UC Irvine Introduces Class of 2021May 14, 2021
IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine head women's volleyball head coach Ashlie Hain announced a class of eight newcomers who will join the program in 2021.
Megan Hanson
5-10/Outside Hitter/Sonoma, Calif./Justin Siena High School
Named 2017 All Napa County Newcomer Of The Year and went on to be a finalist for All-Napa County Player of the Year as a junior…her team was the 2018 Vine Valley Athletic League champions, a Northern California Section Semifinalist and a State Qualifier…the outside hitter was team MVP and the team captain...Hanson led the Braves with 333 kills in 2019, averaging 4.3 per set…she also recorded 141 digs, 57 aces and 20 blocks…played for Absolute Volleyball Club…member of the 17 Black team that finished first in Northern California…her 14 Black squad was fourth in Northern California and ninth in the National Division at Junior Nationals, while her 12 Black, 13 Black and 15 Black teams all qualified for the Junior Nationals with the 13s placing ninth in the American Division.
"Megan is a great athlete and committed student-athlete," Hain said. "Her enthusiasm and passion for UC Irvine volleyball is what I look forward to most about having her in the gym. She is an athlete that will improve every day and offer more depth at the pin position."
Indy DeSmet
5-8/Setter/Sunnyvale, Calif./Homestead High School
As a junior, she was tabbed De Anza League MVP… Earned a Prep Volleyball Honorable Nomination in 2018 and Prep Volleyball 2021 Watch List recognition…in 2018, she captured the Cal-Hi Sports Play of the Week…played for Vision Volleyball Club and was a Pacific Northwest Qualifier.
"Indy is an energetic and exciting setter to watch. She is a competitive a reliable player in every aspect of the game. She is a natural leader who has helped her club and high school teams thrive. She will add depth in our setters position and compete for a role right away."
Jesse Syzmanski
6-3/Middle Blocker/Redondo Beach, Calif./Redondo Union High School
Member of the Redondo Union Division I CIF Championship team in 2019…academically, she was a California Scholarship Federation seal bearer…played for Sunshine Volleyball Club.
"Jesse will be able to add depth in multiple areas in the front row. She has a high standard for herself and high expectations for herself. Nobody has to motivate Jesse, she is a go-getter with a big heart. I believe she will bring the intangibles that we need to have a successful and cohesive team culture."
Maren Palmer
5-9/Setter/Des Moines, Iowa/Theodore Roosevelt High School
First-team Central Iowa Metropolitan League choice her junior and sophomore years…earned second team recognition as a freshman…ranked second all-time in assists at Roosevelt…also earned academic all-conference honors twice…played for Iowa Power Plex Volleyball Club.
"Maren wants to be at UC Irvine and is enthusiastic about returning to Orange County where her mother grew up and played volleyball. She is a talented setter that will add depth and dimension to what we are able to do with our offense."
Soana Leaea
6-1/Middle Blocker/Right Side/San Mateo, Calif./St. Francis High School
Selected to the West Catholic Athletic League Second Team in 2019…played for Encore Volleyball Club.
"Soana is a hard working middle that is always looking to improve her game. She has a great attitude and embodies the spirit of the athlete that does well here. She will come in and fight for a starting role right away."
Amanda Leinbach
5-7/Libero/DS/Los Angeles, Calif./Marymount High School
Named second team All-American as a junior…Prep Volleyball Honorable Mention…joins Jesse Syzmanski at the Sunshine Volleyball Club, playing on different teams.
"Amanda is an athlete you love to watch play because of her fight. She impressed us in her determination and grit on and off the court. Amanda will push everyone in the gym to be better every day."
Emma Spindt
6-1/Outside Hitter/Menlo Park, Calif./Menlo Atherton High School
Helped Menlo Atherton to league championships her sophomore and junior year, and then to the NorCal Division I finals as a junior….three-time all-league honoree…Offensive MVP her first two seasons, leading the team in kills…named San Mateo County Athlete Of The Week…played for Vision, but is currently playing at Rage Westside Volleyball Club…competed at Junior Nationals from ages 12-18…named a "Supernova" at the JVA West Coast Cup, and "Others Who Shined" by prepvolleyball.com three times.
"Emma has extensive volleyball experience as a successful high school and club player. She hits a heavy ball and has ball control. She will also be able to help us right away. She competes hard and is a fun player to coach."
Gabi Gomes
5-5/Libero/Defensive Specialist/Newport Beach, Calif./Corona del Mar High School
Member of Corona del Mar's Sunset League Championship team in 2019…earned Sunset League All-Academic Team accolades…played for Orange County Volleyball Club, serving as captain…serves as Associated Student Body Vice President at CDM…brother Gustavo plays on the UCI men's volleyball team.
"Gabi knows more about UC Irvine than most people and she was relentless in her commitment to prove she can help our team in many ways. I think Gabi will help in the gym right away and be the all-in kind of player we need to keep us on track when faced with adversity," Hain concluded.