BVB | Gaels Add Albuquerque Native Sierra Sanchez
7/30/2026 3:09:00 PM | Women's Beach Volleyball
MORAGA, Calif. — Head Coach Janice Harrer continues to build her 2026-27 roster with the addition of true freshman Sierra Sanchez. Sanchez prepped at New Mexico volleyball powerhouse St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, and will bring a winning pedigree to Moraga.
About Sánchez, Coach Harrer noted:
"A smart, instinctive defender with good court sense and volleyball IQ, she consistently reads the game at a high level and makes the players around her better. We're excited to welcome this talented New Mexico standout to the Gaels family."
On the hardwood, Sanchez led her prep squad to three straight district titles and three straight state titles, starting at setter for the St. Pius X Sartans. Sanchez tallied 1185 assists, 377 digs and 143 aces in her prep indoor career, twice earning all-state honors and three times earning all-district recognition. On the sand, Sierra played for BAK, the same club that produced Gael alum Cameron Martinez, and had a top-30 finish at the BVCA Tournament.
When asked about her decision on signing with Saint Mary's, Sanchez noted, "I chose Saint Mary's because of the amazing coaching staff, supportive and championship-focused environment of the beach program, and the amazing academic opportunities available."
Sanchez is the third true freshman to sign on with the Gaels for the 2027 season, joining Natalie Wulferdingen and Payton Durante. With at least one WCC All-Freshman honoree in nine of the last 10 seasons, look for all three of these names early on in their Saint Mary's careers.
#GaelsRise
About Sánchez, Coach Harrer noted:
"A smart, instinctive defender with good court sense and volleyball IQ, she consistently reads the game at a high level and makes the players around her better. We're excited to welcome this talented New Mexico standout to the Gaels family."
On the hardwood, Sanchez led her prep squad to three straight district titles and three straight state titles, starting at setter for the St. Pius X Sartans. Sanchez tallied 1185 assists, 377 digs and 143 aces in her prep indoor career, twice earning all-state honors and three times earning all-district recognition. On the sand, Sierra played for BAK, the same club that produced Gael alum Cameron Martinez, and had a top-30 finish at the BVCA Tournament.
When asked about her decision on signing with Saint Mary's, Sanchez noted, "I chose Saint Mary's because of the amazing coaching staff, supportive and championship-focused environment of the beach program, and the amazing academic opportunities available."
Sanchez is the third true freshman to sign on with the Gaels for the 2027 season, joining Natalie Wulferdingen and Payton Durante. With at least one WCC All-Freshman honoree in nine of the last 10 seasons, look for all three of these names early on in their Saint Mary's careers.
#GaelsRise
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