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David Dennis/All-Star Sports Photography

Women's Volleyball

CSUB Volleyball Continues Roster Rebuild with 5 More `Runners

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Under the leadership of a pair of talented volleyball minds, Cal State Bakersfield heads into a new season this upcoming Fall with a reloaded list of weapons. Bakersfield is proud to introduce five more future Roadrunners recently added to the squad.

Felipe Nogueira, Interim Co-Head Coach at CSUB, shared his thoughts on what each new `Runner brings to the team in the quotes below.

Meet the `Runners

Reese Jackson, 6-foot-1 pin hitter/middle blocker
  • Incoming Freshman
  • From Dallas, Texas
  • Graduating from Parish Episcopal School in Farmers Branch, Texas
  • Earned Second Team All-League in 2022 and 2024
  • Named All-State Honorable Mention in 2022
  • Helped lead team to Top 3 finishes in their division at Nationals in 2021 and 2022
  • Plans to major in Kinesiology
  • "Reese has a heavy arm and gives us strong options on the right or in the middle. She's competitive, versatile, and brings a fun, positive presence to the gym every day."
Torrin Higginbotham, 6-foot-2 outside hitter
  • Incoming Freshman
  • Native of Savannah, Ga.
  • Will graduate from Savannah Arts Academy
  • Two-time All-State honoree, Region Player of the Year
  • Led team in kills, helped SAA reach State Championship and Final Four
  • Named to 2023 AVCA All-American Watch List
  • Plans to major in Business
  • "Torrin is a player with huge potential. She's long, athletic, and when she plays high, she's dangerous. Add in her fun and light-hearted personality, and she brings great energy to the team."
Nicole Zake, 5-foot-10 outside hitter
  • From Simi Valley, Calif.
  • Transferring to CSUB after one year at Virginia Tech
  • Appeared in 11 matches for the Hokies as a true freshman
  • Went to Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, Calif.
  • Named NCSAA National Player of the Year, leading OCS to 2022 CIF-SS Division Runner-Up
  • Tallied 364 kills during senior season
  • Plans to major in Human Biology
  • "Nicole is a warrior. She leads with her work ethic and presence on the court. An all-around player, she raises the level of those around her with her competitiveness and consistency."
Suelen Lima, 6-foot-1 pin hitter
  • From Sao Bento do Sul, Brazil
  • Transfer from William Carey University (NAIA - Hattiesburg, Miss.)
  • Led the Crusaders with 3.49 kills per set and second on team with 2.68 digs per set
  • Helped Carey go 29-11 in 2024 and reach pool play of NAIA National Tournament
  • Plans to major in Physical Education
  • "Suelen is an explosive athlete with great vision and a fast arm. She elevates with ease and plays all-out on defense. Her intensity and quickness will make an immediate impact in our gym."
Analiese Gagliano, 5-foot-6 libero
  • Native of San Diego, Calif.
  • Transfer from University of San Francisco
  • Appeared in 43 matches across two seasons with the Dons
  • Went to Patrick Henry High School in her hometown
  • Three-time All-League honoree, including 2023 First Team nod
  • Selected to San Diego All-Star Team
  • Plans to major in Kinesiology
  • "Analiese is a natural leader and a true team player. She's quick on her feet and always looking to make the right play. We're excited to see her step into a bigger role this season and grow her impact on the court."
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Players Mentioned

Nicole Zake

#13 Nicole Zake

OH
5' 10"
Sophomore
Reese Jackson

#20 Reese Jackson

MB/RS
6' 1"
Freshman
Torrin Higginbotham

#2 Torrin Higginbotham

OH/RS
6' 2"
Freshman
Suelen Lima

#6 Suelen Lima

OH/RS
6' 1"
Sophomore
Analiese Gagliano

#5 Analiese Gagliano

L/DS
5' 6"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Nicole Zake

#13 Nicole Zake

5' 10"
Sophomore
OH
Reese Jackson

#20 Reese Jackson

6' 1"
Freshman
MB/RS
Torrin Higginbotham

#2 Torrin Higginbotham

6' 2"
Freshman
OH/RS
Suelen Lima

#6 Suelen Lima

6' 1"
Sophomore
OH/RS
Analiese Gagliano

#5 Analiese Gagliano

5' 6"
Junior
L/DS
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