Pacific Union College Women’s Volleyball Welcomes New Talent to the Team
Pacific Union College is excited to announce the addition of three talented student-athletes to its women's volleyball program for the upcoming season. Lheanne Collantes, Mikaela Marazita, and Sydney Munoz each bring a wealth of athletic prowess and academic excellence to the Pioneers, as they embark on their collegiate NAIA careers this fall.
Lheanne Collantes: A Defensive Force from Sacramento
Pacific Union College is proud to welcome Sacramento native Lheanne Collantes, a standout libero transfer from McPherson College in Kansas. Known for her leadership on and off the court, Lheanne brings agility, precision, and a passion for the game to the team. A key contributor to McPherson where she made the National NAIA Playoffs Tournament, she is eager to continue her athletic journey while pursuing a degree in Nursing. "I chose Pacific Union College because the campus felt like home," said Collantes. "I'm excited to further my athletic goals in volleyball while starting my journey to becoming a registered nurse. The atmosphere here is welcoming, and I'm looking forward to creating lasting friendships with my teammates." Lheanne's commitment to both volleyball and academics aligns perfectly with Pacific Union College's values, making her an ideal fit for the program. Head Coach Andrew Randolph and Assistant Coach Louis Ramirez are excited to see what Lheanne will bring to the court in the upcoming season.
Mikaela Marazita: A Versatile Player with a Strong Academic Background
Mikaela Marazita, a versatile and dynamic player from Centralia High School in Washington, has committed to joining the Pioneers this fall. Known for her all-around play, Mikaela has a track record of excellence, earning Honorable Mention All-Area honors in her senior season. As a six-rotation middle, she averaged 8.7 digs, 7.7 kills, and 3 blocks per game. In addition to her athletic skills, Mikaela graduated with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree through the Running Start program, showcasing her academic discipline and dedication. "I chose Pacific Union College because I could envision myself here all four years, playing volleyball while studying psychology," said Marazita. "I think PUC is a great place to start, and everyone I've spoken to has been amazing." Coach Randolph is thrilled about the energy Mikaela will bring to the team: "Mikaela is exactly the type of player we look for—versatile, smart, and playing with heart. She's going to be a great addition both on and off the court."
Sydney Munoz: A Defensive Specialist with a Passion for Volleyball
Also joining the Pioneers this fall is Sydney Munoz, a talented libero from Sparks, Nevada. A graduate of Reed High School, Sydney is coming off a stellar senior season where she finished ranked #3 in digs in the Northern Nevada 5A division with 290 total digs. Her exceptional defensive skills earned her recognition from the Junior Volleyball Association as one of the standout players in her class. "I cannot wait to be a part of the PUC athletic program," said Munoz. "The nurturing environment and close-knit community at PUC influenced my decision. I'm looking forward to building strong connections with my teammates and contributing to our success in the upcoming season." Coach Randolph is equally enthusiastic about Sydney's arrival: "Sydney's attitude, energy, and relentless work ethic are exactly what we're looking for in a player. We're excited to see what she can achieve here at PUC."
A Promising Future for the Pioneers
With the addition of these three outstanding student-athletes and more to be announced, Pacific Union College Women's Volleyball is poised for success in the upcoming season. Lheanne, Mikaela, and Sydney each bring unique strengths to the team, and their commitment to both academics and athletics exemplifies the values upheld by PUC. As they prepare to join the Pioneers this fall, the coaching staff and the entire PUC community look forward to supporting these athletes as they pursue excellence both on and off the court. The future of Pioneers Volleyball has never looked brighter.
Story by: Daniel Morales