-conference honoree and was named All-Riverside County this past season. About Thunstrom, Coach Browning noted, "Miley has had a fabulous prep career. She is currently leading her high school team very successfully in the CIF playoffs. Miley's skill level and toughness make her a difference maker on the court."
This group will be in action in late August of next year, so Gaels fans, get your popcorn ready, as this class looks to be a fun one to watch.
#GaelsRise
"The SMCVB class of 2025 is strong." exclaimed Coach Browning, "Layne, Miley, and Candela are elite athletes with a bright future. They are joining a good team of experienced veterans and a bunch of talented young players. These three will have a positive impact right away. We have a great history of recruiting talented athletes, serious students, and outstanding people who represent Saint Mary's College exceptionally well. This class continues that tradition!"
Layne Dent, 6-2, Outside Hitter, Cascade Christian (WA) HS
Standing at 6-2, Layne Dent is an imposing outside hitter out of Eatonville, Washington, just southeast of Seattle. Dent has put up prolific numbers in her three year varsity career at Cascade Christian High School, tallying 1318 kills (and counting) and has been honored as a first-team all-area athlete. Her team has not lost a conference matchup in two years, and is just starting their playoff run later this week. About Dent, Coach Browning noted, "Layne is a gifted outside hitter who can dominate at the net. She is an all-around player who is going to work very hard to help us compete for a WCC championship."
Candela Ruano Fiuza, 5-9, Setter, Cherry Creek (CO) HS
A three year starter at setter for Colorado powerhouse Cherry Creek, Candela Ruano Fiuza will look to continue the tradition of great setters to come through the Saint Mary's program. With over 1200 assists and nearly 600 digs and nearly 160 service aces over the past three seasons at Cherry Creek, Ruano Fiuza brings all the skills top volleyball coaches look for in a setter. As a sophomore, her 78 service aces set the single season record at Cherry Creek. Originally hailing from Pontevedra, Spain, Ruano Fiuza is a two-time all-league honoree and has led her team to two league titles and three regional championships. About Ruano Fiuza, Coach Browning noted, "Candela is an elite setter with successful international experience on Spain's national teams. She is a strong leader who knows how to run a potent offense and get the most out of her teammates."
Miley Thunstrom, 6-1, OH, Murrieta Valley (CA) HS
Rounding out the group is SoCal product Miley Thunstrom out of Murrieta, east of Los Angeles. Thunstrom is coming off of an incredible 29 wins season with Murrieta Valley High School this year, winning the CIF Southern Section Division II Title. She is a three time all-conference honoree and was named All-Riverside County this past season. About Thunstrom, Coach Browning noted, "Miley has had a fabulous prep career. She is currently leading her high school team very successfully in the CIF playoffs. Miley's skill level and toughness make her a difference maker on the court."
This group will be in action in late August of next year, so Gaels fans, get your popcorn ready, as this class looks to be a fun one to watch.
#GaelsRise
VB | Tyler Hildebrand Season Wrap Up Press Conference, 12-2-25
Tuesday, December 02
VB | Highlights at Pepperdine, 11-29-25
Saturday, November 29
VB | Highlights at LMU, 11-26-25
Wednesday, November 26
VB | Tyler Hildebrand Postgame Presser vs. Washington State 2025
Saturday, November 22
