NEW YORK – Columbia volleyball head coach
Patric Santiago is pleased to officially announce three newcomers to the 2025 roster on Wednesday. The class features a pair of attacking players and a libero.
"We are excited for this class to compete with us this season," Santiago said. "They were heavily recruited early and we've been patiently waiting for them. Now we finally get to see them play in Levien."
Details on this season's incoming class are below. Fans can access the complete Columbia volleyball roster by clicking this link.
Columbia Volleyball Class of 2029
LAUREN FARRIS – OUTSIDE HITTER – 6'0" – CC – SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC – FY – TRABUCO CANYON, CALIF.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
A three-time letter winner for head coach Katy Daly and the Eagles … named a three-star recruit by Volleyball Recruiter … led the Eagles to a 25-15 overall record and a No. 19 ranking in the state of California her senior year … very active on the club scene … played for Tstreet Volleyball Club from 2018-25, the top ranked club program in Orange County … named to the All-Tournament Team at the JVA West Coast Cup in 2023 … Named a Day 1 Showstopper at JVA West Coast Cup by Volleyball Recruiter … twice a Tstreet Volleyball Club Player of the Month.
PERSONAL
Enjoys reading, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, workout classes, and playing pickle ball … favorite sports memory was getting second place at the Red Rock Rave National Qualifier in the Open Division in 15u … father, Kristopher, played football at UCLA where he won the Outland Trophy and played in the NFL for the Steelers, Bills, and Falcons … plans on majoring in economics.
COACHES QUOTE
"Lauren, who comes from one of the best clubs in the country, is a player who brings a great deal of attributes. She is a complete player with command of all six skills and possesses a wonderful arm and tremendous serve. She is a quiet no nonsense competitor who is focused on getting better everyday and the success of her team. We are so excited to see what she will add to our gym."
VICTORIA GAO – LIBERO – 5'6" – CC – LAKESIDE – FY – SEATTLE, WASH.
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
A four time letter winner for head coach Jeff Kim and the Lions … also played lacrosse at Lakeside … was named a captain her junior and senior year … was the top ranked libero in the state of Washington … named First Team All-Washington State in 2022 … led her team to a Washington 3A State Championship … named all league in 2022 and 2023 … was the Lakeside School MVP in 2024 and the Lakeside School Most Defensive Player in 2023 … is the Lakeside single season and career record holder in digs with 1000+ career digs … played club volleyball from 2018-25 finishing her prep career playing for Sudden Impact Volleyball Club.
PERSONAL
Enjoys watching football, baking, hanging out with friends, swimming, playing Spikeball and trying new foods as her hobbies … volunteered with the Hunger Intervention Program from 2018-25 … lists winning state as a sophomore as her favorite sports memory … plans on majoring in economics.
COACHES QUOTE
"Victoria is an energetic libero who plays with a ton of energy, confidence, and most importantly joy. The passion with which she pursues the game along with her hunger to improve set her apart as a competitor. Victoria is also first team all hype squad and revels in her teammates success. I think our fans and team will enjoy her time here at Columbia."
ELENA MAYNULET – OUTSIDE HITTER – 6' 1" – CC – LAKE HIGHLAND PREP (FLA.) – FY – GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO
PRIOR TO COLUMBIA
Three-time letter winner as a prep, the last two years at Lake Highland in Orlando, Fla., for head coach Katie Gallagher … in two years at Lake Highland she led her squad to an overall record of 46-13 in matches and two top-15 rankings in the state of Florida … in 159 sets played she amassed 432 kills, averaging 2.7 kills per set … her senior year she captained the Highlanders to a Florida 3A State Championship … that year she was named an AVCA Third Team All-American and 2024 AVCA All-Region honoree … She was named 2024 FACA All-State and was a four-time Club All-American and AAU All-American … She also has international playing experience, at 15 she was selected to Puerto Rico's U19 National Team, she was the youngest player on the team.
PERSONAL
A fierce competitor, she lists playing beach volleyball, pickleball and tennis as her hobbies … also enjoys hot yoga … her favorite sports memory was winning state as a senior and advancing to the semi-finals three consecutive years.
COACHES QUOTE
"Playing for a club team that double qualified in open this year, Elena has established herself as one of the top outside hitters in the country this past season. She is a threat from the front and back row, with the ability to attack from altitude with a high level of IQ. Her time training with the Puerto Rican national team and her aspirations to play volleyball after college have helped her make great strides in her game and we are excited for her potential to continue this growth."
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
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