Feb. 1, 2011

Fullerton, Calif. - In addition to early signees Julie Consani (S, Newport Beach, Calif., Calvary Chapel HS) and Amanda Yamate (L/DS, Torrance, Calif., South Torrance HS), the defending Big West Conference champion Cal State Fullerton volleyball program will be welcoming a transfer from Western Carolina University, Leah Best (RS/MB, Marietta, Ga.).

Standing 6-foot-6, her size alone puts her into an immediate position to fill part of a void left by 6-foot-3 departing Big West Player of the Year Erin Saddler, and inserts her into a formidable line up of six-footers in Leah Maurer (6-5), Ayana Whitaker (6-3) and Kayla Neto (6-2) at the net.

Best comes to Fullerton after competing for a season with the Catamounts of WCU under Head Coach Manuel Concepcion. As a freshman, she played in 99 of WCU's 115 sets and posted 66 total blocks (10 solos), ranking her second on the team. Offensively she tallied 86, averaging 0.87 kills per set.

She prepped at George Walton Comprehensive High School in Marietta, Ga., where she became the first volleyballer in her school's history to move on to play at the Div. I level. She lettered all four years for the Raiders and helped guide the team to a 44-6 overall record and a second-place finish in the Georgia State Championships as a senior in 2009.

Born in London, England, Best has aspirations of playing for the English Olympic Team.

She is a Spring semester admit to Fullerton and will be pursuing a degree in public relations.