Photo by: SMC Athletics / Piper Westrom
VB | Saint Mary’s to Welcome Seven New Student Athletes for 2024
2/23/2024 1:15:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MORAGA, Calif. — Coming off of their best finish in five seasons, Saint Mary's Volleyball is getting primed and ready to continue their upward trajectory in 2024. After the departure of a sizable senior class, the Gaels are excited to welcome seven new student-athletes to Moraga. Each one of these student-athletes will add solid depth at their position, and should each compete for playing time in their first year with the program.
Katherine Gee, 5-3, DS/L, Feather River College (CA)
One of the top junior college defensive specialists in the state, Katherine Gee makes her way to Moraga from Feather River College in Quincy, CA. Gee is coming off of an incredible season in which she tallied 658 digs in 34 matches, ranking her second in the state in total digs and fourth in digs per set. Gee spent two seasons at Feather River, where she was teammates with current Gael Hannah Taylor as a freshman. Feather River enjoyed great success during Gee's time, amassing a 63-7-1 record and back-to-back trips to the CCCAA Title Match, winning the whole thing in 2022. She was named the Golden Valley Conference MVP this past season, as well as a second team All-American.
"I chose Saint Mary's due to the volleyball program, size of school and academics. I know I will receive a thorough, well-rounded education in an environment I can learn best in while playing volleyball at a high level."
Anna Hanson, 5-11, OPP, Justin Siena (CA) HS
Hailing from nearby Sonoma, California, Anna Hanson will make her way to Saint Mary's from Justin Siena High School. Hanson is coming off of a 301 kill, 195 dig senior campaign that saw her team win the Vine Valley League and make it to both the CIF NCS Division IV Tournament and the CIF Division IV State Tournament. Anna was named the 2023 Vine Valley League MVP, after earning all-league and all-county honors in each of her four prep seasons. No stranger to Saint Mary's, Anna has over 20 relatives who have graduated from SMC.
"Saint Mary's feels like home. From the minute you drive onto campus towards the chapel, you feel the familiarity and that you belong here. You are part of a big family. I like how competitive the team is. I also love how the coaches don't just develop the player, but also the person!"
Evelyn Hendrix, 6-2, MB, Whitney (CA) HS
A three year varsity standout, Hendrix surpassed 100 kills and 60 blocks in each of her seasons for the Wildcats, totalling 577 kills and 233 blocks in that span. In her first two full varsity seasons, Hendrix led her conference in total blocks, while leading the conference in hitting percentage as a senior. As a junior, Hendrix was part of the Whitney High School team that won the 2022 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section DII Title, and made it to the second round of the 2022 CIF Division I State Tournament. As a sophomore, her team reached the second round of the 2021 CIF Division III State Tournament. Hendrix was a three-time All-Sierra Foothill League selectee, earning second team honors as a sophomore and first team honors as a junior and senior.
"When I was little, I always imagined myself going to a beautiful, picturesque little school surrounded by woods. Saint Mary's is that place! I immediately fell in love with the small-town feel of the school, and lovely scenery. With chemistry as my major, the smaller class sizes and personalized academic support should make graduating to a Masters program more attainable. The team and coaches made me feel welcome and included. I'm so excited to be spending my next four years here!"
Kaliko Kealoha, 6-0, OH/OPP, Hilo (HI) HS
Coming to Saint Mary's with a proven track record of winning, Kaliko Kealoha will make her way to Moraga from Hilo High School on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kaliko is coming off back-to-back trips to the Hawaii State Tournament. This past season, Kaliko was the featured piece of her team's offensive attack, leading the Vikings in kills. Kaliko has the ability to contribute as an attacker and blocker in any of the front-row positions, and will continue to develop herself as a back-row player.
"Saint Mary's offers a fantastic volleyball program with great team chemistry, and coaches who are welcoming and supportive of each and every player. Saint Marys is also an academically driven school, which I found to be a perfect fit for me, knowing that I am both driven on and off the court. Overall, I fell in love with the school, team and environment."
Mia Paulson, 6-1, S/Opp, Santa Monica College (CA)
Mia Paulson will make her way to Moraga from Santa Monica College. The gifted player spent the past two seasons at Santa Monica after prepping at Truckee High School, where she won a Nevada state title and earned all-state honors in her senior season. While at Santa Monica, Mia tallied over 900 assists in her two seasons, leading the Corsairs to the Western State Conference South Division Title and earning Conference MVP in the process this past season. Mia has the potential to contribute at various positions with her setting and attacking experience.
"I chose Saint Mary's because I want to continue my volleyball career at an amazing program with coaches and teammates that are a tight-knit community that fosters both personal and athletic growth. The school's commitment to teamwork and excellence aligns with my passion for the sport and desire to contribute to a winning and supportive environment. I'm extremely excited coming from a community college for this next step as a Gael!"
Tessa Schouten, 6-2, MB, Davis Senior (CA) HS
Coming to Moraga from Davis, California, just outside of Sacramento, is middle blocker Tessa Schouten. After getting called up to the varsity squad in her sophomore year for postseason play, Schouten became a staple at the net for the Blue Devils. In two full seasons, the towering Schouten tallied 321 kills and 151 blocks, leading her team to back-to-back CIF Sac-Joaquin DI playoff berths. A two sport athlete, Tessa also starred for the Davis High School basketball team for four seasons.
"I chose Saint Mary's because of the inclusive and family feel of the campus and people! With the beautiful campus, small class sizes and the ability to continue my sport in a very welcoming community, my decision to attend Saint Mary's has been quite easy!! I'm super excited for what the next four years will bring and can't wait to start this new journey!! Go Gaels!!"
Gracie Vohs, 6-0, OH, Sisters (OR) HS
A swiss army knife, Gracie Vohs comes south to Moraga from Sisters, Oregon. Vohs boasts an ability to play either outside hitter or opposite, as the Gaels would love to build depth at either position. Vohs is most recently coming off of an OSAA 3A State Title, after taking home third place in the same tournament a year prior, and second place in the OSAA 4A State Tournament in her sophomore season. In this past year's state title match, Vohs tallied 20 kills and 18 digs en route to earning MVP honors. She was named the 2022 OSAA 3A Player of the Year as a junior.
"I chose Saint Mary's because I loved the family feel of the coaching staff and the team. I immediately felt like I was a part of the program from the moment I stepped on campus. Saint Mary's offers a great experience not only for the major I'm interested in but to continue to better me as a player and as a person. I'm extremely excited and thankful to be opening this next chapter of my life as a Gael!"
Coach Browning
"This is one of the biggest recruiting classes we have ever had, and it is strong! These young women are skilled, driven, and disciplined student-athletes. Each of them brings unique skill sets, personal qualities, and wonderful personalities to our team. We are excited to have them all together in August to join us in our pursuit of greatness. Welcome to all of these Gaels and to their families."
#GaelsRise
Katherine Gee, 5-3, DS/L, Feather River College (CA)
One of the top junior college defensive specialists in the state, Katherine Gee makes her way to Moraga from Feather River College in Quincy, CA. Gee is coming off of an incredible season in which she tallied 658 digs in 34 matches, ranking her second in the state in total digs and fourth in digs per set. Gee spent two seasons at Feather River, where she was teammates with current Gael Hannah Taylor as a freshman. Feather River enjoyed great success during Gee's time, amassing a 63-7-1 record and back-to-back trips to the CCCAA Title Match, winning the whole thing in 2022. She was named the Golden Valley Conference MVP this past season, as well as a second team All-American.
"I chose Saint Mary's due to the volleyball program, size of school and academics. I know I will receive a thorough, well-rounded education in an environment I can learn best in while playing volleyball at a high level."
Anna Hanson, 5-11, OPP, Justin Siena (CA) HS
Hailing from nearby Sonoma, California, Anna Hanson will make her way to Saint Mary's from Justin Siena High School. Hanson is coming off of a 301 kill, 195 dig senior campaign that saw her team win the Vine Valley League and make it to both the CIF NCS Division IV Tournament and the CIF Division IV State Tournament. Anna was named the 2023 Vine Valley League MVP, after earning all-league and all-county honors in each of her four prep seasons. No stranger to Saint Mary's, Anna has over 20 relatives who have graduated from SMC.
"Saint Mary's feels like home. From the minute you drive onto campus towards the chapel, you feel the familiarity and that you belong here. You are part of a big family. I like how competitive the team is. I also love how the coaches don't just develop the player, but also the person!"
Evelyn Hendrix, 6-2, MB, Whitney (CA) HS
A three year varsity standout, Hendrix surpassed 100 kills and 60 blocks in each of her seasons for the Wildcats, totalling 577 kills and 233 blocks in that span. In her first two full varsity seasons, Hendrix led her conference in total blocks, while leading the conference in hitting percentage as a senior. As a junior, Hendrix was part of the Whitney High School team that won the 2022 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section DII Title, and made it to the second round of the 2022 CIF Division I State Tournament. As a sophomore, her team reached the second round of the 2021 CIF Division III State Tournament. Hendrix was a three-time All-Sierra Foothill League selectee, earning second team honors as a sophomore and first team honors as a junior and senior.
"When I was little, I always imagined myself going to a beautiful, picturesque little school surrounded by woods. Saint Mary's is that place! I immediately fell in love with the small-town feel of the school, and lovely scenery. With chemistry as my major, the smaller class sizes and personalized academic support should make graduating to a Masters program more attainable. The team and coaches made me feel welcome and included. I'm so excited to be spending my next four years here!"
Kaliko Kealoha, 6-0, OH/OPP, Hilo (HI) HS
Coming to Saint Mary's with a proven track record of winning, Kaliko Kealoha will make her way to Moraga from Hilo High School on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kaliko is coming off back-to-back trips to the Hawaii State Tournament. This past season, Kaliko was the featured piece of her team's offensive attack, leading the Vikings in kills. Kaliko has the ability to contribute as an attacker and blocker in any of the front-row positions, and will continue to develop herself as a back-row player.
"Saint Mary's offers a fantastic volleyball program with great team chemistry, and coaches who are welcoming and supportive of each and every player. Saint Marys is also an academically driven school, which I found to be a perfect fit for me, knowing that I am both driven on and off the court. Overall, I fell in love with the school, team and environment."
Mia Paulson, 6-1, S/Opp, Santa Monica College (CA)
Mia Paulson will make her way to Moraga from Santa Monica College. The gifted player spent the past two seasons at Santa Monica after prepping at Truckee High School, where she won a Nevada state title and earned all-state honors in her senior season. While at Santa Monica, Mia tallied over 900 assists in her two seasons, leading the Corsairs to the Western State Conference South Division Title and earning Conference MVP in the process this past season. Mia has the potential to contribute at various positions with her setting and attacking experience.
"I chose Saint Mary's because I want to continue my volleyball career at an amazing program with coaches and teammates that are a tight-knit community that fosters both personal and athletic growth. The school's commitment to teamwork and excellence aligns with my passion for the sport and desire to contribute to a winning and supportive environment. I'm extremely excited coming from a community college for this next step as a Gael!"
Tessa Schouten, 6-2, MB, Davis Senior (CA) HS
Coming to Moraga from Davis, California, just outside of Sacramento, is middle blocker Tessa Schouten. After getting called up to the varsity squad in her sophomore year for postseason play, Schouten became a staple at the net for the Blue Devils. In two full seasons, the towering Schouten tallied 321 kills and 151 blocks, leading her team to back-to-back CIF Sac-Joaquin DI playoff berths. A two sport athlete, Tessa also starred for the Davis High School basketball team for four seasons.
"I chose Saint Mary's because of the inclusive and family feel of the campus and people! With the beautiful campus, small class sizes and the ability to continue my sport in a very welcoming community, my decision to attend Saint Mary's has been quite easy!! I'm super excited for what the next four years will bring and can't wait to start this new journey!! Go Gaels!!"
Gracie Vohs, 6-0, OH, Sisters (OR) HS
A swiss army knife, Gracie Vohs comes south to Moraga from Sisters, Oregon. Vohs boasts an ability to play either outside hitter or opposite, as the Gaels would love to build depth at either position. Vohs is most recently coming off of an OSAA 3A State Title, after taking home third place in the same tournament a year prior, and second place in the OSAA 4A State Tournament in her sophomore season. In this past year's state title match, Vohs tallied 20 kills and 18 digs en route to earning MVP honors. She was named the 2022 OSAA 3A Player of the Year as a junior.
"I chose Saint Mary's because I loved the family feel of the coaching staff and the team. I immediately felt like I was a part of the program from the moment I stepped on campus. Saint Mary's offers a great experience not only for the major I'm interested in but to continue to better me as a player and as a person. I'm extremely excited and thankful to be opening this next chapter of my life as a Gael!"
Coach Browning
"This is one of the biggest recruiting classes we have ever had, and it is strong! These young women are skilled, driven, and disciplined student-athletes. Each of them brings unique skill sets, personal qualities, and wonderful personalities to our team. We are excited to have them all together in August to join us in our pursuit of greatness. Welcome to all of these Gaels and to their families."
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's VolleyballS
/ Women's VolleyballRS
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