REDLANDS, Calif. – Lisa Lindberg, Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Redlands announced her 2022-23 recruiting class Tuesday, which includes two transfers and eight first years. 

"We are so excited to welcome this group of ten scholar-athletes to Bulldog Volleyball," Lindberg explained.  "This is a diverse class of coast-to-coast talent with athletes joining us from Virginia, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and California.  They are all great competitors and even better people."

Below we take an in-depth look at who these new Bulldogs are….

Sofia Stemberga (San Bruno, CA)

College of San Mateo | Right Side/Middle Hitter | 5'10"

• Transfer from College of San Mateo where their mascot was also a Bulldog
• Why Redlands? "The coaching staff, team chemistry, and the break taking area drew me to come play at the University of Redlands."

Saku Yoshioka (Glendale, CA)

Pasadena City College | Defensive Specialist/Libero | 5'5" | Club: San Gabriel Elite

• Why Redlands? "I decided on the University of Redlands because I wanted to continue playing competitive, high-level volleyball, while furthering my education at a smaller university."

Avery Heidebrecht (Portland, OR)

Portland Christian High School | Utility | 5'8" | Club: Athena

• Why Redlands? "I was drawn to the coaching staff right off the bat at Redlands, and as soon as I met with the team I was in! Not only am I excited to be playing volleyball in college, but also having an encouraging community going into my first year."

Lyric Waterman (Aurora, CO)

Grandview High School | Setter | 5'6" | Club: 303 Volleyball Academy

• Why Redlands? "I chose to play at the University of Redlands because it provided the coaching style that I like as well as the perfect team chemistry that I love. Redlands also gave me the perfect balance between school and volleyball that I was looking for. I am super excited to be a Bulldog."

Delani Nevarez (Highland, CA)

Aquinas High School | Defensive Specialist/Libero | 5'7" | Club: Rancho Valley Volleyball Club

• Why Redlands? "I'm excited to be a part of the team at the University of Redlands and to play with the girls because I felt certain it was the right fit for me after my visit and talks with the coaches."

Kylie Martin (Centennial, CO)

Eaglecrest High School | Middle Hitter | 5'11" | Club: Colorado Volleyball Association

• Why Redlands? "I chose the University of Redlands because it provided me the opportunity to play volleyball in Southern California, while living on a big campus with a smaller academic setting."

Paige Sugg (Federal Way, WA)

Decatur High School | Outside Hitter/Right Side | 5'8" | Club: Puget Sound Volleyball Academy 

• Why Redlands? "Feels like home and I had the sense that everyone cares for everybody. Also, just being near some of the things I love like the mountains and the beach and being able to continue to play the sport I love."

Avery Aminoff (Alexandria, VA)

Thomas A. Edison High School | Outside Hitter/Right Side | 6'0" | Club: The St. James Volleyball Club

• Why Redlands? "I chose to play at the University of Redlands because of the perfect balance between hard working coaches and teammates, and sister-like bonds I was able to see when I visited. Redlands is such a beautiful campus, and I can't wait to experience life as a Bulldog!"

Ella Goettsche (Corona, CA)

Eleanor Roosevelt High School | Setter/Opposite | 5'8" | Club: Empower Volleyball Club

• Why Redlands? "I chose the University of Redlands because of the beautiful campus and amazing academic programs."

Neka Swanberg (Damonte Ranch, NV)

Damonte Ranch High School | Middle Hitter/Outside Hitter | 5'10" | Club: Northern Nevada Juniors

• Why Redlands? "I chose the University of Redlands because of the love for volleyball and the nice weather.  But all jokes aside it was 100% the coach, the campus, and just how much I care for the sport. I can be close to home while being passionate in a sport I love."

Lindberg also explained that "this year's class of recruits will be a great boost to our team, and we look forward to seeing how this group's skill and athleticism combine with the energy and talent of our returning athletes.  Throughout the recruiting process, these student-athletes showed a strong work ethic and a desire to bring the Bulldogs to the top of the SCIAC.  We can't wait to see this team take the court this fall."