MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's Volleyball is adding another stellar signing to their incoming class of 2024, as outside hitter Renee Nachtigall will transfer in from Hartnell College in Salinas. The 6-0 outside hitter originally hailing from Bernau, Germany represents another potent attacking threat, joining the likes of current Gaels Hannah Taylor, Clarissa Klein, Genevieve Bane and Abby Castillon on the outside. 

"We are very fortunate to be getting Renee," says coach Rob Browning. "She is a highly-skilled veteran who knows how to win. Her attacking numbers amongst California JC competition were phenomenal, and that's not even Renee's strongest skill—she's fantastic in serve receive."

Nachtigall's club career in Germany was the stuff of legends. She led her team four times to the Brandenburg State Championship, and four more times led them to a second place finish at state. In her U14 and U16 years, Nachtigall took her team to their German National Championships, where each time they placed eighth overall. In her final season playing in her home country, she was six times named a match MVP, and was named to the All-Brandenburg State team every year from 2017-2020. She also played beach volleyball for her club, where she was a two time state runner up and a one time top-10 national finisher. 

Opting to continue her player career in the United State, Nachtigall committed to Hartnell College, where she quickly established herself to be one of the top junior college volleyball players in the country. In two seasons with the Panthers, she tallied 691 kills, 521 digs and 72 service aces, hitting over 0.350 for the entirety of her career. She was named All-Conference and All-Region as a freshman, but followed that up with a sophomore campaign for the ages. This past season, Nachtigall led the Panthers to a 21-7 record, including an undefeated conference season. She was named the Coast Conference North MVP and an AVCA All-American after leading her conference in kills and hitting percentage, and ranking fourth in the state in the latter. She was also named first team All-Coast Conference North in Beach Volleyball, and was selected to go to the pairs state championship on the sand. 

Planning to be a biology major with aspirations to fight global climate change, Nachtigall also was a standout in the classroom, as she is a two team member of the CCCWVCA All-Academic Team, and a Bill Elliott Academic Athlete Scholarship recipient. 

Nachtigall received interest from Cal State Bakersfield, UC Davis and WCC rival Santa Clara, but chose Saint Mary's because of, "the welcoming, passionate and kind players and coaches, as well as the beautiful campus."

Looking to build off of their best conference finish in five years, Renee should be a valuable piece to this Gaels squad in 2024, featuring a strong mix of returning and incoming talent.

"Renee is an outstanding addition to our SMCVB family," added Browning.  "Welcome, Renee, and go Gaels!"


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