BERKELEY – The Cal volleyball team has bolstered its backcourt with the addition of defensive specialist Emma Smith, a transfer from the University of Hawaii.

Smith, who comes to Berkeley with three years of eligibility remaining, played in 25 matches for the Rainbow Wahine last year as a freshman, including four starts.

Smith was a Senior Aces Top 150 selection out of Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, Calif. and was twice named the Bay League Libero of the Year.



"We are thrilled to have Emma join the Bears," Cal head coach Matt McShane said. "Emma was a major contributor as a freshman and we expect her to come in and compete right away to help us improve."

Smith helped Mira Costa to a co-Bay League Championship during her senior season in 2015.

Smith joins a group of newcomers already ranked as the No. 15 recruiting class in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com. Cal also returns four starters for the 2017 season. The 2017 schedule will be announced later this month.