Gandara Adds Two to 2020 Roster

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami volleyball head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara released the signing of two California natives, Daphne Mall and Grace Thayer, who are set to join the Hurricanes for the 2020 fall season.

“We’re thrilled to add two valuable pieces to our puzzle for 2020 and beyond,” Gandara said. “Both, Daphne and Grace provide some unique skill sets and ultimately, will give us great depth and flexibility with our lineup.”

Mall, a five-foot-seven setter out of San Gabriel, Calif., will join the Canes after competing for her club team Forza1 West Volleyball Club.

“I wanted to continue playing volleyball at a great academic institution with a lot of school spirit and am also looking forward to experiencing a new culture in Miami with new friends”, Mall said.

Thayer, the second Golden State addition, heads to Coral Gables from Palo Alto High School. Thayer will join Madison Dill and Janice Leao as a middle blocker for the Canes, after gaining experience with the Red Rock Volleyball Club.

“Miami was a no brainer for me” Thayer said. “It’s a school I could see myself at as soon as I stepped on campus. The coaches and payers were extremely welcoming and I feel very confident I will be able to learn the most as a player and improve the most at Miami.”

Mall and Thayer join the 2020 class that includes Poland national team member Michalina Rola, outside hitter Noelle Piatas from Texas and fellow Californian Lauren Tarnoff, another middle blocker/right side addition.

“Bringing these two, along with Michalina, Lauren and Noelle is really exciting,” Gandara said. “Adding them to last year’s excellent class suggests Canes’ fans should be very optimistiv for what’s to come.”